CFC · California Fire Code
When are fire safety officers required on production sites and what are their duties?
For production shoots in California, the local fire code official decides whether standby fire safety officers are required under §4807.1; if required, those officers normally perform fire‑watch style duties — patrols, hazard remediation, initial extinguishment, notification and recordkeeping — but the Code leaves staffing levels and final duties to the AHJ and ties the need to permitable hazards (pyrotechnics, open flame, hot work, large sets/platforms).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Fire Code gives the fire code official discretion to require standby fire safety officers for production activities where a Fire Code permit is required; the official makes that determination on a case‑by‑case basis and the officers are not required when the Article’s other provisions are met. See §4807.1 for the controlling rule.
The single most important rule: when a permit is required for production activities the AHJ (fire code official) decides whether a standby fire safety officer is required — there is no automatic numeric formula in §4807.1.
Requirements in detail
Controlling provision (plain statement)
- The explicit controlling provision is §4807.1: the requirement for standby fire safety officers is determined by the fire code official on a case-by-case basis; standby officers are not required when the production meets the other provisions of Chapter 48. §4807.1 is the primary authority for this topic.
When the fire code official is likely to consider requiring a fire safety officer
The Code identifies several permit-triggering activities and hazards for production locations that commonly lead the fire code official to consider standby personnel (and therefore to evaluate whether a fire safety officer is required). These permitable/hazard activities include pyrotechnics, open flame, hot work, use or storage of flammable/combustible liquids or gases, and motor vehicles inside a building. See §4811.2 and §4811.3–4.
What the CFC says (and what it does not)
- The CFC states that the fire code official shall determine the need for standby fire safety officers on a case‑by‑case basis (§4807.1, §4811.4). It does not prescribe minimum qualifications, specific staffing counts, or a fixed set of duties in §4807 itself.
- Duties typically assigned to on‑site fire safety personnel are described elsewhere in the Code under fire watch and related provisions (e.g., duties of fire watch personnel and training). When an AHJ requires standby personnel for production, those personnel will generally perform duties comparable to the fire watch functions identified in the Code. See §403.11.1.2 (duties) and §3303.5 (fire watch during construction) for the standard expectations.
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference table)
| Decision dimension | Typical values or triggers | Likely outcome / control | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit required for activity? | Yes — e.g., pyrotechnics, open flame, hot work, flammable liquids/gases, motor vehicle inside | Fire code official evaluates need for standby officer | §4811.2, §4811.3–4 |
| Size / configuration triggers | Solid‑ceiling sets or platforms > 600 ft² or platforms > 3 ft high may need detectors or watch | Could require heat detectors or an approved fire watch if other protections not provided | §4805.3 |
| Automatic protections present? | Listed heat detectors, alarm connection, sprinkler functionality | If Article provisions are satisfied, standby officers may not be required | §4806.1–4806.2, §4805.3 |
| Scope of review | Case‑by‑case by AHJ | No automatic staffing formula in §4807 — AHJ determines level and duties | §4807.1 |
| Duties & training expectations | Patrol/observation, hazard remediation, fire extinguisher use, notification, evacuation assistance, records | Assigned duties usually follow fire watch standards (training and records required) | §403.11.1.2, §3303.5.2.2–3303.5.4 |
Typical duties that the AHJ will assign (sourced from related CFC provisions)
Because §4807.1 defers the requirement to the fire code official, the actual duties are assigned by that official — but the Code references standard fire watch duties that are commonly applied to standby personnel:
- Maintain constant or continuous patrols and visual surveillance for fire and hazards. (See fire watch duties in §403.11.1.2 and §3303.5.2.1.)
- Take prompt measures to remediate hazards, attempt initial extinguishment if safe, and assist evacuation of personnel when needed. (Fire watch duties per §403.11.1.2.)
- Maintain means of notification to contact the fire department (an approved means of notification is required for fire watch personnel). (See §3303.5.2.3.)
- Be trained in use of portable extinguishers and other assigned equipment; training documentation may be required by the AHJ. (See §3303.2.1, §3303.5.2.2.)
- Keep and produce fire watch or standby staffing logs/records (times on duty, patrol logs, entries) when directed. (See §3303.5.4.)
Note: §4807 does NOT itself list these duties — they are drawn from general fire watch/staff provisions in the CFC that the AHJ typically applies when ordering standby personnel.
Exceptions & special cases
- If a production site meets the protections and requirements of the production article (for example, required heat detectors, alarm connections, functioning sprinkler systems, and other Article 48 provisions), standby fire safety officers need not be required; the fire code official may waive them when the Article’s provisions are satisfied. See §4807.1.
- For production locations specifically, the fire code again reserves the decision to the AHJ: §4811.4 repeats the case‑by‑case authority for standby personnel for production locations. Local permitting (e.g., for pyrotechnics under §4811.2(a)) increases the likelihood the AHJ will require standby personnel.
- Where the hazard is limited to construction‑type activities at a set (for example, building large platforms), provisions for fire watch in the construction chapter (Chapter 33) apply, including specific thresholds (e.g., multi‑story construction or height/area thresholds for after‑hours fire watch). See Chapter 33 references such as §3303.5.1.
If you need a precise determination for a specific shoot or special effect, the Code requires you to consult the local fire code official — the Code intentionally leaves the determination to the AHJ. §4807.1 is explicit on this point.
Common mistakes
- Assuming §4807 creates an automatic staffing/table rule. It does not — it gives the AHJ discretion. Rely on §4807.1 rather than looking for a numeric staffing table that doesn't exist.
- Treating “fire safety officer” as distinct from “fire watch” obligations: in practice, when required the standby officer will be assigned duties like a fire watch (patrols, remediation, notification, training) — see §403.11.1.2 and §3303.5.
- Forgetting that some production protections (e.g., heat detectors for large solid‑ceiling sets or platforms) can remove the need for standby personnel if installed and operational. Check §4805.3 and §4806.
- Not documenting training and patrol logs. If the AHJ requires standby personnel, the CFC’s fire‑watch and site safety plan sections expect training and recordkeeping. See §3303.2.1 and §3303.5.4.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A production company plans an interior sound‑stage shoot with a temporary solid‑ceiling set of 900 ft² and intends to use pyrotechnic special effects inside the building. The production will also construct a platform 8 ft high that is 700 ft².
Step 1 — Permits and AHJ review:
- Pyrotechnics trigger a permit requirement per §4811.2(a), so the fire code official must review the planned operations.
Step 2 — Applicable Article 48 protections:
- Because the solid‑ceiling set and platform exceed 600 ft² and the platform is higher than 3 ft, the Article expects protection such as an approved listed heat detector system, alarm connection to an attended location, or an approved fire watch as described in §4805.3 and §4806.2. If those protections are provided and accepted by the AHJ, standby officers may not be required.
Step 3 — AHJ determination under §4807.1:
- Because a permit is required and pyrotechnics are involved, the fire code official will evaluate the total hazard (effects, occupancy, detection/suppression in place). Under §4807.1 the official may require one or more standby fire safety officers depending on the risk. The Code gives the AHJ discretion — it does not mandate a specific number.
Step 4 — Likely duties assigned if the AHJ requires standby officers:
- The AHJ will typically require patrols, immediate remediation of hazards, a means to notify the fire department, training in extinguisher use, and maintenance of duty logs — duties parallel to fire watch standards in §403.11.1.2 and §3303.5.
Bottom line: for this scenario expect the AHJ to either (a) accept engineered/installed protections (heat detectors/alarm/sprinkler functionality) and not require standby staff, or (b) require one or more standby fire safety officers who will perform fire‑watch‑type duties and keep logs. The decision is made by the fire code official under §4807.1.
Related provisions (quick links)
- §4807.1 — Standby fire safety officers determined by the fire code official (primary controlling section).
- §4811.2 — Permits for pyrotechnics, open flame, flammable liquids/gases, hot work, vehicles in buildings (production‑location permit triggers).
- §4811.4 — Standby fire personnel determination for production locations (reiterates AHJ authority).
- §4805.3 — Solid‑ceiling sets and platforms > 600 ft² or > 3 ft high — required protections or approved fire watch.
- §4806.1–4806.2 — Fire detection equipment (heat detectors, fire alarm control units) for production sets.
- §403.11.1.2 — Duties of fire watch personnel (patrols, hazard remediation, evacuation assistance).
- §3303.2.1, §3303.5 — Site safety director, fire watch training, patrols, records (construction/site safety parallels).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 4805.3 High relevance — show source text
4805.3 Solid-ceiling sets and platforms. All interior solid-ceiling sets over 600 square feet (55.7 m [2] ) in area, and platforms (when provided) over 600 square feet (55.7 m [2] ) in area and which exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in height shall be protected by one of the following:
1. An approved and listed heat detector system. Heat detectors shall be spaced 30 feet (9144 mm) on center or as required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Detectors shall be connected to an approved and listed central, proprietary or remote station service or a local alarm, which will give an audible signal at a constantly attended location. Such system shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 9.
2. The ceiling shall be positioned to allow for the operation of the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system after rehearsal, video- taping, filming or broadcasting of programs has been completed for the day.
3. An approved fire watch.
4. Special hazards shall be reviewed by the fire code official (see Additional Fire Protection Systems, Section 901.4.3).
SECTION 4806 — FIRE DETECTION EQUIPMENT
4806.1 Fire alarm control units. Fire alarm control units shall be California State Fire Marshal listed and shall be utilized in accordance with their listing. Control units may be temporarily supported by sets, platforms or pedestals.
4806.2 Heat detectors. Heat detection required by this article shall be defined as a portable system as it is intended to be reinstalled when platforms or sets are changed.
Heat detectors may be secured to standard outlet boxes which may be temporarily supported by sets, platforms or pedestals.
Heat detectors shall be provided for solid-ceiling sets and platforms where required by Sections 4805.3 and 4811.14.
SECTION 4807 — FIRE SAFETY OFFICERS
4807.1 Where permits are required by the Fire Code, a requirement for standby fire safety officers shall be determined by the fire code official on a case-by-case basis. Standby fire safety officers shall not be required when the provisions of this article are met.
SECTION 4808 — ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
4808.1 General. All electrical equipment including lighting, cabling and temporary power, such as portable generators, shall be main- tained in good working order and shall comply with the provisions of the California Electrical Code.
4808.2 Lighting and power requirements. A studio sound stage and approved production facility shall be provided with a minimum of 35 watts per square foot of permanently installed power dedicated for the distribution of production lighting and power. Mobile genera- tors may be utilized for auxiliary power.
4808.3 Distribution. Distribution equipment shall be designed for sound stage use. The wiring to such equipment shall be considered permanent and shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code. Temporary feeders shall not be tapped from panelboards and switchboards where deadfront covers have to be removed.
4808.4 Installations. Permanent or temporary electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code and this code. Such equipment shall not obstruct exits, means of egress or fire department access, unless approved by the fire code official.
CFC § 3303.2 High relevance — show source text
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.
3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.
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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
Fire apparatus access roads required by Section 3311 are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service automatic sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3307.2.
Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Sections 3305.10.2 and 3306.6.
Where a fire watch is required in accordance with Section 3303.5, fire watch records required by that section are up-to-date.
3303.3.1 Violations. Failure to properly conduct, document and maintain documentation required by this section shall constitute an unlawful act in accordance with Section 113.1 and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation to the site safety director in accordance with Section 113.3. Upon the third offense, the fire code official is authorized to issue a stop work order in accordance with Section 114, and work shall not resume until satisfactory assurances of future compliance have been presented to and approved by the fire code official.
3303.4 Qualifications. Site safety directors shall acquire training specific to their roles and responsibilities. Upon request, the training and qualifications of the site safety director shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval.
CFC § 4805.3 High relevance — show source text
Heat detectors shall be provided for solid-ceiling sets and platforms where required by Sections 4805.3 and 4811.14.
SECTION 4807 — FIRE SAFETY OFFICERS
4807.1 Where permits are required by the Fire Code, a requirement for standby fire safety officers shall be determined by the fire code official on a case-by-case basis. Standby fire safety officers shall not be required when the provisions of this article are met.
SECTION 4808 — ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
4808.1 General. All electrical equipment including lighting, cabling and temporary power, such as portable generators, shall be main- tained in good working order and shall comply with the provisions of the California Electrical Code.
4808.2 Lighting and power requirements. A studio sound stage and approved production facility shall be provided with a minimum of 35 watts per square foot of permanently installed power dedicated for the distribution of production lighting and power. Mobile genera- tors may be utilized for auxiliary power.
4808.3 Distribution. Distribution equipment shall be designed for sound stage use. The wiring to such equipment shall be considered permanent and shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code. Temporary feeders shall not be tapped from panelboards and switchboards where deadfront covers have to be removed.
4808.4 Installations. Permanent or temporary electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code and this code. Such equipment shall not obstruct exits, means of egress or fire department access, unless approved by the fire code official.
4808.5 Generators. Portable, mobile or stationary power-generating equipment may be used to supplement building electrical power for temporary use. Equipment shall be located at a pre-designated location, as approved by the fire code official.
Temporary auxiliary power cables supplied from mobile generators or adjacent buildings may pass through exterior walls and inte- rior fire-resistive assemblies provided an approved through-penetration fire-stop system is utilized for protection of the opening.
SECTION 4809 — MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
4809.1 Existing equipment. All mechanical equipment used as part of the building ventilation system shall be maintained in good working order and shall comply with the provisions of the California Mechanical Code.
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MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO SOUND STAGES, APPROVED PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
4809.2 Auxiliary equipment. All auxiliary heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment shall be approved and listed for the intended use. Flexible duct, if utilized, shall be noncombustible. Such auxiliary equipment shall not obstruct exits, means of egress or fire department access.
SECTION 4810 — DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
4810.1 General. The fire code official shall be provided with certification that approved production facilities and studio sound stages will sustain the anticipated loads of sets, props or other temporary modifications.
Where the anticipated loads exceed the design criteria for an approved production facility and studio sound stage, the building or portions thereof shall be modified for the additional loads.
SECTION 4811 — PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
CFC § 4811.1 Medium relevance — show source text
4811.1 General. This chapter shall apply to production locations.
4811.2 Permits. A permit shall be obtained, unless waived by the fire code official for any of the activities that follow:
a) Use of pyrotechnic special effects, see Section 3307.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6.
b) Open flames.
c) Flammable or combustible liquids, gases and dust.
d) Hot work.
e) Presence of motor vehicles within a building.
f) Tents and canopies, see Chapter 31 .
g) Any additional permits as required by the agency having jurisdiction (AHJ).
4811.3 Pyrotechnic special effects and open flames. The use of pyrotechnic special effects and open flames shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.
4811.4 Standby fire personnel. A requirement for standby fire safety officers shall be determined by the fire code official on a case-by- case basis.
4811.5 Foamed plastic materials. All foam plastics shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8, Sections 807.5.1.5 and 807.5.7.
4811.6 Smoking. When the fire code official determines that hazardous conditions necessitate controlled use of smoking materials, smoking may be prohibited or limited to designated smoking areas.
4811.7 Structural loads. Sets, scenery and other equipment shall not impact the structural integrity of a building or structure. Consulta- tion with a building official or structural engineer may be required.
4811.8 Electrical requirements.
4811.8.1 General. All electrical equipment including lighting, cabling and temporary power, such as portable generators, shall be maintained in good working order and shall comply with the provisions of the California Electrical Code.
4811.8.2 Distribution. Temporary feeders shall not be tapped from panelboards and switchboards where deadfront covers have to be removed.
4811.8.3 Installations. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Such equipment shall not obstruct exits, means of egress or fire department access, unless approved by the fire code official.
4811.8.4 Generators. Portable, mobile or stationary power-generating equipment may be used to supplement building electrical power for temporary use. Equipment shall be placed in a location acceptable to the fire code official.
4811.9 Fire department access. Required emergency vehicle access shall be maintained. Any deviations are subject to approval by the fire code official.
4811.10 Means of egress. The production location shall be provided with means of egress appropriate for the intended use as approved by the fire code official.
4811.11 Fire protection systems and equipment. Functional fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in an operable condition, unless approved by the fire code official. Disconnecting or altering of fire protection systems and/or equipment shall be prohibited, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official with alternate means of protection provided.
CFC § 41-4 Medium relevance — show source text
4102 Portable Electric Heating Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-4 4103 Portable Fuel-Fired Heating Appliances. . . . . . . . . . 41-4 4104 Portable Fuel-Fired Cooking Appliances . . . . . . . . . 41-5 4105 Portable Electric Cooking Appliances. . . . . . . . . . . . 41-5 4106 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-6
CHAPTERS 42– 47 RESERVED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-1
CHAPTER 48 MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
STUDIO SOUND STAGES, APPROVED PRODUCTION FACILI- TIES AND PRODUCTION LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-3
4801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-3
4802 Occupancy Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-3 4803 Required Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-3 4804 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-3 4805 Fire-Extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-4 4806 Fire Detection Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-4 4807 Fire Safety Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-4 4808 Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-4 4809 _Mechanical Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CFC § 3301.2 Medium relevance — show source text
3301.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.
SECTION 3302—DEFINITIONS
3302.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.
SECTION 3303—ADMINISTRATIVE SAFETY CONTROLS
3303.1 Program development and maintenance. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan addresses the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of this code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall be submitted for approval.
3303.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with Section 3305.7.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the fire code official.
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.
3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.
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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
- Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
- Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
CFC § 3302.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot-work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
3302.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3302.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for the completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available for on-site inspection and review.
Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3311.
Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 3309 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.
CFC § 403.6 Medium relevance — show source text
403.6 Group H occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies.
403.6.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.4.
403.6.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the requirements of Section 404 and Section 407.6, plans and diagrams shall be maintained in approved locations indicating the approximate plan for each area; the amount and type of HPM stored, handled and used; locations of shutoff valves for HPM supply piping; emergency telephone locations and locations of exits.
403.6.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams required by Sections 404, 403.6.1.1 and 407.6 shall be maintained up-todate and the fire code official and fire department shall be informed of major changes.
403.6.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses, identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.
403.6.1.4 Emergency drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response team shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than once every three months. Records of drills conducted shall be maintained.
403.7 Group I occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.
403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.
403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
- In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
- Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.
403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
CFC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill termination points and frequency.
- In Groups R-2.1, I-2, I-3 and R-4, where staff-only emergency evacuation drills are conducted after visiting hours or where care recipients are expected to be asleep, a coded announcement shall be an acceptable alternative to audible alarms.
405.6 Recordkeeping. Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:
- Identity of the person conducting the drill.
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Date and time of the drill.
Notification method used.
Employees on duty and participating.
Number of occupants evacuated.
Special conditions simulated.
Problems encountered.
Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.
Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.
405.7 Notification. Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be given to the fire code official.
405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system.
405.9 Accountability. As building occupants arrive at the assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine if all occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been accounted for.
Exception: In Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, the movement of care recipients to safe areas or to the exterior of the building is not required.
405.10 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be manually operated and under the control of the person in charge of the premises or the official in charge of the incident. Persons shall not reenter the premises until authorized to do so by the official in charge.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(2) and (3)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)
(c) Organized Camps.
(2) Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made familiar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.
(3) At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7 day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night-time sleeping hours.
SECTION 406—EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES
406.1 General. Where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403, employees shall be trained in fire emergency procedures based on plans prepared in accordance with Section 404.
406.2 Frequency. Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties as part of new employee orientation and not less than annually thereafter. Records of training shall be maintained.
406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be trained in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety in accordance with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.4.
CFC § 1203 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii
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California Building Code Correlated Topics
The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:
CFC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CFC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire and smoke protection features (Fire-resistance-rated construction in the CBC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection and life safety systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Section 1203 Chapter 27 Emergency and standby power Chapter 31 Section 3103 Temporary structures Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Construction fire safety Chapters 50–67 Sections 307, 414, 415 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
CFC § 403.11.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
403.11.1.1 Duty times. Fire watch personnel shall remain on duty while places requiring a fire watch are open to the public, or when an activity requiring a fire watch is being conducted.
403.11.1.2 Duties. On-duty fire watch personnel shall have the following responsibilities:
- Keep diligent watch for fires, obstructions to means of egress and other hazards.
- Take prompt measures for remediation of hazards and extinguishment of fires that occur.
- Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation of the public from the structures.
403.11.2 Public safety plan for gatherings. Where the fire code official determines that an indoor or outdoor gathering of persons has an adverse impact on public safety through diminished access to buildings, structures, fire hydrants and fire apparatus access roads or where such gatherings adversely affect public safety services of any kind, the fire code official shall have the authority to order the development of or prescribe a public safety plan that provides an approved level of public safety and addresses the following items:
Emergency vehicle ingress and egress.
Fire protection.
Emergency egress or escape routes.
Emergency medical services.
Public assembly areas.
The directing of both attendees and vehicles, including the parking of vehicles.
Vendor and food concession distribution.
The need for the presence of law enforcement.
The need for fire and emergency medical services personnel.
The need for a weather monitoring person.
403.11.3 Crowd managers. Where facilities or events involve a gathering of more than 500 people, crowd managers shall be provided in accordance with Sections 403.11.3.1 through 403.11.3.3.
403.11.3.1 Number of crowd managers. Not fewer than two trained crowd managers, and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.
Exceptions:
- Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers.
- Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers.
- The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.
403.11.3.2 Training. Training for crowd managers shall be approved.
403.11.3.3 Duties. The duties of crowd managers shall include, but not be limited to:
- Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility and identify and address any egress barriers.
- Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire hazards.
- Verify compliance with all permit conditions, including those governing pyrotechnics and other special effects.
- Direct and assist the event attendees in evacuation during an emergency.
- Assist emergency response personnel where requested.
- Other duties required by the fire code official.
- Other duties as specified in the fire safety plan.
403.12 Organized camps. Group C occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 403.12.1 through 403.12.3.
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CFC § 3307.2. Medium relevance — show source text
- Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3307.2.
- Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Sections 3305.10.2 and 3306.6.
- Where a fire watch is required in accordance with Section 3303.5, fire watch records required by that section are up-to-date.
3303.3.1 Violations. Failure to properly conduct, document and maintain documentation required by this section shall constitute an unlawful act in accordance with Section 113.1 and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation to the site safety director in accordance with Section 113.3. Upon the third offense, the fire code official is authorized to issue a stop work order in accordance with Section 114, and work shall not resume until satisfactory assurances of future compliance have been presented to and approved by the fire code official.
3303.4 Qualifications. Site safety directors shall acquire training specific to their roles and responsibilities. Upon request, the training and qualifications of the site safety director shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval.
3303.5 Fire watch. Where required by the fire code official or the site safety plan established in accordance with Section 3303.1, a fire watch shall be provided for building demolition and for building construction.
3303.5.1 Fire watch during construction. A fire watch shall be provided during nonworking hours for new construction that exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest adjacent grade at any point along the building perimeter, for new multistory construction with an aggregate area exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) per story or as required by the fire code official.
3303.5.2 Fire watch personnel. Fire watch personnel shall be provided in accordance with this section.
3303.5.2.1 Duties. The primary duty of fire watch personnel shall be to perform constant patrols and watch for the occurrence of fire. The combination of fire watch duties and site security duties is acceptable.
3303.5.2.2 Training. Personnel shall be trained to serve as an on-site fire watch. Training shall include the use of portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers and fire reporting shall be in accordance with Section 3303.6.
3303.5.2.3 Means of notification. Fire watch personnel shall be provided with not fewer than one approved means for notifying the fire department.
3303.5.3 Fire watch location and records. The fire watch shall include areas specified by the site safety plan established in accordance with Section 3303.
3303.5.4 Fire watch records. Fire watch personnel shall keep a record of all time periods of duty, including the log entry for each time the site was patrolled and each time a structure was entered and inspected. Records shall be made available for review by the fire code official upon request.
3303.6 Emergency telephone. Emergency telephone facilities with ready access shall be provided in an approved location at the construction site, or an approved equivalent means of communication shall be provided. The street address of the construction site and the emergency telephone number of the fire department shall be posted adjacent to the telephone. Alternatively, where an equivalent means of communication has been approved, the site address and fire department emergency telephone number shall be posted at the main entrance to the site, in guard shacks and in the construction site office.
SECTION 3304—PROTECTION OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether a fire safety officer is required for my shoot?
The local fire code official (AHJ) decides case‑by‑case under §4807.1; there is no automatic requirement in the section itself.
If I have heat detectors and a working sprinkler system, will I still need standby officers?
Possibly not — §4807.1 says standby officers are not required when the Article’s provisions are met. Properly installed and operational detection/suppression that meet Article 48 requirements can eliminate the need for standby personnel, but the AHJ must accept that protection.
Does the CFC specify how many fire safety officers I must provide?
No. §4807.1 does not specify staffing numbers; the AHJ determines the number and duties based on the hazard and permit conditions.
What duties will a required standby fire safety officer typically perform?
When required, duties are similar to fire watch functions: continuous patrols, hazard remediation, initial extinguishment if safe, evacuation assistance, communication with the fire department, training, and recordkeeping — see §403.11.1.2 and Chapter 33 fire‑watch provisions.
Are pyrotechnics always going to trigger a requirement for a standby officer?
Pyrotechnics require permits (see §4811.2(a)), which prompt AHJ review; that review commonly results in additional controls such as standby personnel, but the AHJ decides case‑by‑case.
What records should I expect to keep if standby personnel are required?
Expect to keep training documentation and patrol/fire watch logs (duty times, patrol entries), as required by the site safety/fire watch provisions the AHJ applies (see §3303.2.1 and §3303.5.4).
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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