A Limit to Tire Storage in Unsprinklered Building?

1/16/2024

We have a storage building that is non-sprinklered, it only has fire alarm. The ceiling height in some areas of the building with storage of tires is up to 10-ft in height, and others up to 15-ft in height.

How many tires can be stored?

Is there a limit to the amount of storage?

Does storing on tread or on side matter?

Thanks in advance.

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8 Comments

Glenn Berger

1/16/2024 08:08:24 am

Need to know the square footage of the facility and what are the applicable codes the govern in your jurisdiction in order to provide a knowledgeable response.

Pete H

1/16/2024 08:29:07 am

Agree with Glenn, this is going to depend on ICC and your local jurisdictions codes and ordinances.

Also might be affected by whether this is a new building or an existing building.

But tire storage without fire protection sounds like an insurance nightmare.

Jesse

1/16/2024 10:12:38 am

So much more info is needed here.

Side note; as a young firefighter I was injured on a tire fire. I think unprotected tire storage is a really bad idea

Conrad

1/16/2024 12:00:24 pm

If reviewing this as new construction, I would ask for storage commodity class, storage layout with max height, and have that height permanently marked on the walls or similar. You may need a qualified engineer with fire protection background to design this.

Terry link

1/17/2024 02:29:10 pm

In NC tire storage requires a sprinkler when the area of storage exceeds 20,00 cubic ft. Because we also consider tire storage a High Hazard Commodity when stored 6 ft. or higher, our Chapter 32 for High Piled Combustible Storage kicks in and places further restrictions on pile size, fire alarm, smoke & heat removal, building access and pile dimension's. Not sure where you are located or what code you use but hopefully this helps

Brandon F

8/20/2025 02:32:50 pm

This is was helpful. I'm doing a renovation to a dealership in NC and was circling the IBC, IFC and NFPA looking for the size limitations to omit fire suppression (Owner desire, not my recommendation). 3206.2 seems to restrict to 500sf area. I haven't dug in too much farther just yet.

Todd E Wyatt

1/22/2024 05:06:17 pm

Buildings that include the “bulk storage of tires” (storage >20000 SF) is classified as a Group S-1 Moderate-hazard Storage.

The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) determines WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required based on the Occupancy Classification(s) (OC) of the building. Group S-1 requires an ASPS if (1) of (4) conditions exists per IBC-2021 903.2.9 (see REFERENCES below).

I recommend that a licensed Design Professional review the “project” to determine if it meets these requirements for an ASPS.

REFERENCES
IBC-2021
Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use
Section 311 Storage Group S
311.2 Moderate-Hazard Storage, Group S-1
Storage Group S-1 occupancies are buildings occupied for storage uses that are not classified as Group S-2, including, but not limited to, storage of the following:
Tires, bulk storage of

TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF. Storage of tires where the area available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3).

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.2 Where Required
903.2.9 Group S-1
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).

903.2.9.2 Bulk Storage of Tires
Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

Lt. Rodney Sherrod

10/27/2025 04:18:46 pm

Thank you

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A Limit to Tire Storage in Unsprinklered Building?

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