Fire Flow for an Outdoor Lumberyard?

6/10/2025

Where can I find guidance for fire flow for an outdoor lumberyard?

The IBC, Appendix B and C are for Buildings. It specifically says: "This appendix does not apply to structures other than buildings."

Is there anything in the FM data sheets, or elsewhere?

Thanks in advance.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

6 Comments

Pete H

6/10/2025 06:20:38 am

NFPA 1 (2015 Ed) Chapter 31 is fire code for forest products.

NFPA 80A is "Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures".

I'd start with these two.

Todd E Wyatt

6/10/2025 09:15:43 am

The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2024) determines which Occupancy Classifications (OC) and/or special condition require an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS).

IBC-2024 defines the following :

BUILDING. Any structure utilized or intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy.

STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.

If the outdoor lumberyard does include any BUILDINGS and/or STRUCTURES, providing an ASPS may not be required. I recommend verifying with the local/state Fire Marshal.

Storage of lumber in a BUILDING and/or STRUCTURE would be classified as Moderate-Hazard Storage, Group S-1.

Todd E Wyatt

6/10/2025 09:16:56 am

CORRECTION ...

If the outdoor lumberyard does NOT include any BUILDINGS and/or STRUCTURES, providing an ASPS may not be required.

Janet Washburn

6/10/2025 01:41:07 pm

He's not asking if fire sprinklers are required. He's asking how he determines the needed fire flow (NFF). Fire flow is required to be calculated for firefighting purposes only. This is so the firefighters have the required amount of water to put out a fire. Nothing to do with fire sprinklers in that sense.

Brett

6/10/2025 09:18:34 am

The only time I've come across something like this was in a rural area with no water supply, so NFPA 1142 was applicable. I calculated the minimum water supply requirement pulling from a pond and draft hydrant for a few adjacent structures. Does NFPA 1142 apply to your situation? Is it adopted by your local code?

James E Art Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)

6/10/2025 03:09:42 pm

Thanks, I appreciate. BOATS?

I see NFPA 1 does have some very weak fire flows shown,
basically 1000 gpm,
and assumes the lumberyard is near a city water supply.
FM has much higher flows.

Also:
Section B103.3 of the CaFC, Appendix B, (based on the IFC) specifically authorizes NFPA 1142 use for Areas Without Water Supply Systems. (Subject to AHJ)

And NFPA 1142 states: “Water supplies developed to meet this standard shall be permitted to be used for fighting fires in other than structures or for use during other emergency activities.”

If some one can also suggest references for yard storage of BOATS , will be appreciated, NFPA just says NFPA 13, 14,
but no specifics.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Fire Flow for an Outdoor Lumberyard?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES