How to Address Warehouse with Boats on Racks?

1/25/2024

Does anyone have experience in designing suppression for a warehouse that will store boats on racks?

I will appreciate any information.

Which standard would even be applicable? Do we treat them like high-piled combustible storage per Chapter 32 of the IFC?

What will be target hazard considering the fuel in the boat? Is there any limitation that how much they can keep inside the boat?

Thanks for the input on this; I'm having a hard time on where to get started.

Editor's Note: A Fire Protection Research Foundation on Marina and Boatyard Indoor Rack Storage Sprinkler Protection has been submitted and can be viewed here: PDF LINK

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

12 Comments

Dan Wilder

1/25/2024 07:25:06 am

Not addressed within NFPA 13 directly and should really be handled via an FPE for Design Criteria creation and/or alternates. Also, getting the insurance provider involved will be very helpful.

FPRF Report from 2008 - https://nfpa.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_734d0846-227e-4cbf-b41d-67a91a155e2b/

NFPA 303 - 21' Section 6.2.4 - Annex indicates the design density should be with Group A plastics stored on solid shelves per Ch. 17 of NFPA 13 and sprinkler type & layout should be of "Sound Engineering Judgement"

6.2.4.1* Where boats are stored on multilevel racks in buildings, an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be installed throughout the building unless otherwise permitted by 6.2.4.2 or 6.2.4.3.

You will likely need a standpipe system as well.

Pete H

1/25/2024 07:29:47 am

A standpipe system is likely required as per NFPA 303 (2016) 6.3 and 6.4.

https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/design-criteria-for-stacked-boat-storage-facility

A previous thread on the subject.

Glenn Berger

1/25/2024 08:15:56 am

Utilizing statements made in the question:

Rack storage - Start with NFPA 13 Storage Sections. Storage arrangement potential will need to be defined.

I would assume, but needs verification, that the boats are de-fueled. If not, seek additional guidance from NFPA 30.

Follow-on by what are the applicable potential construction and finishing types. Group A Plastics may be a very good fit.

Todd E Wyatt

1/25/2024 08:40:32 am

The Occupancy Classification (OC) determines the requirements for the automatic sprinkler system (ASPS). The storage of “boats” would be classified as a Group S-1 Moderate-Hazard Storage.

Per the scoping Code (e.g. 2021-IBC), an ASPS is required in Group S-1 if it meets (1) of the (4) conditions per 903.2.9 (see REFERENCES below). If required (or provided), the ASPS is required to meet NFPA 13-2019.

High-pile stock or rack storage of “combustible storage” in any OC shall comply with IFC-2021. Depending on the materials in the boats, they may or may not meet the Code’s definition of “combustible.” Fiberglass, for instance, is non-combustible and will not burn. It has been designed to withstand up to 1000°F or 540°C, and even if it reaches this temperature, it will at the maximum melt away.

If it is determined that the boats are considered “combustible”, the IFC-2021 for high-pile stock or rack storage shall be met per Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage as well as Chapter 3 General Requirements.

REFERENCES
IBC-2021

Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use
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:
Dry boat storage (indoor)

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).

Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use
Section 413 Combustible Storage
413.1 General
High-piled stock or rack storage in any occupancy group shall comply with the International Fire Code.

IFC-2021
Chapter 3 General Requirements
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides general requirements for asphalt kettles, combustible waste material, ignition sources, motion picture projection rooms and film, open burning, recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, open flames, powered industrial trucks and equipment, smoking, vacant premises, vehicle impact protection, fueled equipment, indoor displays, general storage, outdoor pallet storage, hazards to fire fighters, landscaped roofs, laundry carts, mobile food preparation vehicles, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and artificial combustible vegetation. These are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 32 provides guidance for reasonable protection of life from hazards associated with the storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet in height, or 6 feet for high-hazard commodities. It provides requirements for identifying various classes of commodities; and general fire and life safety features including storage arrangements, smoke and heat venting, fire department access and housekeeping and maintenance. This chapter attempts to define the potential fire severity and, in turn, determine fire and life safety protection measures needed to control and in some cases suppress a potential fire. This chapter does not cover miscellaneous combustible material storage as regulated in Section 315.

Todd E Wyatt

1/25/2024 08:46:46 am

See also "Design Criteria for Stacked Boat Storage Facility?" ... https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/design-criteria-for-stacked-boat-storage-facility

DAvid T Williams, FPE

1/25/2024 09:55:42 am

Whew... I think about all that I have learned since 2005, when we completed my one and only heated rack storage boat building (maybe four tiers high). I remember one of the main issues with the State of WI was whether a boat was a motorized vehicle that needed garage ventilation (whether fueled or not). I couldn't find my records on what I did for design, although they recently replaced the boilers. At that point we didn't have that much guidance on what to install for fire protection, so I think it was just a OH2 design. Now... what did the contractor provide? it was definitely reviewed by WI Code folks (Madison so they were tough).

Jesse

1/25/2024 12:40:58 pm

I'll reiterate the importance of involving the insurer. They'll likely assign one of their HPR loss control folks to it.

Dwight Havens

1/25/2024 02:24:50 pm

Unfortunately we have burned enough of these facilities to know they do burn. We also don't appear to have the advantage of having had fires in protected facilities, with known protection levels, which have successfully controlled. If we could find examples of facilities that were protected, but burned to the ground, or, facilities that we protected, and had a fire with successful control, we might learn something. At this point NFPA 303, an experienced FPE, and the Insurer would be your best bet.

Safety

1/25/2024 04:11:12 pm

Keep in mind when designing boat storage racks.
Fire sprinklers and hose streams fill boats up with water quickly adding weight that most engineers may not include in design.
A 3/4" drain hole (typical) or bilge pump not going to do much.

Have a loaded rack of boats collapse during suppression is not going to be a friendly conversation in review.

Dwight Havens

1/25/2024 04:41:03 pm

Excellent point. All Incident Commanders be trained to recognize this.

Joe Meyer

1/26/2024 07:25:04 am

Thankful for a contributor who emailed a copy of a 2008 Fire Protection Research Foundation Study on "Marina and Boatyard Indoor Rack Storage Sprinkler Protection".

I've posted a link to this report in the "Editor's Note" with a link right below the question on this page.

Krauss Maffei Sacro Mateo link

9/2/2026 08:55:24 am

Boat storage seems simple until you start thinking about fuel, rack height, sprinklers and all the extra weight during a fire. Working around marinas and boatyards, you really see how many small safety details have to come together.

How to Address Warehouse with Boats on Racks?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES