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The International Fire Code, Appendix B, describes one method for determining Fire Flow (water available at the site for manual firefighting via hydrants).
However, Appendix B is not enforceable unless it's specifically adopted. The 2024 IFC Section 507.3 simply states, "Fire-flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method." Is Appendix B the only method actually used in practice in North America? If not, what alternative methods do you see adopted, or does your jurisdiction adopt? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
13 Comments
Robert Morgan
12/12/2025 08:20:37 am
My jurisdiction adopted all the appendices in the IFC and we use B. We used to use the ISO formula, or the Iowa State formula. The IFC tables are easier to use but our water purveyor always balks at the hours of flow numbers when in reality, there is little chance we would need the maximum flow for that duration, but it still should be available.
Brett
12/12/2025 08:24:24 am
I live in an NFPA 1 state and the chapter 18 fire flow method is used 99% of the time. Some fire departments prefer to use the ISO fire flow method.
Glenn Berger
12/12/2025 08:25:51 am
I have seen more jurisdictions use NFPA 1 for actual construction (sometimes with a reduced duration). I have seen the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) method used for planning purposes. There are many locations that will accept NFPA 13 / 14 hydraulic calculations to satisfy their requirements.
Jack G
12/12/2025 09:35:26 am
The 3 states I work in use the ISO method .
Jesse
12/12/2025 10:07:21 am
There are numerous methods for determining fire flow. IBC, NFPA 1, ISO, etc.
Jon N
12/12/2025 06:23:57 pm
About 15 years ago, while working as an AHJ for a state fire marshal's office, I wrote a paper comparing the various fire flow methods and applying them to certain buildings (based on the size and occupancy). I'm happy to share that report with anyone desiring a copy.
Donnie
12/13/2025 12:46:09 pm
Jon,
Jon N.
12/13/2025 08:19:39 pm
Yes; if anyone wants a copy, provide your e-mail address or e-mail me at: [email protected]
Kelly J Lee
12/15/2025 11:28:59 pm
Jon,
Jon N
12/16/2025 09:45:14 am
Need an e-mail address to send it
Thomas Molnar
12/16/2025 08:53:13 am
Jon, I would very much be interested in your paper.
Jon N
12/16/2025 09:46:46 am
Need an e-mail address from you
Christopher Conroy
12/17/2025 10:52:39 am
With Appendix B of the IFC not addressing occupancy type and exposures, we're using a hybrid of Appendix B and ISO. Leave a Reply. |
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