Mississippi Fire Code 2024

Base Code: 2021 International Fire Code (IFC 2021)

Effective Date: July 1, 2024

Adopting Authority: Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office

Applies To: All new and existing commercial buildings, residential care facilities, high-occupancy buildings, educational occupancies, industrial facilities, and other high-risk uses across the state

The Mississippi Fire Code 2024 is based on the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) and establishes statewide minimum fire safety standards. It is designed to protect life, property, and the environment from fire and explosion hazards by regulating:

• Fire prevention systems,

• Fire service access,

• Building and system maintenance,

• Hazardous materials storage and handling,

• Emergency response protocols.

The code applies to both new construction and existing buildings (including retroactive provisions for high-risk occupancies).

Code Organization by Chapters

The Fire Code is divided into over 80 chapters and sections. Below is a detailed look at the most critical chapters enforced in Mississippi:

Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration

• Establishes the authority of the Fire Code Official, including inspections, enforcement, stop work orders, and legal action.

• Describes permitting requirements for high-risk operations (e.g., welding, hazardous storage).

• Includes appeals processes and penalties for violations.

Chapter 3 – General Precautions Against Fire

• Fire safety rules for all occupancies, including:

  • Maintenance of fire doors and fire lanes

  • Open flame regulations

  • Proper use of extension cords and temporary wiring

  • Portable heating appliance rules

• Requirements for vacant buildings, combustible waste, and fireworks handling.

Chapter 4 – Emergency Planning and Preparedness

• Requires fire evacuation plans and drills for:

  • Group E (Educational)

  • Group I (Institutional)

  • Assembly occupancies (over 50 people)

• Fire safety plans must be submitted to local authorities for approval in large venues, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.

Chapter 5 – Fire Service Features

• Minimum standards for:

  • Fire department vehicle access roads

  • Fire hydrant locations and spacing

  • Emergency responder radio coverage

  • Building numbering and identification

Chapter 6 – Building Services and Systems

• Regulates:

  • Fire alarm systems

  • Standpipe systems

  • Fire extinguishers

  • Emergency power for fire protection systems

  • Smoke control systems in atriums and high-rise buildings

Chapter 9 – Fire Protection Systems

• Requirements for:

  • Automatic sprinkler systems (NFPA 13, 13R, 13D)

  • Fire alarm systems (NFPA 72)

  • Fire pumps, water supplies, flow tests

  • Inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) protocols

• Retrofitting may be required for certain high-occupancy or hazardous uses.

Chapter 50–67 – Hazardous Materials

• Comprehensive safety requirements for:

  • Flammable liquids and gases

  • Corrosives and oxidizers

  • Explosives and fireworks

  • Combustible dust-producing operations

• Requires special permits, containment systems, fire barriers, and safety plans.

Chapter 33 – Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition

• Outlines precautions during construction:

  • Fire watch assignments

  • Temporary standpipes and water supplies

  • Control of combustibles and ignition sources

  • Site security and signage

Chapter 10 – Means of Egress (Cross-referenced with IBC)

• Maintains fire-safe egress during emergencies:

  • Clear exit access and signage

  • Panic hardware on exit doors

  • Occupant load calculations

  • Illumination and emergency lighting

Mississippi-Specific Amendments and Practices

Referenced Standards

The Mississippi Fire Code references the following national standards:

• NFPA 13 / 13R / 13D – Sprinkler systems

• NFPA 72 – Fire alarm systems

• NFPA 25 – ITM of water-based fire protection

• NFPA 704 – Hazard signage for hazardous materials

• ICC A117.1 – Accessibility standards

• ASTM, UL, and ANSI – Equipment and materials

 Permits and Compliance

The following activities typically require Fire Code permits in Mississippi:

• Installation of fire alarm/sprinkler systems

• Storage of flammable liquids or hazardous materials

• Open flame performances, tents over 400 sq. ft., fireworks

• Hot work (welding, cutting, torching) operations

• Change of occupancy in existing buildings

Enforcement and Inspections

• Fire Inspectors under the Mississippi State Fire Marshal conduct inspections during:

  • Construction

  • Occupancy approval

  • Periodic routine audits (e.g., hospitals, schools)

• Violations may result in:

  • Stop-work orders

  • Fines

  • Denial of occupancy

  • Legal injunctions for life safety hazards

Summary Table

Why the Mississippi Fire Code Matters

• Helps protect lives and property through consistent fire prevention and response regulations

• Establishes accountability for building owners, contractors, and emergency responders

• Ensures firefighters have the tools, space, and systems needed for safe operations

• Enables prevention-focused design in everything from schools to warehouses