From the Preface:
Introduction
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date fire code addressing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, handling or use of hazardous materials and the use and occupancy of buildings and premises. The International Fire Code, in this 2003 edition, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.

This comprehensive fire code establishes minimum regulations for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new system designs. This 2003 edition is fully compatible with all the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC), including the International Building Code, ICC Electrical Code Administrative Provisions, International Energy Conservation Code, International Plumbing, Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Residential Code, International Urban-Wildland Interface Code and International Zoning Code.

The International Fire Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for fire safety professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.

Development
The first edition of the International Fire Code (2000) was the culmination of an effort initiated in 1997 by a development committee appointed by ICC and consisting of representatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The intent was to draft a comprehensive set of fire safety regulations consistent with and inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by public hearings in 1998 and 1999 to consider proposed changes. This 2003 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes approved through the ICC Code Development Process through 2002. A new edition such as this is promulgated every three years.

With the development and publication of the family of International Codes in 2000, the continued development and maintenance of the model codes individually promulgated by BOCA (BOCA National Codes), ICBO (Uniform Codes) and SBCCI (Standard Codes) was discontinued. This 2003 International Fire Code, as well as its predecessor—the 2000 edition—is intended to be the successor fire code to those codes previously developed by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI.

The development of a single set of comprehensive and coordinated family of International Codes was a significant milestone in the development of regulations for the built environment. The timing of this publication mirrors a milestone in the change in structure of the model codes, namely, the pending consolidation of BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI in the ICC. The activities and services previously provided by the individual model code organizations will be the responsibility of the consolidated ICC.

This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a fire code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products of methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

The 2003 International Fire Code is also available in softcover or on CD-ROM. Click here to order tabs for the 2003 International Codes.

To view the complete table of contents for the International Fire Code, click here .

We also have commentaries and handbooks, workbooks and flash cards, extended indexes and tabs available. The code is also available as part of a set, or on CD-ROM. A complete list of the 2003 International Codes can be found here.