2021 Fire Code Amendments Bring Forward 2024 IFC Provisions for ESS and Lithium Ion in WA (Chapter 3 and Chapter 12)

An amended Chapter 12 of the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) was approved by the SBCC for Off-Cycle Rule making. This chapter is particularly relevant for the installation and maintenance of batteries and energy storage systems (ESS). The changes bring forward the latest code language from the 2024 IFC into the Washington State 2021 Fire Code. See the second printing of the State’s insert pages.

The 2021 WA State Fire Code also has two new sections addressing Lithium-ion batteries and powered mobility devices such as electric scooters and bikes. Section 322 Lithium-Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries and section 323 Powered Micromobility Devices and Powered Industrial Trucks were developed to help address the hazards associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries. The new code language is from the 2024 IFC (International Fire Code) and was brought forward early in Washington State to assist in regulating this industry. The second printing of the State’s insert pages are a good source for Chapter 3 modifications.

2025 State Fire Marshal's Office Recommendations Related to FF Safety Training, Checklists and PPE for EV Fire Response

WSAFM chaired the Working Group on Fire Fighter safety and training related to EV Fires, as part of the State Fire Marshal's Office response to 2024 SSB 5812.  The resulting study provides excellent information for local jurisdictions and a road map for Washington State. 

EV Resources for the Fire Service

NFPA Collection:  Electric Vehicle Safety Information

FSRI Collection:  Know the Hazards Generated by Electric Vehicle Battery Fires

TEEX Training for FF's: Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety for the First Responder | TEEX.ORG

2018 Fire Code Amended for ESS in WA   The State Building Code Council of Washington State (SBCC) has extended a previously approved emergency rule to allow fire code officials to utilize the 2023 edition of NFPA 855 for the Installation of Energy Storage Systems. This emergency rule had support from regulatory agencies and industry when it was first introduced in November of 2022 to the SBCC. The existing emergency rule expired in May of 2023 and with the delay of the implementation of the 2021 Washington State Codes it was necessary to create an extension.