Overview of Indiana Fire Code
Indiana's fire code is administered by the State Fire Marshal, who operates under the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission adopts fire prevention codes through Indiana Administrative Code Title 675 (675 IAC), specifically Article 22 for fire prevention.
Indiana uses the International Fire Code (IFC) as its base fire prevention code, adopted with Indiana-specific amendments through the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission. The commission reviews and updates code adoptions periodically.
The State Fire Marshal's Division is responsible for statewide fire code enforcement, fire investigations, and regulation of fire equipment contractors. Local fire departments, particularly in Indianapolis (Indianapolis Fire Department), Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and other major cities, maintain their own fire prevention bureaus for local enforcement.
Indiana's economy includes significant manufacturing, motorsports (Indianapolis Motor Speedway), conventions (Indiana Convention Center), and a growing restaurant and entertainment scene — all creating diverse fire code compliance needs.
Adopted Codes and Enforcement
Adopted Codes:
- International Fire Code (IFC) — adopted with Indiana amendments through 675 IAC 22
- Indiana Building Code (675 IAC 13) — references IBC with amendments
- NFPA 13 — Sprinkler systems
- NFPA 72 — Fire alarm systems
- NFPA 96 — Commercial cooking ventilation
- NFPA 25 — Fire protection system inspection and testing
State Fire Marshal Responsibilities (IC 22-14-2):
- Statewide fire prevention code enforcement
- Fire safety inspections of commercial, assembly, and institutional occupancies
- Fire investigation and arson law enforcement
- Regulation of fire equipment contractors and dealers
- Review of fire protection system plans
Local Authority: Indiana allows municipalities to enforce fire codes locally. The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) Division of Fire Prevention is the largest local fire prevention authority in the state.
Violations: Under IC 22-12-7 and IC 22-14-3, fire code violations may result in stop-work orders, condemnation, civil penalties, and referral for prosecution in serious cases.
Occupancy and Key Requirements
Indiana follows IBC/IFC occupancy load calculations.
Occupancy Load Factors: Standard IBC factors — 15 net sq ft for dining, 7 net sq ft for standing assembly, 100 gross sq ft for business.
Posting: Maximum occupancy must be posted in all assembly occupancies.
Indiana-Specific Considerations:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (capacity 257,000+) — largest sporting venue in the world, requires massive fire safety and emergency planning
- Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium — major assembly occupancies requiring comprehensive fire safety plans
- Growing Indy brewery/restaurant scene (Mass Ave, Broad Ripple, Fountain Square) — concentrated assembly occupancy districts
- Manufacturing facilities — Indiana's strong manufacturing sector requires industrial fire code compliance
Fire Suppression: NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements per IFC/IBC thresholds. NFPA 96 for all commercial cooking operations. Annual inspections required per NFPA 25.
Fire Alarms: NFPA 72 fire alarm requirements per IFC. Assembly and educational occupancies require monitored fire alarm systems.
Emergency Egress: IBC egress requirements per Indiana amendments. Illuminated exit signs, emergency lighting, and clearly marked egress paths required.
NOWAITN helps Indiana businesses maintain compliance through occupancy tracking, certification management, and fire safety documentation.
Indiana-Specific Resources
Indiana State Fire Marshal Indiana Department of Homeland Security 302 W. Washington Street, Room E208 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 232-2222 https://www.in.gov/dhs/fire-prevention-and-building-safety/
Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission: https://www.in.gov/dhs/fire-prevention-and-building-safety/fire-prevention-and-building-safety-commission/
Key Local Fire Authorities:
- Indianapolis Fire Department — Fire Prevention: (317) 327-6071
- Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1478
- Evansville Fire Department: (812) 436-7802
- South Bend Fire Department: (574) 235-9242
Indiana Code — Fire Safety: IC 22-12 — Fire Prevention and Building Safety IC 22-14 — State Fire Marshal 675 IAC 22 — Fire Prevention Code