Overview of Montana Fire Code
Montana's fire code is administered by the State Fire Marshal under the Montana Department of Justice. Montana adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) as its statewide fire prevention code through Montana Administrative Rules.
The State Fire Marshal has authority over fire prevention inspections, fire investigations, and fire code enforcement statewide. Local fire departments in Montana's cities may also conduct inspections.
Montana's fire code priorities include:
- Wildfire/WUI risk — Montana has significant wildland-urban interface fire risk, particularly in the mountainous western part of the state
- Tourism — Glacier National Park, Yellowstone (Montana entrance), Big Sky Resort, and Whitefish drive hospitality fire safety compliance
- Rapid growth — Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell are among the fastest-growing communities in the US, increasing new construction compliance demand
- Seasonal tourism — Ski resorts, national park gateway communities, and summer tourism create seasonal compliance cycles
Adopted Codes and Enforcement
Adopted Codes:
- International Fire Code (IFC) — adopted statewide
- Montana Building Codes — reference IBC
- NFPA 13 — Sprinkler systems
- NFPA 72 — Fire alarm systems
- NFPA 96 — Commercial cooking ventilation
State Fire Marshal Responsibilities (MCA 50-61):
- Statewide fire code adoption and enforcement
- Fire safety inspections
- Fire investigation and arson enforcement
- Regulation of fire protection system contractors
Local Authority: Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Helena fire departments conduct local fire prevention.
Violations: Fire code violations can result in orders to correct and civil penalties.
Occupancy and Key Requirements
Montana 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.
Fire Suppression: NFPA 13 requirements per IFC thresholds. NFPA 96 for commercial kitchens. Cold climate freeze prevention for sprinkler systems.
WUI Fire Safety: Montana communities near national forests and wildlands may have additional WUI fire safety requirements. Defensible space and fire-resistant construction requirements in high-risk areas.
Emergency Egress: IBC egress requirements per IFC adoption.
NOWAITN helps Montana businesses maintain compliance through occupancy tracking, certification management, and fire safety documentation.
Montana-Specific Resources
Montana State Fire Marshal Department of Justice P.O. Box 201415 Helena, MT 59620 Phone: (406) 444-2050 https://dojmt.gov/enforcement/fire-prevention/
Key Local Fire Authorities:
- Billings Fire Department: (406) 657-8410
- Missoula Fire Department: (406) 552-6200
- Bozeman Fire Department: (406) 582-2350
- Great Falls Fire Department: (406) 727-8070
Montana Code — Fire Safety: MCA Title 50, Chapter 61 — Fire Prevention and Investigation