Overview of New Hampshire Fire Code
New Hampshire's fire code is administered by the State Fire Marshal under the Department of Safety. New Hampshire adopts NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) as its fire prevention and life safety standards through New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Saf-C 6000.
The State Fire Marshal has broad authority over fire prevention, inspections, fire investigation, and enforcement statewide. Local fire chiefs in New Hampshire municipalities also serve as local fire code enforcement authorities.
New Hampshire's fire code priorities include:
- Post-Station Fire reforms — The 2003 Station nightclub fire in neighboring Rhode Island (100 deaths) drove significant fire safety reforms for assembly occupancies
- Tourism — Lakes Region, White Mountains, and seacoast hospitality venues
- Seasonal businesses — Ski resorts, lake resorts, and summer tourism create seasonal compliance cycles
- Historic buildings — Portsmouth, Concord, and other historic towns have significant legacy building stock
Adopted Codes and Enforcement
Adopted Codes:
- NFPA 1 — Fire Code
- NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code
- NFPA 13 — Sprinkler systems
- NFPA 72 — Fire alarm systems
- NFPA 96 — Commercial cooking ventilation
- New Hampshire State Building Code — references IBC
State Fire Marshal Responsibilities (RSA 153:4-a):
- Statewide fire code enforcement
- Fire safety inspections
- Fire investigation and arson enforcement
- Plan review for fire protection systems
- Regulation of fire protection contractors
Local Authority: Local fire chiefs serve as local enforcement authorities and may adopt additional requirements.
Violations: Under RSA 153:24, fire code violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per violation per day.
Occupancy and Key Requirements
New Hampshire follows NFPA 101 occupancy load factors.
Occupancy Load Factors: NFPA 101 — 15 net sq ft for dining, 7 net sq ft for concentrated assembly.
Posting: Maximum occupancy must be posted in assembly occupancies.
Post-Station Fire Requirements:
- Enhanced sprinkler requirements for nightclubs and assembly venues
- Stricter occupancy limit enforcement
- Crowd management requirements for entertainment venues
Fire Suppression: NFPA 13 per NFPA 1 thresholds. NFPA 96 for commercial kitchens. Cold climate freeze protection required.
Fire Alarms: NFPA 72 requirements.
Emergency Egress: NFPA 101 egress requirements.
NOWAITN helps New Hampshire businesses maintain compliance through occupancy tracking, certification management, and fire safety documentation.
New Hampshire-Specific Resources
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Department of Safety 33 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305 Phone: (603) 223-4289 https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/firesafety/
Key Local Fire Authorities:
- Manchester Fire Department: (603) 669-2256
- Nashua Fire Department: (603) 594-3450
- Concord Fire Department: (603) 225-8650
- Portsmouth Fire Department: (603) 427-1515
New Hampshire Statutes — Fire Safety: RSA 153 — Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention