Overview of Oregon Fire Code
Oregon's fire code is administered by the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) under the Oregon Department of State Police. Oregon adopts the Oregon Fire Code (OFC), which is based on the IFC with Oregon-specific amendments, through Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 837.
The OSFM has statewide fire code enforcement authority. Local fire agencies may also enforce fire codes through agreements with the OSFM.
Oregon's priorities include Portland's nationally ranked restaurant/brewery/distillery scene, wildland-urban interface wildfire risk (increasingly severe in recent years), seasonal tourism (Oregon Coast, Bend, Hood), and growing tech-sector commercial development.
Adopted Codes and Enforcement
Adopted Codes: Oregon Fire Code (OFC) based on IFC, Oregon Structural Specialty Code based on IBC, NFPA 13/72/96/25.
OSFM Responsibilities (ORS Chapter 476): Statewide fire code adoption, fire safety inspections, fire investigation, fireworks regulation, community wildfire risk reduction.
Local Enforcement: Portland Fire & Rescue, Eugene/Springfield, Salem, Bend fire departments maintain fire prevention programs.
Violations: Under ORS 476.380, fire code violations can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
Occupancy and Key Requirements
Standard IBC occupancy factors per OFC. NFPA 13/72/96 compliance.
Oregon-Specific:
- Portland food cart pods — unique outdoor assembly occupancies requiring fire safety plans
- Portland's Pearl District, Alberta Arts, and Division Street restaurant corridors
- Wildfires — Oregon's 2020 wildfire season underscored WUI fire safety needs
- Bend's brewery district — concentrated hospitality fire safety
Emergency Egress: IBC-based egress per OFC.
NOWAITN helps Oregon businesses maintain compliance through occupancy tracking, certification management, and fire safety documentation.
Oregon-Specific Resources
Oregon State Fire Marshal Department of State Police 3565 Trelstad Avenue SE Salem, OR 97317 Phone: (503) 378-3473 https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/
Key Local Fire Authorities:
- Portland Fire & Rescue — Fire Prevention: (503) 823-3700
- Eugene Fire Department: (541) 682-7100
- Salem Fire Department: (503) 588-6241
- Bend Fire Department: (541) 322-6300
Oregon Revised Statutes — Fire Safety: ORS Chapter 476 OAR Chapter 837 — Fire Marshal