NFPA 241: Fire Safety During Construction

Buildings are most vulnerable to fire while being built, renovated or demolished. NFPA 241 is the standard for preventing and fighting fires during that time, and many fire codes require it.

• Construction

Key requirements

• A fire prevention program manager responsible for fire safety on site, with a written fire safety plan
• Hot work programs and permits (with NFPA 51B)
• Fire department access roads and water supply available as soon as combustible materials arrive
• Standpipes installed as the building rises, and kept in service
• Rules for temporary heating, fuels, smoking and trash
• Fire extinguishers throughout the site
• Protection of existing fire systems during renovation (impairment procedures)

Why buildings under construction burn

• Hot work: welding, cutting, grinding and torch-applied roofing
• Temporary heating near combustibles and tarps
• Smoking and careless disposal
• Arson on unsecured sites
• Temporary electrical faults and overloaded cords
• Lots of exposed wood, packaging and trash, with fire walls, sprinklers and doors not yet finished

Large wood-frame and mass timber buildings under construction are especially vulnerable until their fire protection is in place.

The fire prevention program manager

The owner must designate someone responsible for fire safety on the site. Typical duties include:

• Writing and keeping the site fire safety plan up to date
• Running the hot work permit program
• Doing regular (often daily) fire safety walks of the site
• Making sure extinguishers, standpipes and water supply are in service
• Managing impairments when existing sprinklers or alarms are shut down
• Keeping fire department access clear and coordinating with the fire department
• Making sure combustible waste is removed regularly

Fire watches

When hot work is done, or when a building’s fire protection is out of service, a trained fire watch may be required: someone whose only job is to look for fires, with an extinguisher and a way to call for help. Fire watches after hot work commonly continue for a set time after the work ends, because smoldering fires can start later. See Hot Work Permits.

For workers

• Follow hot work, smoking and heater rules.
• Keep access roads, hydrants and standpipe connections clear.
• Know how to report a fire and where to evacuate.

Last updated: October 1, 2026