Louisiana State Fire Marshal Code Interpretations (Interpretive Memos)

The purpose of this page is to keep you up to date with revisions or interpretations to codes, laws, and ordinances regulated by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

2025 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2025-01 - Backflow Preventer Installations for Existing Sprinkled Buildings

2023 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2023-01 - Fire Protection and Life Safety requirements for Commercial Buildings

2022 Interpretive Memos

None at this time

2021 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01 - RESCINDED
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic

MEMORANDUM 2021-02 - HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane Ida Temporary Occupancy and Damage Repair Procedures

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01 REINSTATED
Emergency Egress Drill Procedure during the COVID-19 Pandemic - REINSTATED

Interpretive Memorandum 2021-01
Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) Service Providers

2020 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01 RESCINDED
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic - RESCINDED

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-02
Hurricane Laura Temporary Occupancy and Damage Repair Procedures

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-23 Revised
Restaurant / Food Service Outdoor Seating Criteria - Revised

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-23
Restaurant / Food Service Outdoor Seating Criteria

Interpretive Memorandum 2020-24
Outdoor Religious and Places of Worship

2019 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2019-01
Special Locking Arrangements

Interpretive Memorandum 2019-02
Specialized Care Locking Arrangements

2018 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2018-01
Health Care Sliding Door Installations

Interpretive Memorandum 2018-02
Fire Alarms and Operations in Educational Occupancies

Interpretive Memorandum 2018-03
Classroom Security for Existing Educational and Day Care Facilities

Historical Memos/Interpretive Memos

2017 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2017-01
Labels on Fire Door Assemblies in Health Care Facilities and Inspection Checklist

2016 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2016-01
Low Frequency Alarm Signal

2014 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2014-01
Non-Required Fire Alarm Systems

Interpretive Memorandum 2014-02
Cloud Ceiling Sprinkler Protection

Interpretive Memorandum 2014-03
UL300 Compliance for Existing Dry Chemical or Non Compliant UL300 Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems

Interpretive Memorandum 2014-04
Sprinkler Placement Below Folding and Telescopic Seating

Interpretive Memorandum 2014-05
Backflow Preventers Added to Existing Sprinkler Systems

Interpretive Memorandum 2014-06
Halloween Haunted Houses

2013 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2013-01 | Revised as IM 2018-03
Classroom Security for Existing Educational (Grades K - 12) and Day-Care Facilities

Formal Interpretation 2013-02
(P.O.R.) Shop Drawing Review Stamp (Revised to Replace Interpretive Memorandum 2011-02 Dated February 18, 2011)

Formal Interpretation 2013-03
Life Safety and/or Fire Protection System/Special Locking Submittals

Formal Interpretation 2013-04
Evaluation and use of temporary emergency evacuation shelters

Formal Interpretation 2013-05
Open Flame (Boiling) Areas

Formal Interpretation 2013-06
Horizontal-Sliding Door Assemblies

Formal Interpretation 2013-07
Evaluation of Conex (Seacan) Containers Used as Storage Occupancies

2012 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2012-01
Awnings, Canopies and Pedestrian Walkways

Formal Interpretation 2012-02
OSFM Plan Review for Facilities Licensed by DHH, Health Standards Section

2011 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2011-01
Sprinkler Protection for Skylights and Ceiling Pockets

~~Formal Interpretation 2001-02~~ | Revised as IM-2013-02 (see above)
~~(P.O.R.) Shop Drawing Review Stamp~~

Formal Interpretation 2011-03
Protection of Hazards

Formal Interpretation 2011-04
Evaluation of Lodging Occupancies

Formal Interpretation 2011-05
Fire Protection and Means of Egress Requirements of the LSUCCC

~~Formal Interpretation 2011-06~~ | Revised as IM 2012-02 (see above)
~~Plan Review and Checklist for DHH Health Care Facility Licensing Requirements~~

Formal Interpretation 2001-07
Limited Combustible Materials (Vinyl Faced Insulation)

2010 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2010-01
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke | Note: This Memorandum voids and replaces IM 2006-05 and IM 2007-03

Formal Interpretation 2010-02
Use of Listed Heat Trace with NFPA 13R systems

Formal Interpretation 2010-03
Temporary Emergency Evacuation Shelters for Nursing Homes

Formal Interpretation 2010-05
Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hoods and their Immediate Environment

Formal Interpretation 2010-06
Protection of "Corridors" in Day-Care Occupancies

Formal Interpretation 2010-07
Mechanical Platforms

Formal Interpretation 2010-08
Parking Garages and Rubber Tire Storage

2009 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2009-01
Use of Residential Hood Suppression System | NOTE: This Memorandum replaces this office's IM 2001-08 dated as revised on April 26, 2001

Formal Interpretation 2009-02
Exits for Educational and Day-Care Occupancies

~~Formal Interpretation 2009-03~~ | Revised as IM 2019-01 (see above)
Special Locking Arrangements - Request for Installation

~~Formal Interpretation 2009-04~~ | Revised as IM 2019-01 (see above)
Magnetic Lock Releasing Devices & Electrified Locks/Latches

~~Formal Interpretation 2009-05~~ | Revised as IM 2019-02 (see above
Special Healthcare Locking Arrangements

Formal Interpretation 2009-06
Folding (Disappearing) Attic Access Ladders

2008 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2008-01
Gas Fired Furnaces and Hot Water Heaters Not Requiring Fire Resistant Separation of Extinguishment Protection

2007 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2007-01
Sprinkler Protection for Exterior Roofs, Canopies, or Porte Cocheres

~~Formal Interpretation 2007-03~~ | Revised as IM 2010-01 (see above>
~~Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke~~

2006 Interpretive Memos

~~Formal Interpretation 2006-01~~ | Replaced by Level-1 submittals through the OSFM-IMS
~~Building Modifications: Request for Exemption from Formal Plan Review~~

Formal Interpretation 2006-02
Head Height at Automotive Services Lifts

~~Formal Interpretation 2006-03~~ | Revised as IM 2009-03 (see above)
~~Special Locking Arrangements Request for Installation~~

~~Formal Interpretation 2006-04~~ | Revised as IM 2009-04 (see above)
~~Magnetic Lock Releasing Devices~~

~~Formal Interpretation 2006-05~~ | Revised as IM 2010-01 (see above>
~~Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke~~

Formal Interpretation 2006-06
Lost Plans of Shop Drawings

2005 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2005-02
Requirements for Daycare Occupancies

Townhouse Plan Reviews
Re-posted 8.25.06

2003 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2003-01
Alcohol-Based Waterless Hand Sanitizers

2002 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2002-01
Temporary Buildings

Formal Interpretation 2002-02
Tents and Canopies in Industrial Facilities

Formal Interpretation 2002-04
Definition of Parking Garages | (See IBC for Guidance)

Formal Interpretation 2002-05
Emergency Forces Notification for Small Building Additions & Modular Classroom Buildings at Educational Occupancies

Formal Interpretation 2002-06
Fire Alarm Systems at Educational Facilities

Formal Interpretation 2002-07
Sleep Disorder Clinics & Similar Facilities

Formal Interpretation 2002-08
Fire Related Compartmentation for Building Isolation

Formal Interpretation 2002-09
Vinyl Insulation/Top of Barrier Wall Termination

Formal Interpretation 2002-10
Closed Door Ovens

Formal Interpretation 2002-11
Utilization of the Central Model EC-25 Extended Coverage Area/Density Sprinkler, manufactured by Tyco Fire Products

Formal Interpretation 2002-12
Shade Fabric Equivalency to "Burn-Out" Ceiling

Formal Interpretation 2002-12R
Shade Fabric Equivalency to "Burn-Out" Ceiling; Revised to include "XLS Revolux" fabric

Formal Interpretation 2002-13
Combustible Structural Members Penetrating Fire Barrier Wall Assemblies

Formal Interpretation 2002-14
Signage for the Visually Impaired for Special Locking Systems

Formal Interpretation 2002-15
Fire Suppression Protection of Tilt Skillets/Braising Pans, Open Kettles & Steam Kettles

Formal Interpretation 2002-16
Accessible Route from an Accessible Parking Access Aisle

Formal Interpretation 2002-17
Protection of Rubber Tire Storage | (See IBC for Guidance)

Formal Interpretation 2002-18
Smoke Partition Penetrations

2001 Interpretive Memos

(DRAFT) Survivability
Notification Appliance Circuitry & Fire Command Center (Public comment on this draft memo is invited prior to finalization)

Formal Interpretation 2001-02
Fire Alarm Remote Station Personal Requirements

Formal Interpretation 2001-04
Dry Chemical Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems

Formal Interpretation 2001-05
Licenses Required for Suppression & Fire Detection Systems

Formal Interpretation 2001-06
Licenses Required for Plan Review

Formal Interpretation 2001-08
Use of Residential Hood Suppression System | Revised as IM 2009-01 (see above)

Formal Interpretation 2001-09
Mobile/Modular Health Units

Formal Interpretation 2001-10
Baptismal Fonts

2000 Interpretive Memos

Formal Interpretation 2000-01
Location of Suppression Agent Containers Expellant Gas Assemblies for Local Application & Total Flooding Fire Protection Systems

Formal Interpretation 2000-04
Floor Level at Pre-Manufactured Special Use Rooms

Formal Interpretation 2000-05
Sprinkler Protection for Telescopic Bleachers 12' or Less in Height

Formal Interpretation 2000-06
Strobe Placement in "Common Use" Areas

Formal Interpretation 2000-07
Use of CPVC Pipe & Fittings in Sprinklered Facilities

Formal Interpretation 2000-08
Apartments/Equivalency to Sprinkler System

Formal Interpretation 2000-12
Corridor Rating Requirements in Day Care Occupancies

Formal Interpretation 2000-13
Protection of Residential Type Gas Fired Appliances

~~Formal Interpretation 2000-15~~ | Revised as IM 2009-05 (see above)
~~Special Locking Arrangements in Health Care Occupancies~~

Formal Interpretation 2000-16
Fire Alarm Service Calls

Formal Interpretation 2000-18
Internal Joint Sealants for Kitchen Exhaust