Florida Fire Code 49-02-4: Flammables/debris in storage areas
Fire code 49-02-4 (Flammables/debris in storage areas) is a Flammable Materials and Storage citation with 53 citations across Florida food establishments. Improperly stored flammable materials in general storage areas increase the fire load of the building and can provide fuel for a fire that spreads from another area.
Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and Florida fire safety statutes.
Legal reference: 61C-1.004(6) FAC
What the Code Says
49-02-4 — Flammables/debris in storage areas
Flammable materials or debris improperly stored in attics, basements, dry storage, dishwashing areas, or other non-utility spaces creating a fire hazard.
— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting
Fire Safety Risk
Improperly stored flammable materials in general storage areas increase the fire load of the building and can provide fuel for a fire that spreads from another area. Attics and basements are particularly dangerous because fires in these spaces can burn undetected and compromise structural integrity before they are discovered.
Legal Requirements
All storage areas, including attics, basements, and dry storage rooms, must be kept clean and free of unnecessary flammable materials and debris. Flammable liquids must be stored in approved containers in designated flammable storage cabinets. Propane tanks must be stored outdoors. Combustible materials must be kept organized and away from heat sources.
Legal Basis
61C-1.004(6) FAC — Attics, basements, boiler rooms, meter rooms, laundry rooms, and storage rooms shall be kept clean and free of debris and flammables.
— 61C-1.004(6) FAC
References
- Florida State Fire Marshal
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Florida DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants
- Florida Statutes Chapter 509
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Florida fire code 49-02-4?
- Florida fire code 49-02-4 (Flammables/debris in storage areas) falls under the Flammable Materials and Storage category. Flammable materials or debris improperly stored in attics, basements, dry storage, dishwashing areas, or other non-utility spaces creating a fire hazard.
- Why is fire code 49-02-4 (Flammables/debris in storage areas) dangerous?
- Improperly stored flammable materials in general storage areas increase the fire load of the building and can provide fuel for a fire that spreads from another area. Attics and basements are particularly dangerous because fires in these spaces can burn undetected and compromise structural integrity before they are discovered.
- What are the requirements for fire code 49-02-4?
- All storage areas, including attics, basements, and dry storage rooms, must be kept clean and free of unnecessary flammable materials and debris. Flammable liquids must be stored in approved containers in designated flammable storage cabinets. Propane tanks must be stored outdoors. Combustible materials must be kept organized and away from heat sources.
- How common is fire code 49-02-4 in Florida?
- Fire code 49-02-4 (Flammables/debris in storage areas) has been cited 53 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.
Editorial Standards & Data Oversight
Data Source: This reference is based on official public inspection records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Florida fire safety statutes (Chapter 509, Chapter 633).
Editorial Process: Content generated using AI to synthesize regulatory data and fire safety standards, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.
Disclaimer: Fire safety codes are reported by DBPR food inspectors to the local fire authority or State Fire Marshal for follow-up. Code descriptions reflect Florida statutes and NFPA standards current at time of publication.
Editor: All content reviewed and verified by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org. How we collect and verify this data.