Florida Fire Code 49-05-4: Flammables stored near ignition source

Overview

Fire code 49-05-4 (Flammables stored near ignition source) is a Flammable Materials and Storage citation with 548 citations across Florida food establishments. Storing flammable materials near ignition sources is one of the most direct fire risks possible — it places fuel immediately adjacent to a heat source.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and Florida fire safety statutes.

Legal reference: 509.032(2)(d) FS

What the Code Says

49-05-4 — Flammables stored near ignition source

Flammable materials stored near or in contact with a source of ignition such as a stove, grill, water heater, pilot light, or electrical equipment.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

Storing flammable materials near ignition sources is one of the most direct fire risks possible — it places fuel immediately adjacent to a heat source. Common violations include cardboard boxes near stoves, propane tanks next to grills, phone books in ovens, cleaning chemicals near water heaters, and combustible storage leaning against gas-fired equipment. Any of these scenarios can result in immediate ignition.

Legal Requirements

All flammable materials must be stored a safe distance from any ignition source including stoves, grills, ovens, water heaters, electrical panels, and pilot lights. Propane tanks must be secured and positioned away from heat sources. Combustible materials must never be placed inside or on top of cooking equipment. A minimum clearance of 36 inches from heat sources should be maintained for combustible storage.

Legal Basis

509.032(2)(d) FS — The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633.

— 509.032(2)(d) FS

Most Citations by County

Florida counties with the most fire code 49-05-4 citations

County	Citations
Hillsborough County	104
Pinellas County	51
Orange County	45
Dade County	42
Broward County	41

Recently Cited Facilities

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 49-05-4?

Florida fire code 49-05-4 (Flammables stored near ignition source) falls under the Flammable Materials and Storage category. Flammable materials stored near or in contact with a source of ignition such as a stove, grill, water heater, pilot light, or electrical equipment.

Why is fire code 49-05-4 (Flammables stored near ignition source) dangerous?

Storing flammable materials near ignition sources is one of the most direct fire risks possible — it places fuel immediately adjacent to a heat source. Common violations include cardboard boxes near stoves, propane tanks next to grills, phone books in ovens, cleaning chemicals near water heaters, and combustible storage leaning against gas-fired equipment. Any of these scenarios can result in immediate ignition.

What are the requirements for fire code 49-05-4?

All flammable materials must be stored a safe distance from any ignition source including stoves, grills, ovens, water heaters, electrical panels, and pilot lights. Propane tanks must be secured and positioned away from heat sources. Combustible materials must never be placed inside or on top of cooking equipment. A minimum clearance of 36 inches from heat sources should be maintained for combustible storage.

How common is fire code 49-05-4 in Florida?

Fire code 49-05-4 (Flammables stored near ignition source) has been cited 548 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.

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