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Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Tennessee Apartment Buildings

By Frank Jones··3 min read

In Tennessee, apartment complexes have to follow specific rules when it comes to fire extinguisher placement. In this article, we break it all down step by step.

TL;DR

  • Common areas need coverage (corridors, laundry, parking, storage, offices). (ICC Digital Codes)
  • Are they required inside units: usually not required. Exception lets Fire Marshal allow small extinguishers in each dwelling instead of corridor units. It's best to confirm with your local Fire Marshal. (ICC Digital Codes)
  • How far apart can extinguishers be (travel path):
    • Most fire hazards ≤ 75 ft
    • Flammable liquids ≤ 50 ft
    • Cooking equipment: Class K extinguisher within 30 ft
  • Mounting height:
    • Top ≤ 5 ft if ≤40 lb
    • Top ≤ 3.5 ft if >40 lb
    • Bottom ≥ 4 in.
  • Who are you required to call for service: Annual Inspection must be done by licensed firm. (Legal Information Institute)

Are extinguishers required inside apartment units?

Usually no. Many Fire marshals keep extinguishers in common areas; however some do approve the in-unit exception. Ask your local fire marshal. (ICC Digital Codes)

What common areas need protection?

Cover where residents travel or share risk: corridors, laundry, storage, offices, parking, mechanical/electrical rooms. (ICC Digital Codes)

How far apart should they be?

Use walking-path travel distance (not straight line).

  • Most fire hazards ≤ 75 ft
  • Flammable liquids ≤ 50 ft
  • Cooking equipment: Class K extinguisher within 30 ft

What types go where?

  • Hallways / offices / storage: typically 2-A:10-B:C (confirm with AHJ; IFC §906).
  • Laundry rooms: A (lint/combustibles) + C (electrical). Add B if flammables/solvents are stored (IFC §906).
  • Electrical rooms: C-rated; keep clear access (IFC §906).
  • Parking garages: B for fuels, A for general; consider wheeled units for large areas (IFC §906).
  • Commercial kitchens / cooking areas: Class K per §906.4.2; within 30 ft per §906.1.

Mounting, visibility, and vandalism control

  • Place along normal paths of travel; keep visible and unobstructed (IFC §906.5–§906.7). (ICC Digital Codes)
  • Heights: top ≤ 5 ft if ≤40 lb; ≤ 3.5 ft if >40 lb; bottom ≥ 4 in (OSHA eTool / NFPA guidance). Recessed cabinets help in high-abuse areas. (OSHA)

Inspections and maintenance (what Tennessee expects)

  • Monthly visual (staff).
  • Annual maintenance by a licensed/registered firm. (Legal Information Institute)
  • Six-year internal (many stored-pressure dry chemical) and 12-year hydrotest cycles (NFPA 10 & OSHA). (NFPA)

Common citation traps (fix these first)

  • Blocked or missing corridor units
  • Expired/incorrect tags
  • Wrong type in laundry/electrical/mechanical rooms
  • Over 75 ft travel to an A extinguisher; over 30 ft to cooking equipment. (OSHA)

Need a walkthrough? Ironclad Fire can map coverage, tag your units, and prep you for inspections in Middle Tennessee.