New Hampshire fire code
New Hampshire's statewide fire code adopts the 2024 editions of NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, which take effect on July 27, 2026. Building owners and managers can use this page to see which rules affect them and who's responsible for enforcement. Call now and we'll help you check what the new code means for your building before July 27, 2026.
Code in force: NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2024 editions. Enforced by: Office of the State Fire Marshal. Your local fire marshal can add rules, so check with that office too.
- adopted state fire and life safety codes NFPA 1 and 101, 2024
- effective date for 2024 code editions July 27, 2026
- office supervising statewide fire law enforcement State Fire Marshal
- voluntary credential for fire equipment technicians Saf-C 1200 certificate
Asking about a house? For a house or duplex, smoke alarm and sprinkler rules usually come from the residential building code (the IRC) instead, so ask your local building department.
Scope of the state fire code
New Hampshire adopts NFPA 1, which is a fire code, along with NFPA 101, a life safety code dealing with safe exits from buildings. Both are the 2024 editions, adopted under RSA 153:1 VI-a. This version goes into effect on July 27, 2026, and includes changes from the Board of Fire Control.
You'll find the state's own modifications to these codes in the Saf-FMO 300 rules. The code acts as a minimum standard in every town and for every property owner across the state.
Changes made by the Board of Fire Control only last if the legislature approves them within 1 year. Not sure what the 2024 editions mean for your systems? Call now and we'll walk through it together.
State fire marshal
The state fire marshal supervises and enforces fire laws in the state and has the power to issue citations when rules are broken. If your local fire chief is unavailable for three business days, the state fire marshal may handle the local fire code inspection.
Fire alarm systems in health care facilities need approval from the state fire marshal.
Local rules and what towns may adjust
A town may pass local ordinances only when they're stricter than the state code. Administrative items like permits and fees can be adjusted, but the technical content of the code can't be touched. Before any local amendment is enforced, it has to be sent to the state fire marshal for review.
There's a special rule for homes. Detached one- or two-family dwellings can't be required to have sprinklers under the state fire code, and no town can go beyond the state when it comes to residential sprinkler systems.
Certified fire protection technicians
Under Saf-C 1200, the state runs a voluntary certification program for technicians who work on fire protection equipment. It isn't required, but it gives you a solid question to put to a contractor. The Concord office of the state fire marshal issues the certificates. Companies need general liability insurance that also covers products and completed operations.
| Type | First fee | Renewal | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company registration | $100 | $90 | 1 year |
| Person | $50 | $40 | 3 years, through the end of the birth month |
An unlimited sprinkler technician endorsement calls for 8,000 hours of field work plus approved training. For fire alarm recertification, a minimum of 6 hours of training is required.
Special effects permits
Depending on the complexity of the effects, a special effects permit runs $250 or $400.
Getting your building ready
Your town can set its own permit fees and stricter local rules, and both can affect your plans. After that, get your systems inspected by a qualified contractor, and ask them to show you their certificate and insurance. Call now and we'll help you check your building against both the state code and your town's rules before July 27, 2026.