What types of fire protection systems are typically required in modern steel warehouses, and how should those requirements influence my early building layout?
Local codes usually call for ESFR or K-25 sprinklers, a dedicated riser room, hydrants, and clear egress paths. Lay out your red-iron warehouse so each bay stays under 12,000 sq-ft, columns fit 40-ft sprinkler spacing, and the riser, pump, and truck access sit on the utility side. Using firewalls instead of sprinklers is also an option in many cases, but the total square footage is the driving factor in most cases.
Start by confirming with your county fire marshal which NFPA edition applies (often NFPA 13, 20, 24 for warehouses over 12,000 sq ft). Most modern facilities—such as an 80×120 commercial steel warehouse or a 100×200 distribution center—end up with an ESFR wet-pipe system fed by a 1,250–2,000 gpm fire pump. If the space will stay unheated (common in RV and boat storage steel buildings), you will likely need a dry-pipe or pre-action system plus roof insulation that holds branch lines above 40 °F or a using firewall.
Layout tips:
1. Plan for water source entry and access.
2. Riser/pump room: Reserve a 12×20 ft room on an exterior wall near the main water service. Run 4–6 in. underground lines before the slab pour to avoid cutting.
3. Truck lanes: Provide a 26-ft fire lane around at least three sides and place hydrants every 300 ft.
4. Fire walls/mezzanines: If your operation stores mixed commodities, plan 3-hr walls during the quote so bolt-up connections and roof pitch align.
Because TruSteel supplies location-specific stamped building and foundation plans and works with IAS-accredited manufacturers, these fire-protection loads are baked into your drawings early, avoiding costly retrofits and keeping your installer network on schedule.