Pass the International Code Council Fire Inspector Fire-Inspector-II Questions and answers with ValidTests

In nonsprinklered occupancies, newly upholstered furniture in common areas must resist ignition by cigarettes primarily in Group I-2 occupancies (such as hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities). This requirement reduces the risk of fire ignition in environments where occupants may have limited mobility and are unable to evacuate quickly.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 805.2 (Ignition Resistance of Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses)

IFC 805.2 specifies that nonsprinklered Group I-2 occupancies must have upholstered furniture that resists ignition by cigarettes because these settings involve vulnerable populations who may need assistance in an emergency.

2. NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code (2021 Edition) – Section 10.3.2 (Fire-Retardant Upholstered Furniture)

NFPA 101, Section 10.3.2 aligns with the IFC in requiring that furniture in health care facilities (Group I-2) must meet fire resistance standards to prevent ignition from cigarettes and other sources.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Correct): Group I-2 (hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities) is required to have cigarette-ignition-resistant upholstered furniture in nonsprinklered common areas.

Option B (Incorrect): Group A-1 (theaters and performing arts venues) does not have this requirement, as seating arrangements are different and typically involve fire-resistant materials.

Option C (Incorrect): Office spaces (Business Occupancies, Group B) do not require ignition-resistant furniture under fire code regulations.

Option D (Incorrect): Libraries in Group E (Educational Occupancies) are not required to have this furniture unless otherwise specified by local codes.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: A. Group I-2

 Reference to Occupant Load Calculation:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 1004.2 states that the calculated occupant load of a building may be increased if all other life safety provisions are met.

However, the occupant load cannot exceed one person per 5 square feet when increased beyond the standard calculations.

 Fire Safety Considerations for Increased Occupant Load:

Increasing the occupant load requires ensuring:

Egress capacity (number and width of exits) meets the increased load.

Fire protection systems (sprinklers, alarms, etc.) are adequate for the new load.

Proper ventilation and sanitation facilities are maintained.

IFC 1004.2 and NFPA 101 both enforce the maximum limit of 1 occupant per 5 square feet in modified occupant load scenarios.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 3 sq. ft. → Incorrect

Too small for safe egress and occupant movement; the code does not allow such high density in general occupancies.

C. 7 sq. ft. → Incorrect

While some occupancies have higher space-per-occupant allowances, 5 sq. ft. is the maximum density permitted when increasing load.

D. 15 sq. ft. → Incorrect

15 sq. ft. per person is for lower-density assembly and business occupancies, not for maximum occupant load increases.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is B (5 sq. ft. per occupant) as per IFC 1004.2 and NFPA 101, which govern occupant load increases in buildings.

IFC Section 903.3.5 and Appendix B (Fire-Flow Requirements) allow a reduction in fire flow when sprinklers are installed. For a Type II-B building (noncombustible, unprotected), the base fire flow (7,000 gpm) reflects a large, unsprinklered structure (e.g., per Table B105.1(2)). With full sprinkler protection, IFC B105.2 permits a reduction to as low as 25% of the original flow or the sprinkler demand (whichever is greater), typically 1,500 gpm for commercial buildings per NFPA 13 standards, assuming adequate water supply. Options B, C, and D exceed this minimum without justification. Thus, A is correct.

Retention of Fire Code-Related Records

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 104.6, records related to code enforcement decisions, including modifications or substitutions (such as a sprinkler system replacing a second exit), must be retained for as long as the building and the condition exist.

This ensures that future inspections, property owners, and authorities can verify past decisions and compliance history.

2. Why the Records Must Be Retained Permanently

Modifications that impact life safety (such as exit requirements) must remain on record for the lifetime of the building to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

If the condition (sprinkler substitution for an exit) still exists, any future inspector or building official must be able to verify the original approval and rationale.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (Five years) – Incorrect, as fire code modifications must remain on record permanently if they affect egress or fire protection systems.

Option B (Three years) – Incorrect, as this timeframe applies to temporary inspection reports, not major code modifications.

Option C (Until the building is sold) – Incorrect, as ownership changes do not affect the need for record retention on fire safety decisions.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 104.6 (Fire Code Record Retention Requirements)

NFPA 1: Fire Code (Retention of Code-Related Decisions)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. For as long as the building and the condition exist. ✅

1. Standpipe Requirements in Construction

According to International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3313.1, a temporary standpipe must be installed when construction progresses above 75 feet from the lowest level of fire department access.

This ensures firefighters have adequate water supply access during high-rise construction.

2. Why the 75-Foot Requirement?

Buildings exceeding 75 feet are classified as high-rise structures, where fire department hose streams may not reach upper levels efficiently.

A standpipe system provides a reliable water source for fire suppression during construction, reducing fire risk.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (30 feet) – Incorrect, as standpipes are not required at this height under IFC regulations.

Option B (40 feet) – Incorrect, as this is below the high-rise threshold and does not require standpipes yet.

Option C (55 feet) – Incorrect, as IFC specifically mandates standpipes at 75 feet, not 55 feet.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3313.1 (Temporary Standpipe Requirements for Construction)

NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 75 feet. ✅

IFC Section 3103.8.2 (Separation of Temporary Tents) requires tents larger than 15,000 sq. ft. to be separated by at least 20 feet to prevent fire spread, unless connected by a corridor meeting specific requirements (not indicated here). Each tent at 20,000 sq. ft. exceeds this threshold, necessitating 20 feet of separation. Option A (0 ft.) applies only to smaller tents, B (10 ft.) is insufficient, and D (25 ft.) exceeds the minimum. Thus, C is correct.

The storage of flammable medical gas supply cylinders inside a building is regulated by 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 5306 – Medical Gas Systems.

IFC Section 5306.2.1 – Storage of More Than 200 Cubic Feet of Medical Gases:

When the quantity of flammable medical gas exceeds 200 cubic feet, it must be stored in a separate room with a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating.

The room must also comply with ventilation and explosion control requirements per NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities Code).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 1/2-hour – Insufficient fire resistance for high-risk gas storage.

B. 1-hour – Does not meet the minimum 2-hour requirement set by the IFC.

D. 3-hour – Exceeds the minimum required by code; the correct requirement is 2-hour fire-resistive construction.

Fire-Resistance Rating for Nonbearing Walls in Type IV Construction

Type IV (Heavy Timber) construction, as defined by the International Building Code (IBC) 2021, Section 602.4, consists of large, solid or laminated wood members.

Interior nonbearing walls and partitions in Type IV construction are not required to have a fire-resistance rating (0 hours) unless they separate different occupancies or are specifically mandated by another code provision.

2. Why Type IV Does Not Require a Rating for Nonbearing Walls

The heavy timber components inherently provide fire resistance due to their large cross-section, which chars on the surface and slows fire penetration.

IBC Table 601 confirms that interior nonbearing walls in Type IV construction do not have a required fire-resistance rating.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option B (1 hour) – Incorrect, as Type IV does not require a 1-hour rating for interior nonbearing walls unless specific conditions apply.

Option C (1-1/2 hours) – Incorrect, as there is no code requirement for this level of rating in Type IV nonbearing walls.

Option D (2 hours) – Incorrect, as Type IV walls are not rated unless separating occupancies.

Reference Sources:

International Building Code (IBC) 2021 – Section 602.4 (Type IV Construction Requirements)

IBC Table 601 (Fire-Resistance Ratings for Building Elements)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

 Reference to Code Modifications and Equivalency Requirements:

According to International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 104.10, modifications may be granted if they meet the intent of the code and do not reduce fire and life safety.

The NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) also allow modifications under specific conditions, provided safety is maintained.

 Understanding the Exception in the Question:

The question asks for conditions that DO NOT warrant a modification.

Using an alternative building material alone does not justify a modification unless it meets equivalent safety standards.

Code modifications are granted based on maintaining or improving safety, not simply changing materials.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. Modification does not lessen health, life, and fire safety → Correct condition for modification, so incorrect answer

IFC 104.10 allows modifications as long as safety is not compromised.

C. Modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of the code → Correct condition for modification, so incorrect answer

Codes provide flexibility if the intent of fire and life safety is still met.

D. Special individual reason makes the strict letter of the code impractical → Correct condition for modification, so incorrect answer

Some codes allow modifications if strict compliance is impractical, provided alternative safety measures are implemented.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is B (modification requires the use of an alternative building material) because material substitution alone does not justify a modification unless safety is maintained, as per IFC 104.10 and NFPA standards.

Paint Spray Booth Clearance Requirements

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 2404.3.2, paint spray booths must have a minimum clearance of 18 inches from unprotected combustible materials.

This clearance requirement helps prevent heat transfer, fire spread, and ignition of nearby combustible materials due to the operation of the spray booth.

2. Why 18 Inches is the Correct Answer

Spray booths generate overspray, vapors, and heat, making clearance essential for fire prevention.

The requirement applies to combustible walls, ceilings, and storage materials surrounding the spray booth.

If combustibles are within 18 inches, additional fire protection such as fire-rated barriers or sprinkler protection may be required.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (12 inches) – Incorrect, as the IFC mandates a minimum 18-inch clearance.

Option C (24 inches) – Exceeds the standard clearance requirement but is not the official minimum. Incorrect.

Option D (36 inches) – Some jurisdictions may require larger clearances, but IFC mandates 18 inches as the minimum. Incorrect.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 2404.3.2 (Paint Spray Booth Clearance Requirements)

NFPA 33: Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials (Clearance Guidelines)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: B. 18 inche