PDFWAC 110-145-1665
What are the fire safety requirements for all group residential facilities?
(1) You must comply with the regulations developed by the WSP/FPB. These regulations are contained in the current fire code and Washington state amendments as adopted by the state of Washington. Contact the WSP/FPB for specific requirements.
(2) If you operate a staffed residential home for five or fewer children you must meet the fire safety requirements outlined in chapter 110-148 WAC for child foster homes.
(3) You and your staff must be familiar with safety procedures related to fire prevention, including fire drill procedures.
(4) You and your staff must be able to:
(a) Operate all fire extinguishers installed on the premises;
(b) Test smoke detectors, more specifically, single station types;
(c) Conduct frequent inspections at your facility to identify fire hazards and take action to correct any hazards noted during the inspection;
(d) Ensure children are able to escape from every floor in your facility. In most cases, this includes a functional fire ladder available from upper stories; and
(e) Ensure windows open to the outside and are large enough for emergency personnel to enter and exit wearing rescue gear, unless the building or structure has a fire sprinkler protection system and was previously approved by the local fire marshal or building official with jurisdiction.
(5) You must have easy access to all rooms in your facility in case of emergencies.
(6) Barriers are required for fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating systems for facilities licensed for children less than six years of age. You must not leave open-flame devices unattended or use them for a purpose other than for what they were designed.
(7) Emergency vehicles must be able to access your facility. Your address must be clearly visible on your facility or mailbox so that emergency personnel can easily find your location.
(8) We may require you to have an inspection by WSP/FPB or the local fire authority if we have questions about fire safety, or if local ordinances or WSP/FPB require these inspections.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.15.030. WSR 22-11-091, § 110-145-1665, filed 5/18/22, effective 6/18/22. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-145-1665, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.15.010, 74.15.030, 74.15.040, 74.15.090, and 74.13.031. WSR 17-22-039, § 388-145-1665, filed 10/24/17, effective 11/24/17. Statutory Authority: Chapters 13.34 and 74.13 RCW, RCW 74.15.030(2), 74.15.311(2), 74.13.032, 13.04.011, 74.13.020, 13.34.030, 74.13.031, 13.34.145, 74.15.311, 74.15.030, and 2013 c 105. WSR 15-01-069, § 388-145-1665, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15.]