Essential 2026 Fire Safety Code Updates: What Every Affiliate Needs to Know

As a Commercial Fire affiliate, you know that staying informed on code changes is always a top priority. Doing so not only protects life and property but also your professional reputation. The latest NFPA updates affect inspection, maintenance, and emergency preparedness across various settings. In this blog, we’ll review the key updates, explain what’s new, and highlight how you can prevent a lapse of compliance in the field. 

New Sprinkler Code Updates for CF Affiliates 

With the release of NFPA 25, 2026 Edition, significant changes have been introduced regarding the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of water-based fire protection systems. Keeping these changes in mind is necessary for affiliates who manage or advise on sprinkler system compliance and performance. Highlights of these updated requirements include: 

• Testing solenoid monitoring devices every quarter. 

• Conducting internal inspections of all dry, pre-action, and deluge valves once per year. 

• Expanding annex material clarifying inspector qualifications and the scope of their role in verifying system design aspects.  

• Replacing 50-year-old sprinklers in dwelling units with fast-response models or thermally testing representative samples. 

• Reviewing expanded annex material clarifying inspector qualifications and the scope of their role in verifying system design aspects. 

• Omitting the five-year hydrostatic test when the piping from the Fire Department Connection (FDC) to the fire department check valve is 10 feet or less and fully visible both internally and externally. 

These are extremely important safety updates intended to improve reliability, reduce failure rates, and clarify inspection responsibilities. All of which keep life and property safe. With this in mind, affiliates should review their ITM schedules, update inventory procedures, and ensure all staff are familiar with these new requirements. In the long run, this will avoid compliance pitfalls and maintain safe, functional systems. 

Commercial Business Fire Safety (2026 Focus) 

Regulatory changes also affect commercial business occupancies, with revisions to NFPA 101 and ongoing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforcement. As industry leaders, CF affiliates always adapt to egress, alarms, suppression, and documentation requirements. All the while, anticipating even stricter local enforcement and digital reporting trends. The following key developments are where affiliates should place their focus in the coming year: 

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2027 update): The code is undergoing revision, with the second draft available March 3, 2026, and public debates at the NFPA convention in Las Vegas (June 22–24, 2026). 

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910: Employers must maintain sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and emergency plans, with enforcement intensifying for annual servicing and thorough documentation of system impairments. 

•  Local jurisdictions: There’s an increasing focus on annual inspections, strict maintenance of commercial cooking fire suppression systems, and emergency lighting, with harsher penalties for non-compliance and growing demands for digital reporting. 

The developments described above underscore the importance of strong fire protection strategies, thorough documentation, and ongoing training for affiliates. Staying on top of these necessary updates ensures compliance and demonstrates your commitment to business safety. 

Schools & Educational Facilities 

Educational facilities face unique fire safety challenges just like any other. The NFPA 101 2024 Edition provides clear standards for new and existing schools, with a focus on life safety, system integration, and preparedness. Affiliates working with educational clients should make sure that these requirements are understood and implemented: 

• Monthly fire drills: These must take place during each school session. 

• Sprinkler systems: These must be integrated to activate the building’s fire alarm system. 

• Carbon monoxide detectors: These must be installed in rooms with fuel-burning appliances and in adjacent spaces. 

• Automatic sprinkler systems: These are mandatory for most new educational occupancies over 1,000 square feet. 

• Decorations and combustibles: There are strict limits on wall coverage—20% in non-sprinklered, 50% in sprinklered buildings. 

• Evacuation Plans: Schools must maintain on-site approved fire safety and evacuation plans, including impairment coordinators and designated fire wardens. 

Keeping up with requirements helps schools maintain a safe learning environment and achieve compliance with minimal disruption. Combining this with regular communication, training, and documentation can set you up for success in terms of fire safety management. 

Stay Informed, Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead 

With the Fire and Life Safety landscape evolving by the day, CF affiliates play a rather important role in safeguarding businesses and educational facilities. From sprinkler system ITM to school fire safety requirements, these updates demand vigilance, adaptability, and a commitment to best practices. Understanding and implementing these changes proves that you can uphold the highest standards of protection for your clients and communities.