Pallet Fire Code Compliance
NFPA 13 & OSHA Storage Guide 2026

Wooden pallets are a significant fire hazard in warehouse environments. An idle pallet pile is classified as a high-challenge fire commodity by NFPA, and improper storage is a leading cause of warehouse fire losses. NFPA 13 (sprinkler systems), OSHA 29 CFR 1910, and local fire codes all have specific requirements for pallet storage that warehouse managers must understand.

NFPA 13 Idle Pallet Storage Requirements

NFPA 13 classifies idle wood pallets as a special high-challenge commodity. Key rules:

• Maximum idle pallet pile height: 6 feet for wood pallets without special sprinkler provisions
• Pile separation: 8 feet minimum between idle pallet piles
• Aisle clearance: 18-inch clearance from sprinkler deflectors to top of storage required
• Outdoor storage: Must be 20 feet from building exterior walls (many jurisdictions)
• Plastic pallets: Classified as Group A plastics - require more aggressive sprinkler design

OSHA Pallet Storage Rules (29 CFR 1910.176)

Wood vs Plastic Pallets: Fire Risk Comparison

Wood pallets, while flammable, have a lower fire intensity than plastic. Plastic pallets (polypropylene, polyethylene) generate higher heat release rates and can overwhelm standard sprinkler systems. NFPA 13 requires enhanced sprinkler design (higher K-factor heads, closer spacing) for facilities storing idle plastic pallets. For most Southeast warehouse operations, wood GMA pallets from Florida Pallet Supply remain the safer, more cost-effective choice.