Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices for Pre-1974 High Rise Apartment Buildings

Maryland's HB823/CH0744 - PDF established a workgroup to create fire safety best practices for pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings. The workgroup focused on studying fire safety risks in high rise apartment buildings that do not have automatic sprinkler systems or other fire safety technology. They recommended a layered approach to improving fire safety in pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings that lack sprinkler systems.

The Workgroup met over the course of 9 months and held 16 public meetings, resulting in an interim report - PDF submitted to the Maryland General Assembly in December 2024 and a comprehensive final report - PDF in June 2025.

Mission and Purpose

Studying fire safety risks in high–rise apartment buildings that do not have automatic sprinkler systems or other fire safety technology;
Studying current strategies, practices, and technology to mitigate fire risks, maximize evacuation of occupants, and allow for greater access and more expedient responses by emergency response professionals; and
Developing recommendations and best practices for the improvement of fire safety in high–rise apartment buildings that do not have fire sprinkler systems and other fire safety technology.

Considerations

The availability, feasibility, and degree of fire hazard mitigation of each alternative fire protection
The cost, design, installation, testing, and maintenance of each fire protection system
The duration of installation for each alternative fire protection system and the intensity of the disruption of normal occupancy caused by installation.

The Workgroup developed recommendations and best practices for the improvement of fire safety in high–rise apartment buildings.

Recommended best practices

Automatic sprinklers: The primary goal is complete retrofitting since this is the most critical life-safety measure.
Fire alarms & detection: Modernize and ensure regular testing and maintenance of alarms, smoke detectors, and notification systems.
Compartmentation: Ensure fire-rated doors are functional (not propped open) and egress routes are clear to slow smoke/fire spread.
Maintenance & enforcement: Better code enforcement is needed, as routine inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of all fire systems is vital.
Resident education: Teach occupants about fire prevention (cooking, smoking), escape planning, and the importance of not blocking exits or propping fire doors.
Emergency planning: Develop and practice building-specific fire safety plans and conduct regular fire drills.

Interim risk mitigation (if sprinklers aren't immediate)

Focus on egress: Maintain clear, unobstructed escape routes and ensure fire doors work correctly.
Upgrade alarms: Install interconnected smoke alarms in units and common areas.
Enhance suppression: Consider alternative technologies (like water mist) as supplements, but not replacements for sprinklers.
Increase inspections: More frequent checks of existing equipment like fire extinguishers and alarms.

Resident actions

Know your building: Understand the fire plan, exits, and assembly points.
Practice drills: Participate in drills and know how to react.
Maintain alarms: Test your unit's smoke alarm monthly and change batteries annually.
Don't block exits: Keep hallways and fire doors clear.
Be cautious: Watch cooking, smoking materials, and space heaters.