Clear Width <br />The basic clear width requirement for apparatus <br />access in the IFC and NFPA 1 is 20 feet. NFPA 1141 <br />calls for one-way fire lanes that are 16 feet wide; <br />however, this applies to roads that do not abut <br />buildings. A clear width of 20 feet will allow most <br />aerial apparatus to extend the outriggers necessary <br />to support the aerial ladder or elevating platform <br />while in operation (Figures 1.2 and 2.1). However, <br />some recently manufactured aerial apparatus <br />require 24 feet of clear width for outrigger extension. <br />*I <br />I <br />~~.-111 1~-,;~,_~- _ ~b ` <br />T-turn Y <br />n° ~r_.-p~Lgl II1C <br />~.l.Fii. til lf:~ <br />t <br />r. <br />i 1 ':-rrNS. Yf'~ <br />1 ~•tfY <br />(Fig. 2.4) Fire apparatus "Y-°° and "T-turnarounds. " <br />Reprinted with permission from NFPA 2003 Uniform Fire <br />Code Handbook, © 2003, National Fire Protection <br />Association, Quincy, MA. <br />Lanes wide enough for apparatus to pass one <br />another will facilitate developing and expanding <br />operations. NFPA 1141 contains a 24-foot clear <br />width requirement for two-way fire lanes. Appen- <br />dix D of the IBC calls for a 26-foot clear width at fire <br />hydrant locations, extending for a distance of 20 <br />feet in both directions, as well as a 26-foot width in <br />the vicinity of buildings that are 30 feet or more in <br />height (for aerial operations). NFPA 1141 also con- <br />tains guidance on access in parking lots. <br />Rolled or rounded curbs adjacent to properly <br />designed sidewalks can effectively increase access <br />width. These allow apparatus to easily negotiate <br />curbs. <br />Height <br />The basic requirement for clear height of fire lanes <br />in the IFC, NFPA 1 and NFPA 1141 is 13 feet 6 inch- <br />es. Some modern aerial apparatus may require 14 <br />feet of clearance. Potential for accumulation <br />of snow and ice should be factored into height <br />requirements. The NFPA 1 handbook recommends <br />at least 14 feet in colder climates. Newer aerial <br />apparatus may also require additional height. <br />Finally, avoid overhead wires or other obstructions <br />when determining fire lane locations. <br />f°}f A. S <br />~ _ ~`~`-1_ rd.i{'°•'~s, ,tee, <br />I ' J'4 ~ 4ti X11 <br />Ir ~ - <br />~41I-a. z <br />i <br />(Fig. 2.5) Fire apparatus cul-de-sac turnaround. <br />Reprinted with permission from NFPA 2003 Uniform Fire <br />Code Handbook, © 2003, National Fire Protection <br />Association, Quincy, MA. <br />FIRE SERVICE FEATURES OF BUILDINGS AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 1 3 <br />129 <br />