§ The Bookshelf

Reference Materials.

Standards, codes, industry associations, and the state fire marshal offices you'll need on speed-dial. Bookmarks every operator should have at hand.

Fire Safety & Building Codes

Code / StandardNFPA

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code — Special Amusement Buildings

The foundational fire and life safety standard for haunted attractions. The Special Amusement Building provisions emerged directly from the 1984 Six Flags Great Adventure fire that killed 8 teenagers.

Voluntary StandardASTM Int'l

ASTM F24 Committee — Amusement Rides and Devices Standards

Sets voluntary safety standards for amusement attractions. Several states adopt ASTM F24 standards by reference in their amusement ride regulations, making them effectively mandatory.

CaliforniaCA OSFM

California Office of the State Fire Marshal

Regulates fire safety for places of public assembly in California, including haunted attractions. Enforces the California Fire Code and Title 19 regulations.

FloridaFL SFM

Florida Division of the State Fire Marshal

Administers fire safety inspections and permitting for public assembly and amusement venues in Florida under Chapter 633, Florida Statutes.

LouisianaLA OSFM

Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal

Issues permits and conducts safety inspections for temporary and permanent haunted attraction venues in Louisiana. Enforces the Louisiana Life Safety Code.

MissouriMO DFS

Missouri Division of Fire Safety

Oversees fire safety inspections and permitting for amusement attractions and special event venues in Missouri. Enforces the Missouri Fire Safety Law (Chapter 320, RSMo).

New JerseyNJ DFS

New Jersey Division of Fire Safety

Administers fire safety regulations and inspections for amusement and entertainment venues in New Jersey under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.

New YorkNY DOS

New York State Division of Building Standards and Codes

Oversees the New York State Building Code and Fire Code, which govern public assembly occupancies including haunted attractions operating in New York.

TennesseeTN DFP

Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention

Enforces the Tennessee Fire Prevention Code for commercial entertainment venues, including temporary and permanent haunted attractions operating in Tennessee.