How 2026 Fire Safety Regulations Could Affect Your Commercial Property
As we look ahead to 2026, fire safety regulations for commercial buildings are evolving, and the changes could have a real impact on your property. Whether you manage a hospital, airport, data center, or other commercial space, staying ahead of these updates is about more than compliance. It’s about keeping people safe, protecting critical assets, and avoiding costly interruptions.
In this post, we’ll break down the key regulatory changes coming next year and provide a practical checklist to help you get ready.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The latest edition of NFPA 855: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems (ESS) expands coverage of battery chemistries, requires hazard mitigation analysis, introduces large-scale fire testing, and sets new emergency response expectations. For facilities with large battery systems- like data centers or airports-these updates are especially important.
At the state level, new legislation is updating requirements for fire protection equipment, inspections, and staff training, including updated classifications for fire extinguishers.
Why These Changes Matter for Your Facility
- Hospitals, airports, and data centers often have complex electrical systems, high occupancy, and critical operations. The new regulations increase expectations for risk analysis, system maintenance, and emergency planning.
- Passive fire protection systems, including fire doors and evacuation routes, are under closer scrutiny. Delays in updating these systems can lead to compliance issues, higher insurance costs, or increased liability.
- Facility managers will need to stay engaged with local code authorities and inspection regimes. What was considered “safe” yesterday may not meet the standards in 2026.
Key Areas to Review Now
- Energy Storage and Battery Systems: Review design, installation, suppression systems, and emergency response plans in light of NFPA 855 updates.
- New chemistries explicitly listed (e.g., iron-air, lithium metal, nickel-hydrogen, zinc-air)
- Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA)
- Explosion Control – Now requires active ventilation per NFPA 69
- Fire Doors and Compartmentation: Audit all fire doors and fire compartments, ensuring certifications and maintenance are current.
- Inspection and Maintenance Documentation: Keep detailed logs of inspections, maintenance, and staff training-these will be vital for compliance.
- Training and Emergency Plans: Make sure staff are trained to handle new risks, such as battery or electrical incidents, and that emergency procedures are up to date.
- Insurance and Liability: Communicate with your insurance provider to understand how regulatory changes may affect coverage.
Readiness Checklist for 2026 Compliance
- Inventory energy storage systems, EV charging, and other high-risk electrical or industrial systems
- Review design and installation of storage systems per NFPA 855 (2026)
- Audit fire doors, compartments, and evacuation routes
- Update emergency response plans for new hazards
- Schedule staff and contractor training
- Review maintenance and inspection logs for all fire and safety systems
- Engage with insurance providers regarding coverage changes
- Monitor local adoption of 2026 codes and standards
- Review explosion control measures for ESS and ensure compliance with UL 954A large-scale fire testing protocols.
Preparing for 2026 regulations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting early, hospitals, airports, data centers, and other commercial facilities can stay ahead of compliance, protect people and property, and reduce risk. At National Fire & Safety, we help our customers understand these changes and implement tailored strategies that keep their facilities safe and ready for the future.
Want a tailored consultation for how 2026 fire safety regulation changes impact your facility? Contact National Fire & Safety today for a commercial fire protection readiness assessment.