# Subtitle 11. Fire Safety

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Subtitle 11. Fire Safety

### Division 1. General Provisions

#### Sec. 11-101. Short Title, purpose

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-101 (2026)

(a) The provisions of this Subtitle shall constitute and shall hereafter be known as "The Fire Safety Law of Prince George's County, Maryland."

(b) The Fire Safety Law of Prince George's County, Maryland, shall be deemed an exercise of the police powers of Prince George's County, Maryland, for the preservation and protection of the public health, peace, safety and welfare, and all the provisions of this Subtitle shall be liberally construed for that purpose.

#### Sec. 11-102. Definitions

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-102 (2026)

(a) Generally. Definitions of words defined in this Section apply only to this Subtitle. Whenever definitions are set forth in any code, standard, manual or model law adopted by reference in this Subtitle or under the authority of this Subtitle, such definitions shall apply to the particular code, standards, manual or model law adopted by reference in which the definition appears. Any conflict between definitions set forth in an adopted code, standard, manual or model law and those expressly set forth in this Section shall be resolved by reference to the definition in this Section.

(b) Definitions. As used in this Subtitle:

  (1) Alternative means a system, condition, arrangement, material, or equipment submitted to the Fire Chief or authorized representative as a substitute for a Subtitle requirement.

  (2) Approved or Approval means in accordance with standards or requirements set forth in this Subtitle. The approval by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other recognized agency or organization concerned with product evaluation, shall be presumed to meet such standards unless there is evidence to the contrary.

  (3) Authority having jurisdiction means the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

  (4) Authorized display means the discharge of fireworks for which a permit has been issued by the State Fire Marshal.

  (5) Authorized representative means a person duly appointed to administer or enforce this Subtitle in the name of the Fire Chief.

  (6) Boardinghouse means "boarding house" as defined under "Dwellings" in the International Building Code adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

  (7) Burning means lighting, igniting, kindling, or setting fire to combustible materials, adding fuel to a fire or permitting combustible materials to burn.

  (8) Carbon Monoxide Detector means a device capable of measuring the amount of carbon monoxide (an odorless, colorless and potentially fatal gas created when fossil fuels do not burn completely) that is present within a structure and sounding an audible alarm at specified levels of detection.

  (9) Central station means an approved office to which remote alarm and supervisory signaling devices are connected where persons are in attendance at all times to supervise the circuits and investigate signals.

  (10) Central station system means a system, or group of systems, the operations of which are signaled to, recorded in, maintained and supervised from, an approved central station, in which there are competent and experienced observers and operators in attendance at all times whose duty it shall be, upon receipt of a signal, to take such action as shall be required under the rules established for their guidance. Such systems shall be controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose principal business is the furnishing and maintaining of supervised protective signaling service and who does not have interest in the unprotected properties.

  (11) Contractor includes a subcontractor.

  (12) Dangerous rocket means any model rocket or model rocket engine that does not comply with the construction requirements of NFPA-1122. For purposes of this Subtitle, a "dangerous rocket" is subject to the regulations governing fireworks.

  (13) Distribute as used in this Subtitle with reference to fire extinguishers shall include renting, leasing, and giving away as a prize or a premium.

  (14) Dormitory means "dormitory" as defined under "Dwellings" in the International Building Code adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

  (15) Dwelling or Dwellings means any living unit or units as defined under "Dwellings" in the International Building Code adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

  (16) Dwelling Unit means "Dwelling Unit" as defined in the International Building Code adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

  (17) Emergency alarm means giving, signaling, or transmitting to Public Safety Communications, any fire station, any central station, any rescue station, or any emergency message center, or to any member of the foregoing, or a fire official or police officer, whether by telephone, spoken word, or otherwise, information to the effect that there is a fire, explosion, injured person, sick person, person trapped, building collapse, gas leak, or other emergency to which the Fire/EMS Department or rescue apparatus normally responds.

  (18) Excavate or excavation. See definition at Section 2-385 of this County Code.

  (19) Existing condition means any situation, circumstance, or physical makeup of any structure, premises, or process which was ongoing or in effect prior to the adoption of this Subtitle.

  (20) Explosive means a chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion that contains any oxidizing and combustible units or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities, or packing that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonation of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or of destroying life and limb.

  (21) Fire alarm system. See "fire warning system."

  (22) Fire apparatus means a vehicle such as a fire pumper, aerial ladder truck, elevated platform, rescue squad, or similar fire-fighting or rescue equipment.

  (23) Fire Chief means the head of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department as established by the Charter.

  (24) Fire Code Official means the person so designated by the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement with concurrence of the Fire Chief.

  (25) Fire Department means the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.

  (26) Fire/EMS Department connection means a connection for Fire/EMS Department use in supplementing or supplying water for standpipes and sprinkler systems.

  (27) Fire drill means an exercise by which the occupants or users of a structure practice a planned evacuation route from the said structure.

  (28) Fire hazard means any thing, condition, or act which in the absence of fire, persons regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire recognize as liable to increase or cause an increase in the hazard or menace of fire, or which, in the event of fire, may obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the Fire/EMS Department or with the egress of occupants.

  (29) Fire hydrant means an approved valved outlet on a water supply system with one (1) or more threaded outlets and used to supply Fire/EMS Department hoses and pumpers with water.

  (30) Fire lane means the space, road, path, or other passageway developed to allow the placement and passage of fire apparatus on and through congested areas including private property.

  (31) Fire Marshal means an individual designated by the Fire Chief that oversees the Office of The Fire Marshal.

  (32) Fire Official means any person serving as a designated employee, representative, or agent of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department under authority granted by the Fire Chief.

  (33) Fire protection system means systems, devices, and equipment used to detect fire, heat, smoke, fumes, or gasses, actuate an alarm, suppress or control a fire, or any combination thereof.

  (34) Fire separation means construction of rated fire resistant material(s) or the maintenance of clear area to resist the spread of fire; including but not limited to "fire door," "fire resistance," "fire separation," "exterior fire exposure," "fire separation wall," "fire wall," and "fire window" as defined in the International Building Code as adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

  (35) Fire suppression system means a device, devices, or system of devices that detects a phenomenon of fire including, but not limited to, heat, smoke, flame, visible or invisible particles, or infrared, ultraviolet, or invisible radiation and, upon detection, automatically extinguishes or attempts to extinguish a fire.

  (36) Fire warning system means a device, devices, or system of devices that detects a phenomenon of fire, including, but not limited to, heat, smoke, flame, visible or invisible particles, or infrared, ultraviolet, or visible radiation and that, upon detection, transmits an audible, visible, or other sensory alarm to occupants and/or the Fire/EMS Department.

  (37) Fireworks, except as hereinafter provided, means:

    (A) Any combustible or explosive composition;

    (B) Any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation;

    (C) Blank cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns, in which explosives as defined by State law are used;

    (D) Unmanned balloons that require fire for propulsion;

    (E) Firecrackers, squibs, rockets, sparklers, roman candles, torpedoes, bombs, grenades, fire balloons, signal lights, fountains, wheels, dipsticks, dangerous rockets, novelties composed of two (2) or more of the foregoing, and any device of like construction; and

    (F) Tablets or other devices containing any explosive, explosive substance or flammable compound.

Notwithstanding the foregoing definition, for purposes of this Subtitle, "fireworks" shall not include:

(A) Model rockets or model engines that are designed, sold and used for the purpose of propelling recoverable aero models;

(B) Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which are used toy paper or plastic caps manufactured in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation regulations for packing and shipping of toy paper or plastic caps;

(C) Toy paper or plastic caps manufactured in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation, except that each package of toy paper or plastic caps offered for retail sale must be labeled to indicate the maximum explosive content per cap;

(D) Flare guns used by railroads or other transportation agencies for signal purpose or illumination; and

(E) Blank cartridges used either in public entertainment by performers or for signal or ceremonial purposes at athletic or sports events or by military organizations.

(38) Fireworks shooter means a person or persons who may supervise an authorized display upon the prior written approval of the State Fire Marshal.

(39) Gallon means one United States standard gallon.

(40) Grade when used with respect to the exterior of buildings means the reference plane representing the average elevation of finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.

(41) Hazardous chemicals shall include, but are not limited to, such materials as flammable solids, corrosive liquids, radioactive materials, oxidizing materials, potentially explosive chemicals, hazardous substances, highly toxic materials, and poisonous gases.

(42) Hazardous substance means any matter that conveys toxic, lethal, or sublethal effects to plant, aquatic, or animal life, or which may be injurious to human health, or persists in the environment, or which causes sublethal alterations to aquatic, plant, animal, or human systems through their cumulative or immediate reactions. The term includes any matter identified as a hazardous substance by the Environmental Protection Agency in Regulation 40 CFR Part 116.

(43) Hotel means hotel as defined under dwellings in the International Building Code adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

(44) Multifamily apartment house means any building or portion thereof, that is designed, built, rented, leased, sold, let, or hired out to be occupied, or that is occupied as the home or residence of three (3) or more families, each living in a separate dwelling unit, and shall include flats and apartments.

(45) NFPA means National Fire Protection Association. When followed by a number, e.g., NFPA-101, the term refers to a model code or standard promulgated by the NFPA.

(45.1) Novelty Lighter means a mechanical or electrical device typically used for lighting cigarettes, cigars or pipes that is designed to resemble cartoon characters, toys, guns, explosive devices, watches, musical instruments, vehicles, animals, food or beverages, or similar articles, or that play musical notes, or has flashing lights for entertainment or has other entertaining features. A novelty lighter may operate on any fuel, including but not limited to butane, isobutene or liquid fuel. Novelty lighter does not include:

  (1) A lighter manufactured prior to January 1, 1980;

  (2) A lighter incapable of being fueled or lacking a device necessary to produce combustion or a flame;

  (3) Any mechanical or electrical device primarily used to ignite fuel for fireplaces or for charcoal or gas grills; or

  (4) Standard disposable and refillable lighters that are printed or decorated with logos, labels, decals or artwork, or heat shrinkable sleeves.

(46) Permit means an official document or certificate issued by the Fire Chief or other permit-issuing authority for the purpose of authorizing the performance or conduct of a specified activity.

(47) Permit holder or permittee means the person in whose name a permit is issued.

(48) Person means an individual, an executor, administrator, trustee, receiver, or other representative appointed according to law, or a corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization, or any other group acting as a unit. Whenever a violation of this Subtitle constitutes an unlawful act, "person" may include the partners or members of a partnership or association and the officers, agents, employees, or members of a corporation who are responsible for the violation.

(49) Process means the manufacturing, handling, blending, conversion, purification, recovery, separation, synthesis or use, or any combination of any commodity or material regulated by this Subtitle.

(50) Public Safety Communications means the public fire service communication facilities operated by Prince George's County receiving fire alarms or other emergency calls from the public, retransmitting these alarms and emergency calls to fire companies and other interested agencies, and operating the fire and rescue services radio base stations and landline communications equipment.

(51) Repair means the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building or structure for the purpose of its maintenance. The term "repair" shall not apply to any construction which changes or alters an existing building or structure or part thereof.

(52) Siamese Connection. See "Fire/EMS Department connection."

(53) Single-Family Dwelling means "one-family dwelling" as defined under "dwellings" in the International Building Code adopted in Subtitle 4 of this County Code.

(54) Sleeping area means the area or areas of the dormitory, dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling, or guest rooms in a hotel or motel in which the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. Rooms habitually used for sleeping that are separated by other use areas (including, but not limited to, kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms or closets) shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of this Subtitle.

(55) Smoke Alarm means an approved device capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion.

(56) Smoking means lighting, igniting, holding, or possessing any lighted cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or carrying, throwing, or depositing any lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette, or pipe.

(57) Street means a public thoroughfare that has been dedicated for vehicular use by the public.

(58) System means several items of equipment assembled, grouped or otherwise interconnected for the accomplishment of a purpose or a function.

(59) Unprotected combustible fiber storage vault means a room with a capacity not exceeding one thousand (1,000) cubic feet separated from the remainder of the building by a two (2) hour occupancy separation, constructed as specified in the International Building Code adopted by Subtitle 4 of this County Code and provided with approved safety vents to the outside.

(60) Utility line. See definition at Section 2-385 of this County Code.

#### Sec. 11-103. Procedures in case of fire

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-103 (2026)

(a) Notify Fire/EMS Department. Any person who discovers evidence of any actual, impending or extinguished, dangerous or destructive, or potentially dangerous or destructive, fire shall immediately cause notice of the existence of such fire, circumstances of same and the location thereof to be given to Public Safety Communications. This requirement shall not be construed to forbid that person or the person in control of a building or premises on which a fire exists from using all diligence necessary to extinguish such fire prior to the arrival of the Fire/EMS Department.

(b) Evacuation of buildings. Whenever a fire occurs in a building or there is reason to believe a fire exists in a building, the building shall be immediately evacuated and not reoccupied without the permission of the fire official in charge. If the building is provided with a manual fire warning system, it shall be the duty of any person who has knowledge of the fire to activate the manual fire warning system. Complete evacuation is not required when alternative procedures have been detailed in a fire plan which has been approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

#### Sec. 11-104. Prohibited acts; interfering with or obstructing officials during fire or other emergency

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-104 (2026)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to interfere with or obstruct the operations of the Fire/EMS Department, or any member thereof, or any fire official, while extinguishing a fire or proceeding to a fire or other emergency. Such interference or obstruction shall include disobeying the lawful command of a police officer assisting the Fire/EMS Department at a fire or other emergency.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to make, issue, post, or maintain any regulation or order, written or verbal, requiring any other person who discovers evidence of an actual, impending or extinguished, dangerous or destructive, or potentially dangerous or destructive, fire to delay reporting the existence of such evidence to Public Safety Communications.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person that is not a current member of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department or an authorized public safety official to participate in any Fire/EMS Department emergency operations.

#### Sec. 11-105. Same; gas leaks

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-105 (2026)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any officer, agent, or employee of any utility company, permit holder (permittee), builder, developer, or contractor, who is in charge of any excavation and who, during such excavation, discovers evidence of or knows of a break or rupture in the containment system for natural gas or other flammable gas to delay making immediate notification of such condition to Public Safety Communications.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person who discovers evidence of or knows of a concentration of natural gas or other flammable gas mixture within an enclosed structure or in the atmosphere to delay making immediate notification of such evidence or condition to Public Safety Communications.

(c) It shall be the responsibility of the excavator and/or contractor to have all overhead and underground utilities located before work commences.

#### Sec. 11-106. Same; false emergency alarms

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-106 (2026)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to deliberately, recklessly or maliciously give, signal or transmit, or to cause or permit to be given, signalled or transmitted, an emergency alarm when in fact that person knows that no such emergency exists.

(b) A faulty or nuisance alarm is deemed to occur whenever the fire official or fire department officer-in-charge responding to an alarm call, determines after investigation that faulty equipment initiated the alarm. Whenever faulty or nuisance alarm activations occurring in any occupancy exceed three (3) in a 90-day period, the fire official may require the owner or occupant to conduct a witnessed test of the fire protection system causing the faulty or nuisance alarm. Inspection fees shall be as in Subtitle 11, Sec. 11-163 of Prince George's County Code - $150 per hour, or part thereof, per inspector.

#### Sec. 11-107. Same; negligent fires

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-107 (2026)

It shall be unlawful for any person, by any means whatsoever, through carelessness or negligence to set fire to, or to cause the burning of, any bedding, furniture, rug, curtain, drape or other house or household furnishings or fittings, or any other part of any hotel, rooming house, dormitory, motel, lodging house, multifamily dwelling, tenement house, convalescent home, hospital, child care facility or similar place of abode in such manner as to endanger the safety of any person or property.

#### Sec. 11-108. Same; setting fire to waste or refuse

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-108 (2026)

It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and maliciously set fire to, burn or cause to be burned, or aid, counsel or procure the burning of any combustible waste or refuse located in a chute, bin, compactor, room, container or other facility provided for the collection of waste or refuse.

#### Sec. 11-109. Same; access to utilities

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-109 (2026)

No person shall place, keep or store any material on or before any building mechanical, gas, electrical, or water service, the presence of which would interfere with the ability of the Fire/EMS Department to shut off the utility.

#### Sec. 11-110. Same; impersonation of fire officials

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-110 (2026)

It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to use a badge, uniform or other credentials so as to impersonate a fire official in Prince George's County.

#### Sec. 11-111. Same; compliance with fire safety law orders or notices

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-111 (2026)

It shall be unlawful for any owner, agent, contractor, permit holder or permittee or any other person to violate or fail to comply with any order or notice issued or served by the Fire Chief or authorized representative pursuant to the provisions of this Subtitle.

#### Sec. 11-112. Same; condemned appliances or devices; use and removal or mutilation of tags

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-112 (2026)

(a) Use. It shall be unlawful for any person to use any device or appliance that has been marked or tagged as condemned by the Fire Chief or authorized representative under the provisions of Section 11-160 of this Subtitle.

(b) Tags. It shall be unlawful for any person to mutilate or remove from any device or appliance, the mark or tag of the Fire Chief or authorized representative placed on or attached to the said device or appliance under the provisions of Section 11-160 of this Subtitle, unless the Fire Chief or authorized representative has given permission to remove such mark or tag.

#### Sec. 11-113. Same; tampering with fire safety equipment

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-113 (2026)

(a) It shall be unlawful to deliberately operate, actuate or use any fire suppression system required to be installed by this Subtitle for purposes other than emergencies, maintenance or prescribed testing.

(b) It shall be unlawful to tamper with, or willfully and maliciously render inoperative, any fire warning system installed pursuant to the requirements of this Subtitle.

(c) It shall be unlawful to willfully and maliciously activate any installed fire warning system for purposes other than emergencies, maintenance, or prescribed testing without proper notification to Public Safety Communications.

(d) It shall be unlawful to use, tamper with or willfully and maliciously render inoperative, any portable fire extinguisher other than during emergencies, maintenance, or testing.

(e) No person shall willfully and maliciously molest, tamper with, damage, or otherwise disturb any apparatus, equipment, or appurtenance belonging to, or under the supervision and/or control of, the Fire/EMS Department without authority from the fire official in charge or authorized representative.

(f) No person shall willfully and maliciously remove, tamper with, or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant or fire equipment, required to be installed or maintained under the provisions of this Subtitle except for the purpose of extinguishing fire, training, recharging, testing, or making necessary repairs. Whenever fire equipment is removed as herein permitted, it shall be replaced or reinstalled as soon as the purpose for which it was removed has been accomplished.

(g) No person, other than fire officials in the performance of official duties, shall use or operate any fire hydrant without the permission of the owner of such hydrant.

#### Sec. 11-114. Criminal penalty for violations

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-114 (2026)

A violation of any provision of this Subtitle shall constitute a misdemeanor and any person, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100) and not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), or sentenced to not more than six (6) months in jail, or both. Each day that such violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

#### Sec. 11-115. Civil relief for violations

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-115 (2026)

The County may enforce or correct the violations of any provision of this Subtitle by instituting injunction, mandamus or any other appropriate action or proceeding at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction.

#### Sec. 11-116. Damage or injury liability

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-116 (2026)

(a) No officer, agent or employee of the County charged with enforcement of this Subtitle while acting within the scope of his or her authority and without malice shall be personally liable for any damage which may occur to persons or properties as a result of any act required or permitted under this Subtitle or as a result of the institution or assistance in the prosecution of a criminal proceeding under this Subtitle. Any suit brought against any such officer, agent or employee of the County as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her duties under this Subtitle shall be defended by the County Attorney until the final termination of the proceedings. Further, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall not be liable for costs in any action, suit or other proceeding which may be instituted and which arises out of any act required, instituted or permitted under this Subtitle; and any authorized representative of the Fire/EMS Department acting on good faith and without malice shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of the provisions of this Subtitle or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of the official duties under this Subtitle.

(b) The County shall not be liable for any damage to persons or property either by reason of the inspection or reinspection of buildings, structures or things, authorized by this Subtitle, or by reason of failure to inspect or reinspect such buildings, structures or things, or by reason of any permit issued or the approval or disapproval of any permit issued pursuant to this Subtitle, or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any equipment authorized by this Subtitle.

#### Sec. 11-117 through 11-149. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 11-117–11-149 (2026)

### Division 2. Administration

#### Sec. 11-150. Authority of Fire Chief

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-150 (2026)

(a) Generally. The Fire Chief is hereby authorized and directed to administer the provisions of this Subtitle. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as are set forth in this Subtitle and as may be conferred and imposed from time to time by law. The Fire Chief may delegate any of his or her powers or duties under this Subtitle to the Office of the Fire Marshal or to other fire officials.

(b) Emergencies. In case of an emergency, where in the opinion of the Fire Chief, or authorized representative, life or property is in immediate danger of fire or explosion, the Fire Chief, or authorized representative, is hereby authorized to take such actions as are necessary to protect such life or property.

(c) Enforcement assistance. All County agencies, offices and departments shall render necessary assistance in the enforcement of this Subtitle when requested to do so by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

#### Sec. 11-151. Office of the Fire Marshal

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-151 (2026)

(a) To assist in the performance of the responsibilities and the duties placed upon the Fire Chief, the Office of the Fire Marshal is established within the Fire/EMS Department, which shall be responsible for enforcing laws and ordinances in effect in Prince George's County covering the following:

  (1) The prevention of fires;

  (2) The storage, use, and handling of explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, and other hazardous gaseous, solid, and liquid substances;

  (3) The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual, and other private fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment;

  (4) The installation, maintenance, and regulation of fire escapes;

  (5) The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land and in buildings, structures, and other property, including those under construction;

  (6) The means and adequacy of each exit in the event of fire from factories, schools, hotels, lodging houses, asylums, hospitals, churches, halls, theaters, amphitheaters, and all other places in which people work, live, or congregate from time to time for any purpose;

  (7) The investigation of the origin, cause, and circumstance of fires and explosions within Prince George's County, Maryland;

  (8) The fire safety aspects of Subtitle 11 and the State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code, except for Chapter 2, "Procedural Regulations, " and Chapter 4, "Fees for Fire Prevention Services;" and

  (9) Other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

#### Sec. 11-152. Investigation of fires

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-152 (2026)

(a) Authority of Fire Chief or authorized representative generally. The Fire Chief and authorized representative shall have the authority to investigate the origin, cause, and circumstance of every fire, explosion or other emergency in which the Fire/EMS Department has a reasonable interest. When the Fire Chief or authorized representative has reason to believe that a fire or explosion may be the result of a violation of any law, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall immediately take custody of and safeguard all physical evidence in connection therewith, and shall have the authority to prohibit the disturbance or removal of any material, substance, device, or utility in, or upon, any building or property wherein, or whereon, a fire or explosion has occurred until the investigation of the fire or explosion is complete.

(b) Authority of the Fire Chief or authorized representative to enter and examine. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall have the authority at all times, in performance of the duties imposed by the provisions of this Subtitle, to enter upon and/or examine any area, building or premises, vehicle, or other thing when there is probable cause to believe that fires or attempt to cause fires exist or which at the time may be burning. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall have the authority to enter, at any time, any building or property adjacent to that on which the fire or attempt to cause fires has occurred should it be deemed necessary in the proper discharge of the authorized duties; and may, at his or her discretion, take full control and custody of such buildings and premises and place such person in charge thereof as he or she may deem proper until his examination and investigation shall be completed.

#### Sec. 11-153. General authority at fires or other emergencies

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-153 (2026)

The fire official conducting operations in connection with the extinguishment and control of any fire, explosion or other emergency, who is authorized by the Fire Chief, shall have full power and authority to direct all operations of fire extinguishment or control and to take the necessary precautions to save life, protect property, and prevent further injury or damage. In the pursuit of such operation, including the investigation of the cause of such emergency, the fire official may control or prohibit the approach to the scene of such emergency by any vehicle, vessel or thing and all persons not involved in other actions germane to the emergency.

#### Sec. 11-154. Arrest powers

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-154 (2026)

The Fire Chief in accordance with Section 2-208.3 of the Criminal Procedure Article of the Maryland Annotated Code shall designate individuals for the express purpose of enforcing the fire safety laws in effect in Prince George's County, including, but not limited to, this Subtitle. This power shall extend to any arrest or other lawful action necessary to permit the peaceful completion of any lawful action by the Fire/EMS Department.

#### Sec. 11-155. Evacuation of persons

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-155 (2026)

When, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or authorized representative, there is actual danger to the occupants or those in the proximity of any building, structure or premises, to include single-family dwellings, because of apparent danger of collapse or inadequacy of any exit way, the presence of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors, flammable liquids, vapors, gas or other presence of toxic fumes, gases or material, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may order the immediate evacuation of such building, structure or premises. Upon issuance of the said order, all occupants shall immediately leave the building, structure or premises and no one shall enter or reenter until authorized to do so by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

#### Sec. 11-156. Fire reports

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-156 (2026)

(a) Generally. Every fire shall be reported using the current operational procedures to the Fire/EMS Department by the senior fire officer in whose service area such fire has occurred. The report shall be in such form as shall be prescribed by the Fire Chief or authorized representative and shall contain a statement of facts relating to the origin, cause, and circumstance of such fire, factors contributing to the spread of fire, injury to persons and extent of such injuries, response personnel, and such other information as may be required. Reports shall be submitted in accordance with the schedule prescribed by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(b) Suspicious circumstances. The fire official in charge of the scene of a fire emergency of incendiary or suspicious nature, of undetermined cause, or where loss of life or injury occurs, shall immediately report such circumstances to the Office of the Fire Marshal.

#### Sec. 11-157. Resolution of Code disputes involving fire safety

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-157 (2026)

Nothing in this Subtitle shall be construed as rendering other applicable laws invalid. In any situation where a conflict exists between a provision of this Subtitle and another County code, law or regulation, the more stringent code shall apply. The property owner may petition in writing to the Office of the Fire Marshal when a conflict arises on the interpretation of the County-related Fire Codes. The Fire Marshal and appropriate head of the agency responsible for enforcing the conflicting provisions shall in concert resolve the conflict with reference to the circumstances of the case by determining which provisions shall apply. Conflicts that are irreconcilable shall be referred to the Fire Chief. The decision of the Fire Chief shall be final and in any matter relating to structures exclusive of fire safety, the decision of the Building Official shall be final, except that any person aggrieved by a decision of the Fire Chief shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Appeals.

#### Sec. 11-158. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-158 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-159. Inspections

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-159 (2026)

(a) Generally. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, by the Office of the Fire Marshal, other fire officials or Fire/EMS Department members as often as may be necessary all buildings and premises including such other hazards or appliances as the Fire Chief or authorized representative may designate. Such inspections shall be for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected, any condition which would reasonably tend to cause fire or contribute to its spread, or constitute any violation of this Subtitle, or other laws of the County or State of Maryland affecting fire safety.

(b) Implied consent. Any application for or acceptance of any permit or license requested or issued pursuant to this Subtitle, constitutes agreement and consent by the person making application or accepting the permit to allow fire officials to enter the premises to conduct such inspections as required to enforce this Subtitle.

(c) Advance notice. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee or contractor to request each required inspection at least one working day in advance of the desired inspection time. If reinspection is required due to a failure by the tenant, permittee, contractor or owner of the subject property to have completed all work for which an inspection is requested, the aforementioned persons shall be subject to a reinspection fee as outlined in Section 11-163, payable to Prince George's County, Maryland, prior to such reinspection.

#### Sec. 11-160. Notice to repair, alter; condemnation tags

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-160 (2026)

Whenever the Fire Chief or authorized representative deems any chimney, smoke stack, stove, oven, incinerator, furnace, or other heating device, electric fixture, or any appurtenance thereto, or any item regulated under provisions of this Subtitle in or upon any building, structure, or premises, to be defective or unsafe so as to create an immediate hazard, written notice shall be served upon the owner or the person having control of the property to repair or alter as necessary, and any other authority enforcing codes, laws, or regulations regulating such equipment shall be notified. A condemnation tag, prohibiting the use thereof until such repairs or alterations are made, may be affixed. When affixed, such tag may be removed only by the order of the Fire Chief or authorized representative and may be removed only when the hazard to which the order pertains has been eliminated in an approved manner. Until removed, that item or device which has caused the hazard shall not be used or permitted to be used.

#### Sec. 11-161. Orders to abate dangerous conditions

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-161 (2026)

(a) Ordering dangerous materials or conditions removed. Whenever the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall find any building or other structure which, for want of repairs, lacks sufficient fire escapes, automatic or other fire alarm apparatus or fire suppression equipment or, by reason of age or dilapidated conditions or from any other cause, is liable to fire so as to endanger other property or the occupants thereof, and, whenever the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall find in any building combustible or explosive matter or flammable conditions dangerous to the safety of such building or the occupants thereof, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall order such dangerous conditions or materials to be remedied or removed immediately. Such conditions or materials shall include, but are not limited to:

  (1) Dangerous conditions which are liable to cause or contribute to the spread of fire in or on said premises, building, or structure, or endanger the occupants thereof;

  (2) Conditions which would interfere with the efficiency and use of any fire protection equipment;

  (3) Obstruction to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways, exit ways, doors, or windows liable to interfere with the egress of occupants or the operations of the Fire/EMS Department in case of fire;

  (4) Dangerous accumulations of dust or waste material in air conditioning or ventilating systems or the grease in the kitchen or other exhaust ducts;

  (5) Dangerous accumulations of grease in kitchen cooking equipment, or oil, grease, or dirt upon, under, or around any mechanical equipment;

  (6) Dangerous accumulations of rubbish, waste, paper, boxes, shavings, or other combustible materials;

  (7) Hazardous conditions arising from defective, inadequate, or improperly used or installed electrical wiring, equipment, or appliances;

  (8) Hazardous conditions arising from defective, inadequate, or improperly installed equipment for handling or using combustible, flammable, explosive, or otherwise hazardous substances;

  (9) Dangerous or unlawful amounts of combustible, flammable, explosive, or otherwise hazardous substances;

  (10) Reduced effectiveness of any fire wall, fire separation wall, fire partition, or any opening protective assembly provided therein;

  (11) Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly installed or maintained fire protection systems, internal communications systems, or fire ventilation systems; or

  (12) In occupancies of an especially hazardous nature or where special hazards exist in addition to the normal hazard of the occupancy or where access for fire apparatus is unduly difficult, additional safeguards may be required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative consisting of additional fire appliance units, more than one type of appliance, or special systems suitable for the protection from the hazard involved. Such devices or appliances may include, but are not limited to, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler or water spray systems, standpipe and hose, fixed or portable fire extinguishers, suitable asbestos blankets, breathing apparatus, manual or automatic covers, or carbon dioxide, foam, or other special fire extinguishing systems. Where such systems are installed, they shall be in accordance with the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association listed in Section 11-253. Where the special hazard arises from the mere possibility of fire (such as, but not limited to, a cylinder of poison gas), other appropriate safeguards or protective equipment may be required.

(b) Vacating of premises; locking, latching, or securing premises. Whenever the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall find any building or other structure which, for want of repairs, or because of damage done by storm, fire, explosion, natural wear and tear, or other causes of damage or deterioration, is in such condition as to constitute an immediate and present danger to life, property, or public safety, the Fire Chief or authorized representative is authorized to order the premises vacated immediately, if occupied, and is further authorized to post notice on the property and to order the property locked and boarded to prevent any person from entering onto the premises. If the unsafe and dangerous conditions are not corrected in accordance with the order of the Fire Chief or authorized representative and no appeal has been taken as provided in this Subtitle, the building or structure may be secured and boarded by the County or may be removed by the County, whichever shall be required to remedy the unsafe condition. If the owner has not maintained or has been unable to maintain the building in a safe, locked, and boarded condition as previously ordered, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may order the demolition of the building, the filling of any excavation, and the clearing of the property so that it will be in a safe condition. The cost of removal or securing by the County shall be charged to the owner of the property in the manner of taxes, and such charge shall be a lien on the property. The cost to the County for removal or securing may also be collected as other debts.

(c) Notice and order generally. Whenever the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall issue a notice and order directed to the owner of record of a building to abate a dangerous condition, the notice and order shall contain:

  (1) The street address and legal description sufficient for identification of the premises upon which the building is located;

  (2) A statement that the Fire Chief or authorized representative has found the building to be dangerous with a brief and concise description of the conditions found to render the building dangerous;

  (3) A statement of the action required to be taken as determined by the Fire Chief or authorized representative;

  (4) A statement advising that if any required repair or demolition work is not commenced within the time specified the Fire Chief or authorized representative may proceed to cause the work to be done and charge the costs thereof against the property or its owner; and

  (5) A statement advising:

    (A) That any person having any record title or legal interest in the building may appeal from the notice and order to the Board of Appeals, provided that the appeal is made in writing as provided in this Code and filed within ten (10) days from the date of service; and

    (B) That failure to appeal will constitute a waiver of all right to administrative hearing and determination of the matter.

(d) Method of service of notice and order. Service of the notice and order shall be made upon all persons entitled thereto either personally or by mailing a copy of such notice and order by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each such person at the address as it appears on the last assessment roll of the County or as known to the Fire Chief or authorized representative. If no address of any such person so appears or is known to the Fire Chief or authorized representative, then a copy of the notice and order shall be so mailed, addressed to such person, at the address of the building involved in the proceedings, and a copy shall be posted at or near the main entrance to the building. In addition, a copy shall be posted at the door of the Prince George's County Courthouse in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, or on a bulletin board in the immediate vicinity thereof. The failure of any such person to receive such notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken under this Section. Service by certified mail in the manner herein provided shall be effective on the date of the mailing.

(e) Posting and form of notice to vacate. Every notice to vacate shall be served as provided in Subsection (d) of this Section, be posted at or upon each exit of the building, and be in substantially the following form:

(f) Compliance with notice to vacate. Whenever such notice is posted, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall include a notification thereof in the notice and order issued by him or her under Subsection (e) of this Section reciting the emergency and specifying the conditions which necessitate the posting. No person shall remain in or enter any building that has been so posted, except that entry may be made to repair or demolish.

(g) Stay of notice and order during appeals. Except for orders to vacate, enforcement of any notice and order of the Fire Chief or authorized representative issued under this Section shall be stayed pending an appeal therefrom which is properly and timely filed.

(h) Failure to obey order. After any order of the Fire Chief or authorized representative or the Board of Appeals made pursuant to this Section shall have become final, no person to whom any such order is directed shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any such order. Any such person who fails to comply with any such order is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(i) Authority of the Fire Chief or authorized representative on failure to obey final order. If, after any order of the Fire Chief or authorized representative or the Board of Appeals made pursuant to this Section has become final, and the person to whom such order is directed shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey such order, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may cause such person to be prosecuted under Subsection (h) of this Section, or institute any appropriate action to abate such building as a public nuisance, or both.

(j) Extensions. Upon receipt of any application from the person required to conform to the order and an agreement by such person that he or she will comply with the order if allowed additional time, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may, in his or her discretion, grant an extension of time, not to exceed an additional one hundred twenty (120) days within which to complete said repair, rehabilitation, or demolition if the Fire Chief or authorized representative determines that such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a situation dangerous to life or property. The authority of the Fire Chief or authorized representative to extend time is limited to the physical repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of the premises and will not in any way affect or extend the time to appeal the notice and order.

#### Sec. 11-162. Service of orders and notices generally

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-162 (2026)

Except as otherwise provided, any order or notice issued pursuant to this Subtitle shall be served upon the owner, operator, occupant, agent or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by personal service or by delivering the same to and leaving it with some person of responsibility upon the premises, or by affixing a copy thereof in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises, or by mailing a copy thereof to such person by registered or certified mail to the last known address with return receipt requested.

#### Sec. 11-163. Fire Inspection Fees

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-163 (2026)

The schedule of fees to be charged by the Fire/EMS Department to cover the administrative costs associated with the inspections required by this Subtitle shall be:

| OCCUPANCY | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| (1) Assembly: |  |
| (a) 1,001 or more individuals | $360.00 |
| (b) 301—1,000 individuals | $240.00 |
| (c) 50—300 individuals | $150.00 |
| (2) Fairgrounds: |  |
| (a) Nine buildings or less | $240.00 |
| (b) 10 or more buildings | $480.00 |
| (3) Educational (Non Public Schools): |  |
| (a) Elementary, Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten Schools | $120.00 |
| (b) Middle or Junior High School | $180.00 |
| (c) Senior High School | $180.00 |
| (4) Family or Group Day Care Homes: |  |
| (a) Initial Inspection | $100.00 |
| (b) Renewal Inspection | $75.00 |
| (5) Nursery or Day Care Center | $150.00 |
| (6) Health Care: |  |
| (a) Ambulatory Health Care Center Per 3,000 Sq. Ft. or portion | $180.00 |
| (b) Hospital, Nursing Home, Limited Care Facility | $120.00 per Building + $2.50 per Bed inspected |
| (7) Detention and Correctional: (fee may be waived) | $120.00 per Building + $2.50 per Bed inspected |
| (8) Residential: |  |
| (a) Hotel and Motel | $120.00 per Building + $2.50 per Guest Room inspected |
| (b) Dormitory | $120.00 per Building + $2.50 per Guest Bed inspected |
| (c) Apartment Buildings | $150.00 per hour |
| i. Charged for the time of personnel of the Office of the Fire Marshal in conducting periodic fire and life safety inspections. (Fee calculation per hour or portion thereof, shall include time for travel, report writing, re-inspection, research and witnessing tests). |
| ii. Fee payment shall be made within 30 days of issuance of an invoice. |
| (d) Lodging or Rooming House | $120.00 + $2.50 per Bed inspected |
| (e) 1 and 2 Family Dwellings | $100.00 |
| (f) Foster Care Homes | $100.00 |
| (g) Alternative Living Units | $125.00 |
| (h) Board and Care Home | $120.00 per Building + $2.50 per Bed inspected |
| (9) Mercantile: |  |
| (a) Class A - Over 30,000 Sq. Ft. | $300.00 |
| (b) Class B - 3,000 to 30,000 Sq. Ft. | $150.00 |
| (c) Class C - Less than 3,000 Sq. Ft. | $100.00 |
| (10) Businesses per 3,000 Sq. Ft. or portion thereof Industrial or Storage | $120.00 |
| (a) Low or Ordinary Hazard Per 5,000 Sq. Ft. or portion thereof | $120.00 |
| (b) High Hazard Per 5,000 Sq. Ft. or portion thereof | $200.00 |
| (11) Manufactured Home Sites and Communities Per Facility | $120.00 + $2.50 per Site |
| (12) Campgrounds: |  |
| (a) Vehicular Campgrounds Per Facility (campsite) | $120.00 + $2.50 per Site |
| (b) Campgrounds With sleeping accommodations per facility | $180.00 + $2.50 per Bed inspected |
| (c) Campgrounds Without sleeping accommodations per facility | $120.00 |
| (13) Outside Storage of Combustible Materials Per Acre of scrap tire, lumber, mulch, tree stumps, etc. | $60.00 |
| (14) Outside Storage of Flammable or Combustible Liquids or Gases, Drums and/or Tanks Per 5,000 Sq. Ft. or portion thereof | $120.00 |
| (15) Marinas and Piers: |  |
| Marina, Pier, Bulkhead or portion thereof used for boat services | $120.00 + $1.50 per slip |
| (16) Fireworks Shoot: |  |
| (a) Site Inspection and subsequent permit sign-off | $75.00 per Site |
| (b) On-Site Inspector, per event ($75.00/hour, four-hour minimum) | $300.00 |
| (17) Re-Inspection Fee: Applies if more than one re-inspection outlined above, with the exception of apartment buildings, is required to correct any previously identified fire code violation. | $150.00 |
| (18) Technical Assistance Fee: | $75.00 per hour $35.00 flat fee (as applicable to Mobile Unit Food Facilities) |
| (a) Charged for the expertise of any member of the Office of the Fire Marshal or Staff. (Fee calculation per hour or portion thereof, shall include travel, report writing, research, and witnessing tests). |
| (b) Fee payment shall be required by certified check, money order or prior arrangement, and shall be collected immediately upon the completion of the inspection regardless of the results. |
| (c) Faulty or nuisance alarm inspections | $150.00/hour |

#### Sec. 11-164 through 11-200. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 11-164–11-200 (2026)

### Division 3. Permits, Certificates, and Licenses

#### Sec. 11-201. Permit for explosives

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-201 (2026)

The provisions of Sections 11-105 through 11-107, Public Safety Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, are fully applicable in Prince George's County. (See Title 11, Subtitle 1, Public Safety Article for State licensing requirements and penalty provisions.)

#### Sec. 11-202. Building permits

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-202 (2026)

(a) Fire Chief approval. No building permit for construction, modification, addition to or other changes in any building, except ordinary repairs as defined in Subtitle 4 of this County Code, shall be issued without the approval of the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(b) Authority to require exposure or stop work. Whenever any installation requiring Fire/EMS Department inspection is covered or concealed without first being inspected, the Fire Chief or authorized representative, after exhausting other reasonable means to establish compliance, may require upon written notice that such work is exposed for inspection. Any cost of such exposing and recovering shall be borne by the permittee. When any construction work is being performed in violation of this Subtitle, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may issue a written notice to the responsible party to stop construction or repairs on that portion of the work in violation. The notice shall state the nature of the violation and that it shall be unlawful to continue to work on that portion until the violation has been corrected.

(c) Use and Occupancy permits issued by the County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Before a Use and Occupancy permit may be issued to occupy a building that has been issued a County building permit, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall inspect and approve the construction for compliance with the approved plans.

#### Sec. 11-203. Certificates of approval for fire warning systems

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-203 (2026)

Required. It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or through an agent, to sell, offer for sale, rent, lease or install any type of fire warning system until a certificate of approval has been issued by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

#### Sec. 11-204. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-204 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-205. Burning cross or other religious symbol prohibited

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-205 (2026)

No person shall burn or cause to be burned any cross or other religious symbol upon any private or public property within Prince George's County without the express consent of the owner of such property and without having first obtained a permit for such burning from the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Any person or persons who violate the provisions of this Section shall, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall suffer punishment by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed one (1) year or shall be fined an amount not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or shall suffer both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.

#### Sec. 11-206. Failure to obtain permit, approval or certificate

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-206 (2026)

(a) Any person who sells, offers for sale, installs, operates, maintains or uses any appliance, device, equipment, system or process or who constructs any building or modifies, excluding repairs, any existing structure, which actions require a permit, approval or certificate under this Subtitle from the Fire Chief or authorized representative, and has not obtained the same shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who stores, handles or uses any material for which a permit is required and who has not obtained the same shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

#### Sec. 11-207. Operation without a valid permit, or under an expired, suspended or revoked permit

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-207 (2026)

(a) Any permittee who engages in any business, operation or occupation or uses any premises after the permit issued therefor has been suspended or revoked or has expired, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who engages in any business, operation or occupation or uses any premises and who has failed to obtain an appropriate permit and fire inspection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

#### Sec. 11-208 through 11-250. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 11-208–11-250 (2026)

### Division 4. Fire Prevention Code

#### Sec. 11-251. Purpose; intent

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-251 (2026)

(a) The purpose and intent of this Division is to prescribe minimum requirements and controls to safeguard life, property, and the public welfare from the hazards of fire and explosion.

(b) The provisions of this Division shall not prevent the use of any material or method of construction not prescribed by this Division when the permittee can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief or authorized representative, that the proposed method or material is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of the material or method otherwise prescribed, in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.

(c) Where existing standards or requirements, adopted herein, have been updated or superseded by the promulgating authority, such revised standard or requirement shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of the Subtitle.

(d) Whenever it is determined, however, that there is documentary evidence that the use of a material or method approved herein would constitute a distinct hazard to life or property, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall have the authority to administratively suspend approval granted herein of such material or method. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall, within five (5) working days, request the County Council to confirm such administrative suspension by resolution of the Council. Such written request of the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall be accompanied by sufficient technical data and record of national or local testing to substantiate that the use of an approved method or material would constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.

(e) Prior to obtaining a fire inspection for a change of use or final occupancy permit the applicant shall obtain approval for the proposed use from the Planning Board.

#### Sec. 11-252. Construction and scope of Division

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-252 (2026)

(a) The provisions of this Division shall apply to existing conditions as well as to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, except that conditions legally in existence at the adoption of this Division and not in strict compliance therewith may be permitted to continue only if, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or authorized representative, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.

(b) The provisions of this Division shall not apply to any building, area, or premises within the County that is owned by any department or agency of the government of the United State of America or the State of Maryland.

(c) Nothing in this Division shall be construed to limit the authority of any fire official who has been appointed Assistant or Special Assistant State Fire Marshal in accordance with Subtitle 6, Public Safety Article, Annotated Code of Maryland or the authority granted by other laws or codes.

#### Sec. 11-253. Standards adopted

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-253 (2026)

(a) The following enumerated codes, standards, and model laws published by the National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA"), shall be adopted by resolution and made a part of this Division with the same force and effect as if the same were incorporated and set forth at length therein. The editions of the individual codes and standards listed in Subparagraph (a)(1) through (10) shall be adopted by resolution by the County Council. A copy of the adopted codes, standards, and model laws shall be marked as a master copy and maintained by the Clerk of the County Council.

  (1) Occupancy protection.

    | NFPA 32. | Standard for Dry-cleaning Plants |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA 88A. | Standard for Parking Structures |
    | NFPA 99. | Health Care Facilities Code |
    | NFPA 101. | Life Safety Code as amended by the State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code |
    | NFPA 102. | Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures |
    | NFPA 307. | Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves |
    | NFPA 909. | Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties — Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship |

  (2) Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

    | NFPA-30. | Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA-30A. | Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages |
    | NFPA-31. | Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment |
    | NFPA-33. | Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials |
    | NFPA-34. | Standard for Dipping, Coating, and Printing Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids |
    | NFPA-329 | Recommended Practice for Handling Releases of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases |

  (3) Flammable gases.

    | NFPA-30B. | Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA-51. | Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes |
    | NFPA-51A. | Standard for Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants |
    | NFPA-51B. | Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work |
    | NFPA-54. | National Fuel Gas Code |
    | NFPA-55. | Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code |
    | NFPA-58. | Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code |
    | NFPA-59. | Utility LP-Gas Plant Code |
    | NFPA-59A | Standard for the Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) |
    | NFPA-329 | Recommended Practice for Handling Releases of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases |

  (4) Hazardous materials and processes.

    | NFPA-35. | Standard for the Manufacture of Organic Coatings |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA-45. | Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals |
    | NFPA-69. | Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems |
    | NFPA-160. | Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience |
    | NFPA-400 | Hazardous Materials Code |
    | NFPA-484. | Standard for Combustible Metals |
    | NFPA-495. | Explosive Materials Code |
    | NFPA-560. | Standard for the Storage, Handling, and Use of Ethylene Oxide for Sterilization and Fumigation |
    | NFPA-654. | Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids |
    | NFPA-664. | Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities |
    | NFPA-704. | Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response |
    | NFPA-801. | Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials |
    | NFPA-1122. | Code for Model Rocketry |
    | NFPA-1123. | Code for Fireworks Display |

  (5) Transportation.

    | NFPA-303. | Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA-407. | Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing |
    | NFPA-498. | Standard for Safe Havens and Interchange Lots for Vehicles Transporting Explosives |
    | NFPA-501. | Standard for Manufactured Housing |
    | NFPA-501A. | Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installation, Sites, and Communities |
    | NFPA-1192. | Standard on Recreational Vehicles |
    | NFPA-1194. | Standard for Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds |

  (6) Fire extinguishing systems.

    | NFPA-11. | Standard for Low, Medium and High-Expansion Foam |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA-12. | Standard for Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems |
    | NFPA-12A. | Standard for Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems |
    | NFPA-13. | Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems |
    | NFPA-13D. | Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes |
    | NFPA-13R. | Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to and Including Four Stories in Height |
    | NFPA-14. | Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems |
    | NFPA-15. | Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection |
    | NFPA-16. | Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems |
    | NFPA-17. | Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems |
    | NFPA-17A. | Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems |
    | NFPA-20. | Standard for Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection |
    | NFPA-22. | Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection |
    | NFPA-24. | Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances |
    | NFPA-25. | Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems |
    | NFPA-750 | Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems |
    | NFPA-1142 | Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting |

  (7) Portable fire extinguishers.

    | NFPA-10. | Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers |
    | --- | --- |

  (8) Fire warning systems.

    | NFPA-72. | National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code |
    | --- | --- |

  (9) Storage.

    | NFPA-70. | National Electrical Code |
    | --- | --- |
    | NFPA-82. | Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment |
    | NFPA-85. | Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code |
    | NFPA-86. | Standard for Ovens and Furnaces |
    | NFPA-90A. | Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems |
    | NFPA-90B. | Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems |
    | NFPA-96 | Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations |
    | NFPA-110. | Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems |
    | NFPA-204. | Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting |
    | NFPA-211. | Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances |
    | NFPA-220. | Standard on Types of Building Construction |
    | NFPA-241. | Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations |

  (10) Building Construction and Facilities.

    | NFPA-1. | Fire Code as amended by the State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code |
    | --- | --- |

#### Sec. 11-254. Exits and means of egress in buildings, generally

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-254 (2026)

(a) Exits shall be provided and maintained as required by this Division and the applicable sections of the Prince George's County Building Code.

(b) All doors in or leading to exits shall be maintained operable from the inside, without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort, at all times when the building or area served hereby is occupied.

(c) Special purpose door alarms, window bars, or bolting devices shall be approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative prior to installation. Manually operated edge or surface mounted flush bolts are prohibited.

(d) In other than individual dwelling units, no person shall place, store, or keep or permit to be placed, stored, or kept any materials, the presence or burning of which would obstruct or render hazardous an exit.

(e) No person shall at any time place an encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire escape, balcony, or ladder intended as a means of escape from fire.

(f) All fire exit doors which open into stairways or exit passageways and any doors which are installed across corridors to provide fire or smoke barriers shall be self-closing and shall be so maintained or shall be automatic doors which will close upon activation of a fail-safe type of approved smoke detection device.

(g) It shall be unlawful to block, obstruct, or otherwise impair the operation of any door required to be self-closing or automatic.

(h) All doors which are installed to provide protection of openings in exit stairways or exit corridors shall be equipped with a positive-latching device to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

(i) No person shall block, impede, or obstruct any aisle, passageway, hallway, lobby, foyer, or stairway, leading to or from an entrance or exit required by law, which will prevent, delay, hinder, or interfere with the free use of such passageway by any person.

(j) The following exceptions are provided to the requirements to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of all buildings and structures at all times.

  (1) In mental, penal, or corrective institutions where supervisory personnel are continually on duty and effective provisions, approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, are made to remove occupants in the case of fire or other emergency.

  (2) When approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, in buildings occupied only by personnel whose principal duty is the security of the building and when each such person has keys to an adequate number of exits the prohibition against the use of keys in exit doors may be waived.

#### Sec. 11-255. Fire drills

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-255 (2026)

(a) Educational occupancies. Fire drills shall be conducted at least once during each month in which classes are held in educational occupancies where such occupancies constitute the major occupancy of the building, and the following regulations shall be observed:

  (1) Fire drills shall include complete evacuation of all persons from the building or structure; and

  (2) A record of all fire drills conducted shall be maintained and made available upon request to the Fire Chief or authorized representative; and

  (3) The agent in charge of such occupancies shall notify Public Safety Communications prior to and immediately after each fire drill.

(b) Institutional occupancies. Fire drills shall be conducted at least once each month for each work shift in institutional occupancies such as hospitals, nursing homes and jails where such occupancy constitutes the major occupancy of a building, and the following regulations shall be observed:

  (1) Fire drills shall be conducted to familiarize operating personnel with their assigned positions of emergency duty.

  (2) Employees of such institutional occupancies shall receive fire safety training at least once every six (6) months. Training programs shall be based upon, but not limited to, the emergency fire safety manual for the institution that has been approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal. Agents in charge of such institutions shall forward training documentation to the Office of the Fire Marshal upon request.

  (3) Complete evacuation of occupants from the building at the time of the fire drill shall be required only where it is practicable and does not involve moving or disturbing patients under medical care.

  (4) A record of all fire drills conducted shall be maintained and made available upon request to the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

  (5) The agent in charge of such occupancy shall notify Public Safety Communications prior to and immediately after each fire drill.

(c) Weather. During severe weather, fire drills may be postponed, upon written request and written permission by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

#### Sec. 11-256. Places of assembly

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-256 (2026)

(a) Occupancy load certificate generally. In every place of public or private assembly, there shall be an original occupancy load certificate permanently posted in a conspicuous place in the room near the entrance. Such certificate shall be furnished and signed by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, and such certificate shall read generally as follows:

(b) Capacity in excess of occupancy load certificate. No owner, operator, or manager, or person in charge, or agent, or employee shall permit, within a place of public or private assembly, any persons in excess of the number allowed by the occupancy load certificate for such place. Where there is any doubt as to the computation of occupancy load, the certificate shall control.

(c) Sale of tickets in excess of occupancy load certificate limit. No owner, operator, manager, agent, or employee of any place of public or private assembly hereto referred shall sell or permit any employee, agent, or servant to sell for a single performance, or between the beginning and end of any single performance or show (including short or extra attractions in the case of motion pictures), more tickets or admissions than the number of persons allowed within such place by the occupancy load certificate. Such sale of an excess number of tickets or admissions shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of this Division.

(d) Posting of occupancy load certificate. It shall be unlawful to operate or use any place of assembly unless the certificate required by Subsection (a) of this Section is conspicuously posted.

(e) Audiences to be informed of exits. It shall be the duty of the person in charge of any theatre or place of public assembly to call the attention of those present, immediately prior to the beginning of the play, address or other matter of proceedings for which the people are assembled, to the number and location of the several exits in the building or hall and to state that the doors to all such exits are unlocked. Before making such announcement, it shall be the duty of such person to make an actual inspection to verify the fact or to see that said doors are unlocked.

  (1) It shall be the duty of the person in charge of every public or private assembly to call the attention of everyone present at a performance, address, exhibition or other matter of proceeding to the exits by displaying or announcing the following:

  (2) The requirement for calling the attention to everyone present in any public or private assembly shall be considered complied with by one of the following:

    (A) Oral announcement of the above notice from stage, platform or floor at the beginning of every performance, address, exhibition, contest or other matter of proceedings.

    (B) Showing the above notice on cinema screen where moving or stereopticon pictures are shown.

    (C) Printing the above notice in bold-type letters not less than one-fourth (1/4) inch in height on the back of programs for such performances, matters or other proceedings, and nothing but the said notice shall be place thereon.

    (D) Having a fixed sign or signs displaying the above notice printed in letters of a size and clearness that can be easily read from any and every point in the assembly room.

(f) Interior finish. Walls, ceilings, and floor covering shall be in accordance with the interior finish requirements listed in NFPA-101, Life Safety Code.

(g) Decorations, defined. Decorative material shall include, but not be limited to, all such materials as curtains, draperies, streamers, surface coverings applied over interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect and also cloth, cotton batting, straw, vines, leaves, trees, and moss used for decorative effect, but it shall not include floor coverings, ordinary window shades, and materials one twenty-eighth (1/28) of an inch or less in thickness applied directly and adhering tightly to a noncombustible base.

(h) Use of flammable material. No decorative materials shall be used which, as applied, will ignite and allow flame to spread over the surface or allows burning particles to drop when exposed to a match-flame test applied to a piece removed from the material and tested in a safe place. The piece shall be held in a vertical position and the bottom edge exposed to a flame from a common match held in a horizontal position, one-fourth (1/4) inch underneath the piece, and at a constant location for a minimum of twelve (12) seconds.

(i) Renewal of flameproofing treatments. Treatments used to accomplish this flameproofing shall be renewed as often as may be necessary to maintain the flameproof effect.

(j) Pyroxylin-coated fabrics. Pyroxylin-coated fabric used as a decorative material in accordance with Subsection (g) of this Section or as a surface covering on fixed furnishings shall be limited as follows: Such fabrics containing 1.4 ounces or more cellulose nitrate per square yard shall not be used in excess of a total amount equivalent to one (1) square foot of fabric surface to fifteen (15) cubic feet of room volume. Each square foot of such fabric which contains 1.7 ounces or more of cellulose nitrate per square yard shall be counted as two (2) square feet in making this computation.

(k) Flammable screens. In places of assembly no motion picture screen or screen masking shall be used which will ignite and allow flame to spread over the surface when exposed to the match-flame test described in Subsection (h) of this Section.

(l) Checking egress facilities. The operator or the person in charge of operation of use of any place or assembly shall check egress facilities before such place of assembly is occupied for any use to determine compliance with the provisions of this Section.

(m) Locking of egress doors. During the period of occupancy, an egress door shall not be locked, bolted, or otherwise fastened or obstructed by any means so that the door cannot be opened from the inside by the use of the ordinary door latch or knob or by pressure on the door or on a panic release device.

(n) Aisles. In each room where chairs, tables and chairs or lounges and benches are used, the arrangement shall be such as to provide for ready access to aisles to each egress door. Aisles leading directly to an egress door shall have not less than thirty-six (36) inches clear width which shall not be obstructed by chairs, tables, or other objects.

(o) Obstructions. A part of a stairway, whether interior or exterior, or of a hallway, corridor, vestibule, balcony, or bridge leading to stairway or exit way shall not be used in any way that will obstruct or restrict its use as a means of egress, or that will present a hazardous condition.

(p) Stopping of performance by Fire Chief or authorized representative. The Fire Chief or authorized representative, upon finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways, or other means of egress or upon finding any condition which constitutes a serious menace to life shall cause the performance, presentation, spectacle, or entertainment to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.

(q) Failure to leave premises when requested to do so. Any person who fails to leave any premises that is overcrowded, when told to do so by the management of the premises or any authorized representative of the Fire/EMS Department, shall be deemed in violation of this Subtitle.

#### Sec. 11-257. Fire safety instructions for multiresidential occupancies

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-257 (2026)

(a) Posting. Hotels, motels, multifamily dwellings, lodging houses, and all other residential occupancies except one- and two-family dwellings shall have a printed copy of fire safety instructions permanently and conspicuously posted in each occupancy unit and at such other locations as required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. The text and posting location shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Unauthorized removal of such signs shall be a violation of this Subtitle.

EXAMPLE:

(b) Fire Plans. Upon request of the Fire Chief, the person responsible for fire safety in all buildings more than seventy-five (75) feet in height above average grade, buildings serving as housing for senior citizens, buildings housing institutional or educational occupancies, or such other buildings as may be required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, shall prepare a written plan which details adequate procedures for occupants in case of fire. The plan shall be transmitted to the Fire Chief or authorized representative for approval. After approval, the plan shall be distributed to appropriate occupants of the building.

#### Sec. 11-258. Smoke Alarms

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-258 (2026)

(a) Requirements for multifamily apartment houses, hotels, motels, and dormitories.

  (1) Multifamily apartment house. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of each new or existing multifamily apartment house to install smoke alarms in each such multifamily dwelling unit intended to be used or originally built or designed to be used for residential purposes, not to include any dwelling unit within any structure which has been wholly converted to a nonresidential use. They shall be installed by July 1, 1978, in the manner hereinafter provided unless any other provision of County, State or federal law shall require installation before that date.

  (2) Hotels, motels, and dormitories. The owner of each new or existing hotel, motel and dormitory shall install smoke alarms in each sleeping area. They shall be installed in existing buildings by July 1, 1980, in the manner hereinafter provided, unless any other provision of County, State or federal law shall require installation before that date.

(b) Location. At least one (1) smoke alarm shall be installed in close proximity to the access for each sleeping area.

(c) Installation. Smoke alarms may be directly hard wired to the building's power supply and have a battery-powered back-up. The batteries shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

(d) Maintenance of smoke alarms in multifamily apartment houses, hotels, motels, and dormitories. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner or agent to annually inspect and maintain any smoke alarm device, installed in compliance with the provisions of this Section, in accordance with the manufacturer's warranty and/or suggested maintenance schedule. In addition, the property owner shall provide any tenant access to a copy of the maintenance schedule, operating manual, and any other instructional or precautionary literature which the manufacturer may supply with the unit.

(e) Supervision. In new multifamily apartment houses, motels, hotels, and dormitories which have a required manual fire alarm system, a heat detector shall be installed next to the required smoke alarm(s) and the heat detector shall be connected to the manual fire alarm system.

(f) Certification at change in occupancy. At every change of occupancy or tenancy in any multifamily dwelling unit occasioned by or incidental to a sale, lease, sublease, or change in tenancy, it shall be the duty of the grantor thereof to certify to the tenant, at the time of conveyance and before occupancy, that all smoke alarms as required by this Section (or other applicable laws) are installed and in proper working condition.

(g) Other standards applicable. This Section is intended to be used with and supplemented by the applicable provisions of National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA-72.

(h) Requirements for one- and two-family residential dwellings. The requirements for installation and maintenance of smoke alarms in one- and two-family residential dwellings shall be as prescribed by Title 9, Public Safety Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, as may be amended from time to time. As of July 1, 1982, Section 12A, as amended by Chapter 340 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1982, requires that in one- and two-family residential dwellings the occupant of each dwelling unit shall be responsible for installing and maintaining at least one approved battery or AC primary electric-powered smoke alarm.

(i) Replacement. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to replace any smoke alarm(s) as specified by the manufacturer.

(j) All multi-family dwellings shall have battery back-up smoke alarms in the manner specified by this Subtitle by January 1, 2007.

#### Sec. 11-259. Underground storage tanks

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-259 (2026)

(a) Compliance required. The owner, lessee or person(s) in control of the facilities for the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids shall follow the provisions of NFPA-30 and NFPA-329 as adopted under this Division and the procedures hereinafter set forth, and shall assume any cost related thereto; provided, however, that where compliance requires the making of additions to or changes in the structure of the facility, such as would immediately become real estate and be the property of the owner of the real property, the order shall affect the owner and not the lessee or other person(s) in control of the facility, unless it is otherwise agreed between the owner and lessee or other person(s) in control of the facility. This Section shall apply to any facility used for the storage of flammable liquids when in the judgment of the Fire Chief or authorized representative there is evidence of a leak and hazard to life. Farm operations shall be exempt from this Section. The determination of a farm operation shall be the same as shown by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

(b) Tanks to which requirements apply. Unless otherwise indicated, testing requirements of this Section shall not apply to tanks and equipment made of fiberglass or other noncorrosive material subject to the approval of the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(c) New or replacement installation. Before any tanks and equipment for the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids are covered from sight following installation, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall inspect the installation and give approval therefor if the requirements of this Section have been met. Tanks that have been glass lined (fiberglass) shall be tested as if a new tank. A record of tank size, name of manufacturer, and serial number shall be placed on a correction order after test for tightness is finished.

(d) Tanks in service, inventory records, and pressure testing pipe. Accurate inventory control records for the purpose of detecting system leakage shall be maintained by the person(s) or company in control of the premises for each underground storage facility in accordance with NFPA-30 and NFPA-329 as adopted by this Division. The person(s) or company in control of the premises shall promptly report any significant loss of product to the Fire Chief or authorized representative, in accordance with standards established by the Fire Chief or authorized representative for the facility. The person(s) or company shall make and record daily measurements of product inventory. These inventory control records shall be available for checking by the Fire Chief or authorized representative upon request. All piping in remote pumping installations in existence on March 1, 1977, shall be subjected to a pressure test for at least thirty (30) minutes pneumatically to 110% of the maximum anticipated pressure of the system, but not less than five (5) pounds per square inch at the highest point of the system within two (2) years of March 1, 1977. Such tests shall be repeated on all such systems at intervals no greater than five (5) years. The date of the test, the pressure to which the system was tested, the duration and the results thereof shall be recorded and maintained until the date of the next test and shall be available upon request for inspection by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(e) Tanks in service; storage testing. All underground flammable liquid storage tanks which will have been buried for ten (10) years or more on March 1, 1977, and all those tanks for which no buried installation date can be reasonably determined, shall be tested for tightness according to the standards set forth in NFPA-329 as adopted by this Division. In the event that a "final test" is required on any buried storage tank prior to the expiration of the ten (10) years, a later test will not be required without cause until the expiration of five (5) years from the date of the test or the expiration of the tenth year of its installation, whichever occurs later. After the tenth year, "final tests" shall be repeated on all such tanks at intervals no greater than five (5) years without cause. The date of the test, the model and the type of the tester, the name of the operator of the equipment, the duration and results thereof shall be recorded and maintained until the date of the next test and shall be available for inspection by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(f) Testing for cause. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirements for testing piping and underground storage tanks, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may require a "final test" or its equivalent on any such system when he or she finds any of the following conditions exist:

  (1) That inventory control records are improperly kept so that it cannot be determined whether a shortage of product exists.

  (2) Inventory control records indicate a shortage of product.

  (3) There is a detection of leakage.

  (4) There is a persistent odor or presence of flammable liquids in any structure, building, vault, well, or unapproved location within Prince George's County.

(g) Underground flammable liquids storage tanks out of service. Underground tanks which are not in active service shall be treated as "temporarily out of service" by taking the following steps:

  (1) Notify the Office of the Fire Marshal of intent to render the tank inactive.

  (2) Secure the fill-line cap, gauge-opening cap, and pump suction or discharge line, if disconnected, against tampering and product leakage.

  (3) Assure that the vent line is open.

  (4) Purge the tank. An underground tank shall not be left in "temporarily out of service" condition in excess of twelve (12) months. If it is to be returned to service, the final test shall be applied as outlined in Section VII of NFPA-329.

(h) Abandoned underground flammable liquid tanks. Underground tanks which are not in active service and which do not comply with Section VII of NFPA-329 shall be removed in accordance with Appendix C-4 and C-5 of NFPA-30. Tanks shall not be abandoned by leaving in place without the express approval of the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(i) Corrosion protection. Corrosion protection for tanks and piping shall be provided by one (1) or more of the following methods:

  (1) Cathodic protection;

  (2) Corrosion resistant materials or construction;

  (3) Use of protective coating or wrappings.

Selection of the type of protection to be employed should be based upon the corrosion history of the geographical soil area and the judgment of a qualified corrosion engineer.

(j) All establishments storing or handling flammable materials shall be plainly marked with signs at entrances to storage or use areas and at such other points as may be recommended by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Filling and emptying connections for Class IA, IB, and IC liquids which are made and broken shall be located outside of buildings at a location free from any source of ignition and not less than five (5) feet away from any building opening. Such connections for any liquid shall be closed and liquid tight when not in use and shall be properly identified by color and/or wording or other means approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(k) The dispensing of gasoline, or any product mixing gasoline with another flammable or combustible liquid, into any portable container, and the transportation of such product in a portable container, is subject to the limits of Class I-A liquids under Table 9.4.3, NFPA-30, with the exception that glass and plastic containers are prohibited unless they bear a label of approval to contain gasoline from a recognized testing laboratory approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(l) Storage of Class I liquids, as defined in NFPA-30, in any tank or container that is fixed rather than portable, is prohibited on any residential property which does not include farm operations. The determination of a farm operation shall be the same as shown by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

(m) Storage of Class I liquids, as defined by NFPA-30, is prohibited in a single-family dwelling except for the following:

  (1) The storage or use of flammable or combustible liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant.

  (2) The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes, or similar flammable mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than thirty (30) days.

  (3) Up to five (5) gallons of such Class I liquids in a garage or other attached storage area.

(n) Storage of Class I liquids, as defined by NFPA-30, is prohibited in any multiple-family dwelling.

#### Sec. 11-260. Above-ground tank storage of flammable liquids

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-260 (2026)

(a) Generally. Above-ground storage tanks for the storage of Class I flammable and Class II liquids, as defined in NFPA-30, shall be prohibited except as provided for in Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this Section.

(b) Existing tanks. Existing above-ground tanks approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative may be continued, provided that the installation does not constitute a hazard. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall periodically inspect the installation for safety; if it is determined that the installation or operation is no longer conducted or maintained in a safe manner, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall have the authority to require their removal or replacement with underground tanks.

(c) Agricultural storage. On-farm portable tanks not exceeding six hundred sixty (660) gallons of Class I liquid are hereby permitted, if stored fifty (50) feet or more away from buildings and adjoining property lines.

(d) Temporary use of portable tanks. The provisions of Subsection (a) of this Section shall not prohibit the temporary use of portable tanks less than six hundred sixty (660) gallons capacity in conjunction with the dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or other motorized equipment on premises not normally accessible to the public, not to exceed six (6) months use.

(e) Outside tanks supplying oil burning equipment. Outside above-ground tanks not exceeding five hundred fifty (550) gallons capacity may be used to supply oil burning equipment in one- or two-family detached dwellings.

(f) Bulk storage. Above-ground tanks for bulk storage of Class II combustible liquids shall have a maximum capacity of six hundred and sixty (660 gallons). Above-ground tanks may be established in noncongested areas when the Fire Chief or authorized representative finds that installation will not adversely affect the safety of surrounding property. Above-ground tanks shall be located at least three hundred (300) feet from a dwelling unit, school, outdoor playground, library or hospital when the Fire Chief or authorized representative finds that the installation will not adversely affect the safety of the surrounding property. These installations shall be equipped with fixed fire extinguishing systems, cut-off valves and such other safeguards as may be deemed necessary by the Fire Chief or other authorized representative.

#### Sec. 11-261. Parking and garaging of vehicles used for transportation of flammable liquids

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-261 (2026)

(a) No tank vehicle used for the transportation of flammable liquids shall be left unattended on any street, highway, avenue, or alley; provided that this shall not prevent a driver from the necessary absence from the truck in connection with the delivery of his load, except that during actual discharge of the liquid some responsible person shall be present at the vehicle. This Section shall not be construed to prevent stops for meals during the day or night if the street is well lighted at the point of parking.

(b) Tank vehicles containing flammable liquids shall not be parked out of doors at any point for longer than one (1) hour, except off the streets, and at least twenty-five (25) feet from any building used for assembly, institutional, or residential occupancy.

#### Sec. 11-262. Use of certain gasoline stoves

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-262 (2026)

The use in buildings, private residences and trailers of gasoline stoves or other similar appliances using Class I liquids as defined in NFPA-30 for cooking or heating is prohibited.

#### Sec. 11-263. Liquified petroleum gas

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-263 (2026)

(a) Safeguarding of premises. All spaces at bulk storage plants within which liquified petroleum gases are transferred or stored, including all connections to storage tanks, shall be segregated with fences approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. The gates in such fences shall be kept locked at all times when no responsible person or agent is present.

(b) Safeguarding of customers' supply tanks. Tanks supplying customers' installations shall be located outside of buildings. All valves and connections thereon shall be safeguarded by an enclosure approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Installations with an aggregate water capacity of greater than two thousand (2,000) gallons shall have the area, which includes the tank and container appurtenances, enclosed with at least six (6) foot high industrial-type fence unless otherwise adequately protected. Gates shall be locked at all times when no responsible person or agent is present.

(c) Special requirements in the case of bulk storage (two thousand (2,000) gallons aggregate water capacity or more) in heavily populated or congested areas. Determination as to individual tank capacity, total storage, distance to property lines, underground storage, fixed fire suppression systems, or other reasonable protective measures shall be made by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(d) Containers in residential buildings. Liquid petroleum gas containers stored in a building housing residential occupancies shall be limited to two (2) ICC-DOT cylinders with a water capacity not exceeding two and one-half (2 1/2) pounds which shall be part of an approved, self-contained hand torch assembly or similar appliance.

#### Sec. 11-264. Gas shutoff

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-264 (2026)

(a) Notice when gas is shut off. Any person shutting off gas to any building or structure shall notify the company supplying such gas within thirty (30) minutes.

(b) Shutoff valves are to be accessible; curb keys. No person shall make gas shutoff valves inaccessible to the Fire/EMS Department. The local provider of gas or gas utility, upon request, shall furnish appropriate curb keys to the Fire/EMS Department.

#### Sec. 11-265. Compressed gases generally

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-265 (2026)

(a) Storage containers. Cylinders and pressure vessels for compressed gases shall be designed, constructed, tested and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized good practice. Each cylinder, pressure vessel or group of containers shall be marked with the name of the gas contained therein in accordance with approved methods.

(b) Storage and use. All compressed gas cylinders in service or in storage shall be secured to prevent falling or being knocked over.

#### Sec. 11-266. Fumigation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-266 (2026)

Notification. Public Safety Communications shall be notified, in writing, at least twenty-four (24) hours before any fumigation operation in accordance with the provisions of NFPA-560.

#### Sec. 11-267. Fireworks

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-267 (2026)

(a) Use and possession of fireworks, prohibited with exception. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn, or explode any fireworks in Prince George's County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a fireworks shooter.

(b) Storage for purposes of authorized display. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Division, fireworks brought into Prince George's County, Maryland, by a fireworks shooter for the purpose of an authorized display may be stored under the following conditions:

  (1) The place or places to be used for storage of fireworks have been previously approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal for Prince George's County.

  (2) The Office of the Fire Marshal has received notification from the fireworks shooter at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the time that fireworks for an authorized display will be brought into the County.

#### Sec. 11-268. Open burning, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-268 (2026)

(a) Open burning means a fire, where material is burned on the ground or in an open receptacle without a chimney or stack. Small recreational fires, including campfires, are considered open burning.

(b) Where permitted by the provisions of Section 19-104, and 19-105 of this County Code, burning by open fires shall be subject to the following conditions:

  (1) Open fires shall be attended at all times by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older, who is in direct view of the fire. The fire shall be attended until completely extinguished.

  (2) Garbage, dead animals, animal waste, tires, plastic, rubber, and other materials which create dense smoke or emissions injurious or noxious to people or property shall not be burned.

  (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to kindle any open fire, except cooking fires or recreational fires, without first notifying Public Safety Communications of such burning. Where the burning continues for more than one (1) day, Public Safety Communications shall be notified prior to 8 A.M. on each day of burning.

    (A) Cooking fires shall burn the following fuels: (1) clean firewood (2) dried firewood (3) charcoal or as determined by the Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee.

  (4) The Fire Chief or authorized representative may prohibit such burning at any time it is determined that the kindling of an open fire creates a fire hazard.

  (5) Except for those fires used for cooking food on property occupied by a single-family dwelling, open fires shall be not less than thirty (30) feet from any building or structure. A clear space free of ignitable materials not less than ten (10) feet in diameter shall be maintained around the fire.

  (6) The burning of materials of any kind on or within thirty (30) feet of any public roads, streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way shall be prohibited at all times.

  (7) Where open burning is being conducted under the terms of a permit issued by the Prince George's County Health Department, the permittee shall be personally responsible for the fire at all times. The permit shall be in the possession of the person supervising the burning at all times.

  (8) No persons shall kindle a fire upon the land of another without permission of the owner thereof or the owner's agent.

  (9) Recreational fires shall be no larger than three (3) feet in diameter.

  (10) A way to extinguish a fire shall be available at all open burn sites.

  (11) Recreational fires shall not be used to dispose of leaves, branches, brush or other vegetation. Only dry, natural wood may be burned in a recreational fire.

  (12) Recreational fires are prohibited during drought conditions, if winds are greater than twelve (12) miles per hour (mph) or during an air pollution event. An air pollution event is when the air quality has been designated Code Red or Code Orange.

(c) Fires in salamanders or other similar devices, fired with propane or No. 2 fuel oil at construction sites, are permitted.

(d) Fires in fixed or portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and other similar devices are permitted. Fires, described in subsection (d), shall be fueled only by seasoned dry firewood, used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and are subject to the following conditions:

  (1) Fires shall be attended at all times by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older who is in direct view of the fire. The fire shall be attended until it is completely extinguished. A fire extinguisher or hose must be available during use of the devices described in subsection (d).

  (2) Fires shall be at least thirty (30) feet from any structure. Fires are not permitted on any balcony or deck.

  (3) The Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee may prohibit such fires at any time the Fire Chief or his designee determines that their use creates a fire hazard.

  (4) Fires in these devices, described in subsection (d), are prohibited on or within thirty (30) feet of any public roads, streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way.

  (5) No person shall use these devices, described in subsection (d), upon the land of another without permission of the owner thereof or the owner's agent.

(e) Smoke emissions from any allowed fire must not consistently exceed twenty percent (20%) opacity, as determined by the Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee. Fires where visible smoke steadily conveys across property lines are prohibited. No fires shall be left to smolder. All fires shall be fully extinguished with zero smoke emissions.

  (A) Smoke from fuel cooked fires, as permitted by State and local law, is exempt from subsection (e).

(f) Fixed, portable fireplaces and pits fueled by gas or propane are permitted at single family dwellings or townhouses when used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. The devices described in subsection (f) are subject to the following conditions:

  (1) The device shall be attended at all times by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older, who is in direct view of the device. A fire extinguisher or hose shall be available during use of the devices described in subsection (f).

  (2) A device, described in subsection (f), used on a deck shall be at least ten (10) feet from single family dwellings or townhouses. The combustion area shall not be in direct contact with combustible decking.

  (3) The Fire Chief, or the Fire Chief's designee, may prohibit the use of such devices, described in subsection (f), at any time the Fire Chief, or the Fire Chief's designee determines that the use creates a fire hazard.

  (4) Use of these devices, described in subsection (f), are prohibited on or within thirty (30) feet of any public roads, streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way.

  (5) No person shall use these devices upon the property of another without permission of the owner thereof or the owner's agent.

#### Sec. 11-269. Use of certain cooking equipment adjacent to multifamily dwellings

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-269 (2026)

The use or storage of charcoal burning, other fuel-burning, or electric-cooking equipment outside of any multifamily dwelling shall be prohibited unless such cooking equipment is permanently installed at a fixed location at least thirty (30) feet from every part of the building, including contiguous patios and balconies. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to townhouses, row houses, or other multifamily dwellings where all dwelling units are side by side and none are superimposed above another.

For purposes of fire safety, patios and balconies open to the exterior will be considered separate spaces from the dwelling unit, and cooking equipment as described above, flammables or combustibles stored will be subject to removal by management and/or the Office of the Fire Marshal.

#### Sec. 11-270. Use of charcoal-burning equipment in buildings

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-270 (2026)

In buildings, trailers and other confined areas, the use or storage of charcoal fire stoves or cooking appliances shall be prohibited, except where such appliance is provided with a U.L. or other nationally recognized approved system to vent gaseous combustion products directly to the outside.

#### Sec. 11-271. Use of portable heaters

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-271 (2026)

Portable heaters shall be designed with a tip-over shutoff function and located so that they cannot be easily overturned. The Fire Chief or authorized representative may prohibit use of portable heaters in occupancies or situations in which such use or operation would present danger to life or the property of others.

#### Sec. 11-272. Water supply and fire hydrants, generally

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-272 (2026)

(a) All premises, other than those for one- and two-family dwellings where buildings or portions of buildings are constructed and located in such a manner that access to public fire hydrants is minimal or of a distance such that the Fire Chief or authorized representative finds that firefighting operations would be impaired, shall be provided with approved fire hydrants connected to a water supply system capable of supplying the water flow required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. The location of these hydrants shall be as specified by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Paved access to fire hydrants shall be as specified by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Paved access to fire hydrants shall be provided and maintained to accommodate fire apparatus.

(b) All premises, other than those for one- and two-family dwellings where buildings or portions of buildings are constructed and located more than three hundred (300) feet from the public street providing access to such premises and said public street has fire hydrants, shall be provided with approved fire hydrants connected to a water system capable of supplying the water flow required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. In no case shall the water flow be less than one thousand (1,000) gallons per minute at a residual pressure of twenty (20) psi. The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require a greater minimum flow for high-hazard occupancies. The location of such hydrants shall be as designated by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Access to fire hydrants shall be provided and maintained to accommodate firefighting apparatus.

(c) All flammable and combustible liquid tank farms, lumber yards, amusement parks, and similar occupancies, where combustible or flammable storage or structures are located more than three hundred (300) feet from public fire hydrants, shall be provided with approved fire hydrants connected to a water system capable of supplying the water flow required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. The location of such hydrants shall be as designated by the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Suitable access to fire hydrants shall be provided and maintained to accommodate the fire apparatus.

(d) Supplemental water supply facilities shall be provided in those cases where the water supply obtainable from the public water supply system is insufficient to meet the requirements of this Section. The Fire Chief or authorized representative may establish water supply requirements in those cases where specific provisions are not provided in this Section. If the location of the property is located outside the appropriate service area of the Ten Year Water and Sewerage Plan or is in the Rural Tier, the property must be served by water storage tanks, the availability of water tanker trucks, or other appropriate source of water for fire extinguishing purposes, as determined at the time of subdivision.

(e) There shall be no parking within fifteen (15) feet of any public or private hydrant.

#### Sec. 11-273. Obstructing fire hydrants or Fire/EMS Department connections

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-273 (2026)

No person shall place or keep any post, fence, growth, trash or other material or thing near any fire hydrant or Fire/EMS Department connection, which would prevent fire officials from discerning such hydrant or connection, or would in any other manner deter or hinder them from immediate access to and use thereof.

#### Sec. 11-274. Multiple address; conspicuous numeral display

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-274 (2026)

All structures, presently standing and those to be constructed which contain more than one (1) numerical address, and are used for either commercial, industrial or residential purposes, are required to have displayed in a conspicuous place numerals at least eight (8) inches in height designating the building numbers in sequence. Such numerals shall be placed facing each vehicular access route from which they are reasonably visible.

#### Sec. 11-275. Fire hydrant maintenance

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-275 (2026)

All private fire hydrants shall be tested, maintained, and serviced annually by the property owner. A report of this maintenance shall be made available to the Office of the Fire Marshal upon request.

#### Sec. 11-276. Required access for fire apparatus

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-276 (2026)

(a) All premises which the Fire/EMS Department may be called upon to protect in case of fire or other emergencies and which are not readily accessible to fire apparatus from public streets shall be provided with suitable gates, access roads, and fire lanes so that all buildings on the premises are accessible to fire apparatus, and in accordance with the County Building Code, Subtitle 4, Section 4-223.

(b) Private roads or fire lanes shall be provided for all buildings which are set back more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from a public street or exceed thirty (30) feet in height and are set back over fifty (50) feet from a public street. Private roads or fire lanes shall be:

  (1) Along the longest side of the buildings;

  (2) At least twenty-two (22) feet in width; and

  (3) At the road edge nearest to the building no closer than ten (10) feet and no further than forty (40) feet from the building.

When buildings or any portion thereof are located one hundred fifty (150) feet or more from a public street or access way and there is not suitable access for fire apparatus as determined by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, there shall be provided approved fire protection system or systems as required and approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(c) All buildings, parts of buildings, or other obstructions extending over access driveways shall have a vertical clearance of a least fourteen (14) feet from the finished driveway surface. Where approved fire protection systems are provided, the above required clearances may be modified or waived by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(d) When any portion of the first story of any building is more than three hundred (300) feet from the nearest point of a public street or public access way, the building shall be made accessible to fire apparatus by an all-weather access way approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, unless the entire building is served by an approved fire protection system.

(e) The provisions of Subsection (b) of this Section shall not apply to buildings for which building permits were issued before the effective date of this Section.

(f) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to residential occupancies as defined in the International Building Code adopted by Subtitle 4 of this County Code which both are not physically attached or touching and also contain two or fewer dwelling units each.

(g) All turning radius for emergency vehicles shall comply with the Prince George's County Department of Transportation standards 200.12 (Urban Cul-de-sac Offset Turnaround) and 200.13 (Urban Cul-de-sac Symmetrical Turnaround).

#### Sec. 11-277. Fire lanes

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-277 (2026)

(a) The owner of any property or his agent may remove or cause to be removed all obstructions or vehicles which are:

  (1) Liable to interfere with the operations of the Fire/EMS Department or egress of occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency; or

  (2) In violation of any fire, health, or safety ordinance.

Where the obstruction is a motor vehicle which is to be towed from the premises, the owner or agent must specifically, in each case, give prior written authorization to the person towing, setting forth the tag number of the motor vehicle or an adequate description and the certification that the owner or agent (other than person towing) has found the motor vehicle in an area clearly marked as a fire lane or has blocked an access to an area which is clearly marked as a fire lane.

The aforesaid owner or agent may impound or cause to be impounded all such obstructions or vehicles removed or caused to be removed under this Section. The impoundment of a motor vehicle pursuant to this Subsection is subject to the right to a hearing as prescribed in Division 18 of Subtitle 26 of this Code except that the owner of the premises shall carry the burden of establishing that there was probable cause to impound the vehicle in question and shall be liable for all charges incident to the impoundment and the hearing if the hearing officer determines that there was not probable cause to impound the vehicle in question. The owner or his agent, upon failure to have removed all such obstructions or vehicles within a reasonable time after actual knowledge thereof, shall be guilty of a violation of this Subtitle.

(b) Whenever the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall find that any private entrance, exit sidewalk, vehicular driveway, interior private driveway, sidewalk, fire lane, or fire hydrant is obstructed by snow, debris, construction material, trash containers, vehicles, or other matter likely to interfere with the ingress or operation of the Fire/EMS Department or other emergency vehicles in case of fire, or other emergency, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may order the obstruction removed. To effectuate this Subsection, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may order "no parking fire lane" signs erected at the curb line, at no distance greater than thirty-five (35) feet between signs, and may designate the placement thereof. When placed on a pole, post or building, approved fire lane signs shall be placed at seven (7) feet to the bottom of the sign from finished curb height. The approved sign shall comply with the Department of Public Works and Transportation standard with an inscription stating, "NO PARKING, FIRE LANE, BY ORDER OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT." The curbs of the approved fire lane shall be painted with yellow traffic paint which shall meet the requirements of Federal Specification TT-P-1952D, Type II. Any vehicle which is located within the area controlled by such signs or marking, on private property or otherwise, whether or not the owner, operator, or custodian of such vehicle has actual or constructive notice of the vehicle location or posted signs or markings, shall be deemed parked in violation of this Subtitle. Any vehicle, on private property or otherwise, which is located in such a manner that it would obstruct or interfere with the connection of a hose to a fire hydrant, whether or not the owner, operator, or custodian of such vehicle has actual or constructive notice of the vehicle location, shall be deemed parked in violation of this Subtitle. Any person responsible for the parking of a vehicle in violation of this Subsection or any person refusing to obey a lawful order of the Fire Chief or authorized representative under this Subsection shall be guilty of a violation of this Subtitle. Upon violation, any police officer or fire official shall have the authority to remove or cause to be removed such vehicle parked in violation of this Subsection and impound it pursuant to Division 18 of Subtitle 26 of this Code. All persons towing vehicles while enforcing this Subsection shall be required to report the impoundment of said vehicles to the Police Department in compliance with Section 26-142.06 of this Code and to comply with any other applicable County laws.

(c) Any person issued a citation for a violation of this Section shall, in addition to any other penalties, be subject to a fine of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each violation. The violator shall pay the fine at the Treasury Division, Office of Finance, within fifteen (15) days from the date of notice of violation.

  (1) The first Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) of revenue collected from fines imposed by this Section shall be used for operating and capital expenses related to Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) Mobile Intensive Care Unit services provided by Prince George's County. Thereafter, one half of the revenue collected shall be used for this purpose.

  (2) After the first Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) is collected, one half of the revenues from the fines imposed by this Section shall be used for operating and capital expenses of the Police Department.

#### Sec. 11-278. Construction and demolition of buildings or structures

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-278 (2026)

(a) Standards. All construction and demolition operations for buildings that exceed five hundred (500) square feet in floor area shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA-241, Safeguarding Building Construction and Demolition Operations.

(b) Combustible waste and refuse. Debris, trash or other combustible waste or refuse which creates or tends to create an undue fire hazard shall not be allowed to accumulate in, on, or about, any building or structure in the process of construction or demolition.

(c) Fire extinguishing equipment. Whenever any building or structure which is being constructed or erected is over two (2) stories in height and the construction reaches a height of twenty-five (25) feet above average grade, at least one (1) approved Class ABC fire extinguisher of 2-A:10-B:C Rating shall be provided for every three thousand (3,000) square feet, or fraction thereof, of floor area under construction.

(d) Standpipes. Whenever the Building Code requires a standpipe system, such system shall be carried up each floor and shall be installed and ready for use by the Fire/EMS Department as each floor progresses. Standpipes shall not be more than (1) floor below the highest forms or staging.

(e) Standpipes and fire extinguishing systems in buildings under demolition. When a building is being demolished and a standpipe or fire extinguishing system is existing within such building, such standpipe and/or fire extinguishing system shall be maintained in an operable condition so as to be available for use by the Fire/EMS Department. Such standpipe and/or extinguishing system shall be demolished with the building, but at no time during demolition shall the system or systems be more than one (1) floor below the floor being demolished.

(f) Installation of fire protection facilities for new construction. When fire protection facilities are to be installed for new construction, such facilities, including all surface access roads and public water mains with appropriate fire hydrants, shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of any combustible construction.

#### Sec. 11-279. Hazardous chemicals and substances, generally

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-279 (2026)

(a) Applicability of Section. This Section shall apply to chemicals or substances not otherwise covered in this Division which are highly flammable, or which may react to cause fires or explosions, or which by their presence create or augment a fire or explosion hazard, or which because of the toxicity, flammability, or liability to explosion render firefighting abnormally dangerous or difficult. This Section shall apply also to flammable or combustible liquids which are chemically unstable and which may spontaneously form explosive compounds or undergo spontaneous reactions of explosive violence or with sufficient evolution of heat to be a fire hazard.

(b) Safeguards for manufacture, storage, handling, and use. The manufacture, storage, handling, and use of hazardous chemicals or substances shall be safeguarded by such protective facilities as public safety requires, including, but not limited to, the following:

  (1) The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require the separation or isolation of hazardous chemicals or substances or any chemical or substance that in combination with other substances may bring about a fire or explosion or may liberate a flammable or poisonous gas. The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require hazardous chemicals or substances to be separated from other storage, occupancies, or buildings when the quantity stored constitutes a danger to life or property.

  (2) Defective containers which permit leakage or spillage of hazardous chemicals or substances shall be disposed of or repaired in accordance with recognized safe practices; leakage or spillage of hazardous chemicals or substances shall not be allowed to accumulate on floors or shelves. For purposes of this Section, regulations developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources shall constitute "recognized safe practices."

  (3) Where kept for retail sale in containers or packages usual to the retail trade, storage of hazardous chemicals or substances shall be neat and orderly and shelves used for such storage shall be of substantial construction.

  (4) Legible warning signs and/or placards stating the nature and location of the hazardous chemicals or substances shall be posted at all entrances to areas where such chemicals or substances are stored or used.

#### Sec. 11-280. Combustible waste and refuse

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-280 (2026)

(a) Storage facilities required. Every building, except a one- or two-family dwelling, shall be provided with a specifically designated room or container in or on the premises for the temporary storage of combustible waste or refuse. The owner of said building shall provide the facilities for the storage of combustible waste or refuse.

(b) Storage of combustible waste. Combustible waste and refuse shall be stored in:

  (1) Approved containers which are constructed of noncombustible materials equipped with a tight-fitting cover; or

  (2) An approved bin constructed of noncombustible materials having a self-closing cover that will operate automatically in case of fire inside the bin; or

  (3) Rooms used exclusively for such storage; or

  (4) Such other containers or isolated areas either inside or outside of buildings that are approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(c) Automatic fire extinguishing system. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be provided in all inside storage rooms or areas, chute discharge rooms or areas, compactor rooms and rubbish chutes designated for the temporary storage of combustible waste or refuse.

(d) Closure of containers. Storage containers for inside use not equipped with approved automatic closing covers shall be closed at all times except when trash is actually being loaded or unloaded.

(e) Accumulation in trash chutes. Combustible waste or refuse shall not be stored or permitted to accumulate in trash chutes and shall be removed from the chute continuously or as often as necessary to prevent accumulation.

#### Sec. 11-281. Smoking, generally

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-281 (2026)

(a) Designated areas where smoking prohibited. Where smoking constitutes a fire hazard in any area of piers, wharves, warehouses, stores, industrial plants, institutions, schools, places of assembly, and/or open spaces where combustible materials are stored or handled, the Fire Chief or authorized representative is empowered and authorized to order the owner or occupant, in writing, to post "no smoking" signs in each building, structure, room, or place in which smoking shall be prohibited. Such signs shall be conspicuously and suitably located. The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall designate specific safe locations, if necessary, in any building, structure, or place in which smoking may be permitted.

(b) Form of "no smoking" signs. The lettering, size, color, and location of legally required "no smoking" signs shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(c) Removal of signs prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, mutilate, or destroy any legally required "no smoking" sign.

(d) Compliance with "no smoking" signs. It shall be unlawful for any person to smoke, throw, or deposit any lighted or smoldering substance in any place where "no smoking" signs are posted or in any other place where smoking would occasion or constitute a fire hazard.

#### Sec. 11-282 through 11-283. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 11-282–11-283 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-284. Lumber yards and woodworking plants

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-284 (2026)

Storage area. The area for storage of each lumber pile, whether in the open or under cover, shall not exceed four thousand (4,000) square feet. Such areas shall be so arranged that all lumber storage piles are separated either by a distance of fifteen (15) feet, a fire wall, storage of noncombustible materials, or any other approved fire break. No lumber pile shall be higher than its clear distance from the nearest adjoining property line and in no case shall the maximum height exceed fifteen (15) feet.

#### Sec. 11-285. Tire-rebuilding plants

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-285 (2026)

(a) The equipment, processes, and operation of automobile tire rebuilding and recapping plants shall comply with the applicable requirements of this Division and the provisions of this Section.

(b) Buffing machines shall be located in a room separated from the remainder of the plant as required under Subtitle 4 of this County Code, and fire doors in such separations shall be maintained free of all obstructions at all times. Each machine shall be connected to an ample dust-collecting system in conformity with NFPA-91.

(c) Each room where rubber cement is used or mixed, or flammable or combustible solvents are applied, shall be equipped with approved mechanical or natural ventilation.

#### Sec. 11-286. Matches

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-286 (2026)

(a) Wholesale storage, generally.

  (1) At wholesale establishments and wherever matches exceeding sixty (60) matchman's gross (fourteen thousand four hundred (14,400) matches each gross) are stored, shipping containers containing matches shall be arranged in piles not exceeding ten (10) feet in height nor one thousand five hundred (1,500) cubic feet in volume with aisles at least four (4) feet wide.

  (2) Where other materials or commodities are stored on the same floor with matches, a portion of the room shall be devoted to match storage exclusively, and a clear space of not less than four (4) feet shall be maintained between match storage and such other materials or commodities.

(b) Storage not to be near vertical openings. No matches shall be stored within ten (10) feet of any open elevator shaft, elevator shaft opening, open stairway or other vertical opening.

(c) Match bins required for broken containers. Where shipping containers containing matches are opened, the contents of such broken containers shall be removed and stored in metal or metal-lined bins equipped with self-closing metal or metal-lined covers.

(d) Storage by retailers. Where matches are sold at retail, original sealed packages may be stored on shelves. When such packages are broken, individual boxes shall be stored in metal-lined bins as described above.

#### Sec. 11-287. Scrap, waste and junk yards and collection stations

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-287 (2026)

(a) All buildings or areas where waste paper, rags or other combustible materials are handled or stored, or where old motor vehicles or other old machinery are dismantled, stored, handled, sold or exchanged, shall comply with this Section.

(b) Construction and protection requirements. Buildings housing combustible junk or materials shall have windows or other openings for access for firefighting and clear aisles tributary to them shall be provided. No materials shall be located in a yard, nor shall any yard be operated, in a manner to expose adjoining properties to a fire hazard.

(c) Fire extinguishers. One approved Class ABC fire extinguisher of 2-A:10-B:C rating shall be provided for each two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet, or fraction thereof, of the junk yard.

(d) Access to area. No motor vehicle, or any part thereof, junk, or other waste material, shall be stored, displayed or kept in such a manner as to unnecessarily hinder or endanger firefighting operations. Aisles, driveways or passageways suitable for fire apparatus shall be provided to permit reasonable access to within one hundred fifty (150) feet of all parts of the yard for firefighting operations.

#### Sec. 11-288. Operation of gasoline-powered equipment in certain structures

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-288 (2026)

(a) It shall be unlawful to store any motor vehicles or any other gasoline-powered equipment in any multifamily, hotel, motel, office, educational, family day care, assisted living, group home, board and care, or institutional occupancy, or any balcony attached thereto, except as follows:

  (1) In a garage constructed in accordance with Subtitle 4 of this County Code;

  (2) In a storage room, not containing other combustible materials, separated from other parts of the building by construction having a fire resistance rating of at least one (1) hour and communicating openings protected by approved self-closing fire doors and equipped with automatic fire extinguishing system.

(b) For purposes of fire safety, patios and balconies open to the exterior will be considered separate spaces from the dwelling unit, and motor vehicles or any other gasoline-powered equipment stored will be subject to removal by management and/or the Office of the Fire Marshal.

#### Sec. 11-289. Protection of hood and duct ventilation systems and related commercial cooking appliances

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-289 (2026)

(a) Generally. All occupancies containing cooking equipment in commercial, industrial, institutional, assembly, and similar cooking applications, other than installations for residential use, shall:

  (1) Have hoods, ducts, and grease removal equipment installed in conformance with this Division and other applicable provisions of this County Code; and

  (2) Have installed and maintain an automatic fire extinguishing system approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(b) Installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems. The system shall be installed by a contractor who has been certified by the manufacturer as competent to install the equipment. Such certification shall be available to the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(c) Plans and specifications. Working plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Fire Chief or authorized representative for review and approval prior to installation. The plans shall include:

  (1) A diagram of the area and equipment to be protected, including the dimensions of the hood and duct and all surfaces and appliances;

  (2) Manufacturer and model number of the system or systems proposed; and

  (3) A diagram of system piping and all component parts, including:

    (A) Size and length of piping and pipe schedule;

    (B) Size and number of elbows and tees;

    (C) Model numbers and location of nozzles;

    (D) Location and temperature of fusible links;

    (E) Location of system canister;

    (F) Location of manual means of activation; and

    (G) Location and identity of any auxiliary equipment including gas and power (electric) shutoffs.

(d) Installation manual provided. At least one (1) current manufacturer's installation manual shall be provided to the Fire Chief for each system installed.

(e) Change from approved plans. Where field conditions necessitate change from the approved plans, the Fire Chief or authorized representative shall be consulted.

(f) Inspection.

  (1) A final inspection of the installed system shall be made by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, which shall include witnessing of a test of the automatic and manual operating devices.

  (2) The Fire Chief or authorized representative shall be notified twenty-four (24) hours prior to the test.

  (3) Extinguishing systems shall be inspected at intervals required by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

  (4) The periodic inspection required in paragraph (3), above, shall be accomplished by a licensed fire extinguisher dealer or representative. Said inspection shall generate, on a form approved by the Fire Chief or authorized representative, a report on the condition of the system. The report shall be signed by this inspector and shall be forwarded to the Office of the Fire Marshal within five (5) days after inspection or servicing.

(g) Cleaning. All ducts, hoods, and grease collection equipment shall be cleaned not less than four (4) times a year.

#### Sec. 11-290. Bowling alleys

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-290 (2026)

(a) Bowling alleys shall conform to provisions of this Section and all other applicable requirements of this County Code.

(b) Resurfacing and refinishing operations shall not be carried on while the establishment is open for business. Approved ventilation shall be provided.

(c) Heating, ventilation, or cooling systems employing recirculation of air shall not be operated during resurfacing and refinishing operations or within one (1) hour following the application of flammable finishes.

(d) All electric motors or other equipment in the area, which might be a source of ignition, shall be shut down and all smoking and use of open flames are prohibited during the application of flammable finishes and for one (1) hour thereafter.

#### Sec. 11-291. Inspection and test of fire protection systems, devices and equipment

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-291 (2026)

(a) Acceptance test, generally. It shall be unlawful to occupy any building, structure, or any portion thereof, until all required fire protection systems have been tested, accepted, and approved by the appropriate fire official. Whenever it is likely that Fire/EMS Department personnel may need to operate installed systems, the Fire/EMS Department will be trained regarding these systems by the manufacturer's representative or installers.

(b) Expenses. Inspection and tests of fire protection systems, devices, and equipment shall be conducted by and at the expense and risk of the owner or authorized representative.

(c) Notification to Public Safety Communications. When testing any fire protection system, device, or equipment which is connected to a central supervisory station or directly to the Fire/EMS Department, notification shall be given to Public Safety Communications at least thirty (30) minutes prior to initiation of the test.

(d) Frequency. The test pipe at the top of all fire extinguishing systems so equipped shall be operated at least once a year to determine that there is free flow at adequate pressure and that the supervisory service, if any exists, is operating properly.

(e) Fire pumps. All fire pumps that automatically supply water to fire extinguishing systems or standpipes shall be operated periodically and at least once every thirty (30) days to assure that the fire pumps are operating properly.

(f) Fire alarm systems (manual-pull stations). All interior fire alarm systems within all buildings shall be tested at least once every thirty (30) days. The use of the system for fire drill purposes shall be accepted as a test of only those parts of the system actually used in the drill procedure. Accurate logs shall be maintained on the premises indicating box number, location, date, and type of device tested. Any defect, modification, or repair shall be logged, and the log shall be available to the Fire Chief or authorized representative. Additionally, manual-pull stations shall be tested annually.

(g) Fire alarms (automatically activated). Fire warning systems and all alarms which monitor control valves and flow switches for fire protection and fire alarm equipment, and which transmit a signal to a central supervisory station, must be tested at least once a year.

  (1) Notification shall be given as required under Subsection (c) of this Section.

  (2) The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require the water control valves servicing the fire protection system(s) to be secured in an open position regardless of the supervision of said system. The ability to disable the redundant locking system shall be limited to that of the owner or occupant.

(h) When required by other sections of this Code, the Life Safety Code, or other adopted referenced Fire Codes, specific occupancies shall be required to provide portable fire extinguishers. It shall be required that no portable fire extinguisher rated less than 2-A:10-B:C be allowed, and such portable fire extinguishers, when required, shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10.

(i) Fire safety devices. Special fire safety devices including automatic smoke venting equipment, emergency generators, and any other special fire safety equipment required to be installed in any building, structure, or premises, shall be tested by the owner or authorized representative as prescribed by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(j) Test records. A complete written record of all tests and inspections required under this Section, including servicing, repairs, or replacement of any portion of the system governed under this Section, shall be maintained on the premises by the owner or occupant in charge of said premises, and all such records shall be submitted to the Fire Chief or authorized representative when requested for inspection and evaluation.

#### Sec. 11-292. Maintenance of fire safety equipment

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-292 (2026)

(a) All fire protection systems, fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, fire and smoke ventilation systems, fixed fire and smoke ventilation systems, fixed fire communications systems, emergency lighting systems, devices, or units installed in compliance with any permit, law, or regulation shall be maintained in operative condition at all times, and it shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant to reduce the effectiveness of the fire protection system so required. This shall not prohibit the owner or occupant from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the fire protection system where necessary to make tests, repairs, alterations, or additions. Except for household fire warning systems, Public Safety Communications shall be notified thirty (30) minutes prior to any disconnection or interruption of protection, tests, repair, alterations, or initiation of additions, and shall be advised of the extent of and the reason for such work. The fire protection systems shall be promptly restored to working order, and Public Safety Communications shall be notified immediately when service is restored.

(b) When any required fire alarm, fire communication, fire extinguishing, fire protection, or first aid firefighting systems device, or unit, or part thereof, in any building or structure becomes inoperative, the Fire Chief or authorized representative may order said building or structure or portion thereof vacated until such inoperative system, device, or unit is repaired and returned to full service. The Fire Chief or authorized representative may permit the building or structure or portion thereof to be occupied when suitable alternative protective measures are provided.

#### Sec. 11-292.01. Reckless endangerment

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-292.01 (2026)

Any person who recklessly engages in conduct, in violation of any provision of this Subtitle, that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to a group of fifty (50) or more persons shall be subject to a civil fine of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000).

#### Sec. 11-293. Appeals

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-293 (2026)

Persons aggrieved by any notice or order issued by a fire official to correct any violation of this Division may appeal within the abatement period, but not later than ten (10) days from such notice or order, to the County Board of Appeals. Such appeal shall not stay execution of the notice or order more than ten (10) days from the filing of the appeal or the date of abatement, whichever is later, unless the Board of Appeals shall grant further stay upon application of the person filing the appeal. No stay of execution shall be permitted for any notice or order issued pursuant to this Division that requires immediate compliance unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order such stay of execution.

#### Sec. 11-294. Variances

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-294 (2026)

Upon application in writing, the Fire Chief or authorized representative is authorized and empowered, when there are practical difficulties or circumstances of undue hardship involved in the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Division, to make such interpretative decisions and qualifications as shall insure substantial compliance with its terms and avoid the imposition of undue hardship provided that the spirit of this Division shall be observed, public safety secured and substantial justice done. The particulars of such variances, when granted or allowed, and the decision of the Fire Chief thereon, shall be entered upon the records of the Office of the Fire Marshal and a signed copy shall be furnished to the applicant.

#### Sec. 11-295. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-295 (2026)

(a) This Section shall apply to any new residential unit for which an initial building permit is issued on or after January 1, 2007 or any existing unit where there is a sale or transfer of ownership and which is to be constructed or has been constructed with a gas heating system, fuel burning appliances, and/or an attached garage. This Section shall also apply to all new and existing One- and Two- Family, Multi-family, Hotel, Motel, and Dormitory residential dwellings with a gas heating system, fuel burning appliances, and/or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in new and existing residential dwellings by July 1, 2014, in the manner hereinafter provided, unless any other provision of County, State or Federal law shall require installation before that date.

(b) General Requirements.

  (1) Requirements for new and existing one- and two-family residential dwellings. The requirements for installation and maintenance of a carbon monoxide detector in a new or existing one- and two-family residential dwelling shall be at least one (1) carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the dwelling in close proximity to sleeping quarters in a residence constructed or to be constructed with a gas heating system, fuel burning appliances, and/or an attached garage. For a new residence, carbon monoxide detectors shall be directly hardwired to the building's power supply and have a battery-powered backup. For an existing residence, carbon monoxide detectors shall be AC and/or battery powered/backup. Each carbon monoxide detector must comply with all applicable Federal and State regulations and must bear the label of a nationally recognized standard testing laboratory. Each detector must be an Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) 2034 listed product or its equivalent. The owner/occupant of each dwelling unit shall be responsible for installing, inspecting and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

  (2) Multi-family apartment house. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of each new or existing multi-family apartment house to install carbon monoxide detectors in each such multi-family dwelling unit intended to be used or originally built or designed to be used for residential purposes, not to include any dwelling unit within any structure which has been wholly converted to a non-residential use.

  (3) Hotels and motels. Subject to the limitations of Section 12-1104 of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the owner of each new or existing hotel and motel shall install a carbon monoxide detector in a central location outside of each sleeping area within a dwelling, in the manner hereinafter provided.

  (4) Dormitories. The owner of each new or existing dormitory shall install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas, in the manner hereinafter provided.

  (5) Existing residential units that undergo a sale or transfer of ownership. It shall be the responsibility of the seller or transferor to install carbon monoxide detectors before or at the time of the transfer of ownership of the following residences:

    (A) One- and two-family residential dwellings. The requirements for installation and maintenance of a carbon monoxide detector in an existing one- and two-family residential dwelling shall be at least one (1) battery-powered carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the dwelling in close proximity to sleeping quarters in a residence with a gas heating system, fuel burning appliances, and/or an attached garage. Each carbon monoxide detector must comply with all applicable Federal and State regulations and must bear the label of a nationally recognized standard testing laboratory. Each detector must be an Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) 2034 listed product or its equivalent. The subsequent owner/occupant of each dwelling unit shall be responsible for inspecting and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

    (B) Multi-family apartment house. It shall be the responsibility of the seller or transferor of each multi-family apartment house to install carbon monoxide detectors in each such multi-family dwelling unit intended to be used or originally built or designed to be used for residential purposes, not to include any dwelling unit within any structure which has been wholly converted to a non-residential use.

    (C) Hotels and motels. Subject to the limitations of Section 12-1104 of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, it shall be the responsibility of the seller or transferor of each hotel and motel to install a carbon monoxide detector in a central location outside of each sleeping area within a dwelling, in the manner hereinafter provided, unless any other provision of County, State or Federal law requires installation before January 1, 2007.

    (D) Dormitories. It shall be the responsibility of the seller or transferor of each dormitory to install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas, in the manner hereinafter provided, unless any other provision of County, State or Federal law requires installation before January 1, 2007.

(c) Location. At least one (1) carbon monoxide detector shall be installed in close proximity to the access for each sleeping area in a residence constructed or to be constructed with a gas heating system, fuel burning appliances, and/or an attached garage.

(d) Installation. For a new residence, carbon monoxide detectors shall be directly hardwired to the building's power supply and have a battery-powered backup. For an existing residence, carbon monoxide detectors shall be AC and/or battery powered/backup. Each carbon monoxide detector must comply with all applicable federal and state regulations and must bear the label of a nationally recognized standard testing laboratory. Each detector must be an Underwriters Laboratory (UL.). 2034 listed product or its equivalent.

(e) Maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors in multi-family apartment houses, hotels, motels, and dormitories. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner or agent to annually inspect and maintain any carbon monoxide detector, installed in compliance with the provisions of this Section, in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and/or suggested maintenance schedule. In addition, the property owner shall provide any tenant access to a copy of the maintenance schedule, operating manual, and any other instructional or precautionary literature, which the manufacturer may supply with the unit.

(f) Certification at change in occupancy. At every change of occupancy or tenancy in any multi-family dwelling unit occasioned by or incidental to a sale, lease, sublease, or change in tenancy, it shall be the duty of the grantor thereof to certify to the owner/occupant, at the time of conveyance and before occupancy, that all carbon monoxide detectors as required by this Section (or other applicable laws) are installed and in proper working condition.

(g) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner/occupant to annually inspect and maintain any carbon monoxide detector, installed in compliance with the provisions of this Section, in accordance with the manufacturer's specification and/or suggested maintenance schedule.

#### Sec. 11-296. Novelty Lighters

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-296 (2026)

A person may not sell at retail, offer for retail sale or distribute for retail sale or promotion in Prince George's County a novelty lighter. This does not apply to the transportation of novelty lighters through the County or storage of same in a warehouse.

#### Sec. 11-297 through 11-300. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 11-297–11-300 (2026)

### Division 5. Fire Commission

#### Sec. 11-301. Fire Commission; membership

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-301 (2026)

(a) There shall be a Fire Commission composed of nine (9) residents of the County, appointed by the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the County Council, as provided in Section 504 of the Charter.

#### Sec. 11-302. Duties

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-302 (2026)

The Fire Commission shall review the financial needs and requests for public funds of each volunteer fire company. It shall formulate annually one capital budget, one capital improvement program, and one current expense budget for all volunteer fire companies with respect to the expenditure of public funds, and shall submit said budgets and program, together with appropriate justification, to the County Executive in accordance with the provisions of the Charter.

#### Sec. 11-303. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-303 (2026)

### Division 6. Volunteer Fire Companies

#### Sec. 11-304 through 11-323. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 11-304–11-323 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-324. Nonprofit fire companies and rescue squads; regulations

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-324 (2026)

(a) All existing nonprofit incorporated volunteer fire companies and/or rescue squads operating in Prince George's County are declared to be an instrumentality of Prince George's County and/or the municipality in which they operate for the protection of life and property from the hazards of fires, explosions, and related perils.

(b) No income of such existing nonprofit incorporated volunteer fire companies and/or rescue squads shall inure to any private person.

(c) The beneficial interest in any assets, real or personal, held by such existing nonprofit incorporated volunteer fire companies and/or rescue squads shall be vested in Prince George's County or the municipality wherein such volunteer fire companies and/or rescue squads are located and operating. The County or municipality shall be vested with full legal ownership of all such assets upon the retirement of all indebtedness of such volunteer fire companies and/or rescue squads.

(d) In the event of dissolution or liquidation of such incorporated fire companies and/or rescue squads, title to all assets, real or personal, held by it, shall revert to and vest in Prince George's County or the municipality in which the fire companies or rescue squads are located.

(e) The provisions of this Section shall apply to all volunteer fire companies and/or rescue squads hereinafter organized under the laws of Prince George's County.

#### Sec. 11-325. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-325 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-326. Payment of principal and interest on bonds

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-326 (2026)

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Division, the Council is authorized to direct the appropriate fiscal officer of Prince George's County, before disbursing any taxes collected pursuant to this Division to any fire company in the County, to withhold from such distribution an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on any bonds issued by the County for the purpose of providing funds for the construction of a fire engine house or fire engine houses in the County, including the acquisition and development of sites therefor, the architectural and engineering services incident thereto, and the acquisition and installation of necessary permanent furnishings, fixed permanent equipment and fire-fighting equipment therefor. In determining the amount to be withheld, the Council may adopt such formula as it, in its discretion, shall deem equitable and just.

(b) The Council shall determine, among other things, the amount of the bond proceeds expended in each of the fire districts as defined in this Division, the amount of money required to service the bonds issued therefor and the amount of tax revenues allocable to the fire district under any of the provisions contained in this Division, but in no event shall the bond service requirement for expenditures made in any fire district exceed the amount of tax revenues allocable to such fire district as determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Division.

#### Sec. 11-327. Benefits to fire companies and rescue squads

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-327 (2026)

(a) The Council shall levy a tax to provide for a Blanket Life and Accident Insurance Policy covering the members of all volunteer fire departments and rescues squads in the County. This policy shall provide for death benefits, disability benefits, medical expenses benefits, family assistance, and optional auxiliary and/or community volunteer coverage. Pursuant to the County's Blanket Life and Accident Insurance Policy, there shall be a minimum death benefit of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) payable upon the death of any member of a County volunteer fire department or rescue squad whose death results from a covered activity or illness in the Blanket Life and Accident Insurance Policy.

(b) The Fire Department shall notify all active members of the volunteer fire departments and rescue squads of the benefits available under the County's Blanket Life and Accident Insurance Policy. Upon joining a volunteer fire department or rescue squad, a new member shall be oriented to the benefits available under this insurance policy.

(c) The Council shall adopt such rules and regulations as they deem necessary to administer the provisions of this Section.

(d) The Council may reduce any sums payable under this Section in an amount equal to the amount received by a beneficiary under the provisions of Article 101, Annotated Code of Maryland, entitled Workmen's Compensation.

#### Sec. 11-328. Length of Service Award Program

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-328 (2026)

(a) There is hereby established a Length of Service Award program for active volunteer members of the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department.

(b) Eligibility. Beginning July 1, 2005, any person who has reached the age of fifty-five (55) and who has completed a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of certified active volunteer service with any Prince George's County volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad or combination thereof shall be eligible to participate in the Length of Service Award Program. The requirements for eligibility are:

  (1) The member must meet the active membership test under the procedures established herein.

  (2) Classification as an "active" member by an individual department bylaws is not sufficient to be eligible.

  (3) Volunteer members of the fire department of the City of Takoma Park shall not be eligible to participate in the program.

(c) Benefits.

  (1) Effective July 1, 2005, and thereafter, any volunteer who has completed twenty-five (25) years of certified active service within the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department upon reaching age fifty-five (55) shall receive a payment of One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) per month for fiscal year 1988; One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per month for fiscal year 1989; One Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($175.00) per month for fiscal year 1990; Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per month for fiscal year 1991 through fiscal year 2000; and Two Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($225.00) per month for fiscal year 2001 and for each fiscal year thereafter until June 30, 2015. Effective July 1, 2015, and thereafter, any volunteer currently receiving benefits or that has served twenty-five (25) years and attained the age of fifty-five (55) as of July 1, 2015, shall receive a payment of Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) per month for fiscal year 2016; Three Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($375.00) per month for fiscal year 2017; Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) per month for fiscal year 2018; and Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) per month for fiscal year 2019 and for each fiscal year thereafter.

  (2) A payment of Eight Dollars ($8.00) per month shall be added to the benefits described above, for each full year of certified service in excess of twenty-five (25) years. Payments shall begin on the first day of the month following eligibility. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all members currently receiving benefits upon certification of additional years.

  (3) In the event that an active volunteer fireman or rescue squadsman (for purposes of this Subsection only herein defined as one who has a minimum of ten (10) years active certified service with five (5) years immediately preceding) attains the age of seventy (70), he shall be entitled to a payment of Eight Dollars ($8.00) per month for each year of certified service. Payments shall begin on the first day following eligibility.

  (4) Once a member is receiving benefits under Subsections (c)(1) or (2), that member may annually accrue additional benefits by certified active service.

  (5) In the event that:

    (A) Any active volunteer is found by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission to be permanently disabled in the course of his employment as a volunteer fireman or rescue squadsman, as defined by the State Workers' Compensation Law; and

    (B) Such disability is found by a competent medical authority, designated by the County Executive of Prince George's County, to prevent the volunteer from pursuing his or her normal occupation; then

    (C) Such volunteer shall receive the benefits prescribed in Subsection (c)(1), as though he had twenty-five (25) years of service and had attained the age of fifty-five (55) years.

These benefits shall begin on the first day of the month following the establishment of entitlement by the medical authority established by the County Executive, and shall be retroactive to the date of injury where such date is clearly established or in the absence thereof, the date of determination of entitlement by the Workers' Compensation Commission. Claims for disability must be filed within one (1) year after the date of injury.

(6) Once a member has received benefits under Subsection (c)(5) he may not accrue additional benefits for subsequent service.

(7) (A) In the event that any qualified volunteer shall die while receiving benefits, then his or her surviving spouse is entitled to benefits equal to fifty percent (50%) of the volunteer's benefits. These benefits shall terminate upon death or remarriage of the spouse.

  (B) In the event that a qualified volunteer dies prior to receiving any benefits under this Section, his or her surviving spouse is entitled to benefits equal to fifty percent (50%) of the benefits earned by the deceased volunteer. These benefits shall terminate upon death or remarriage of the spouse. A qualified volunteer is defined as one who has completed twenty-five (25) years of certified service, or is qualified to receive benefits under this Act.

  (C) Any surviving spouse receiving benefits pursuant to Subsection (c)(1) on June 30, 1987, shall be entitled to One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per month effective January 1, 1992. Effective July 1, 2000, any surviving spouse receiving benefits pursuant to Subsection (c)(1) on July 1, 2000, shall be entitled to One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) per month. Effective July 1, 2014, and thereafter, any surviving spouse receiving benefits pursuant to Subsection (c)(1) shall be entitled to a minimum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per month.

(8) When a qualified volunteer dies after July 1, 2005, a burial benefit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) shall be paid to the surviving spouse, and if there is no surviving spouse to the estate of the decedent. Effective July 1, 2014, and thereafter, the burial benefit shall be Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). A qualified volunteer is defined as one who has completed twenty-five (25) years of service or is qualified to receive benefits under this Section.

(d) Funding. The Fire Commission will annually submit with the Volunteer Fire Department budgets a request for funds to pay administrative expenses and to pay those volunteer members who are eligible or will become eligible for the program. The request shall identify by name each member to receive payment and specify the number of months for which payment will be made to that individual during the fiscal year, if for less than a full year.

(e) Administration.

  (1) The program shall be administered by the Office of Human Resources Management in accordance with standards and procedures established by the Prince George's County Fire Commission, the Office of Human Resources Management, and the Prince George's County Office of Finance.

  (2) The Prince George's County Fire Commission and/or the Prince George's County Office of Finance and the Prince George's County Office of Audits and Investigations shall have the authority to audit records of volunteer participation in addition to any other audits required by law. The County Executive shall make available to the Fire Commission any temporary secretarial or clerical assistance as may become necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(f) Certification. It shall be the responsibility of each participating department to maintain a detailed and accurate record for each volunteer member in accordance with the following:

  (1) All records shall be maintained on forms prescribed by the Prince George's County Fire Commission.

  (2) Annually on or before November 15, the Board of Directors of each department shall certify and furnish to the County Fire Commission a list of all volunteer members who have qualified for credit for the previous year. In the event a volunteer requests credit for service in more than one department, each department shall provide the points earned by that volunteer for that year. This certification shall be signed by the President and Secretary.

  (3) The County Fire Commission shall review the list of each department and approve the final annual certification. The approved list of certified members shall then be returned to each department and posted for at least thirty (30) days for review by members.

  (4) In computing credit for those volunteers who also serve as paid employees within the Prince George's County Fire/Rescue Service, credit shall not be given for activities performed during the individual's regularly assigned work period.

(g) Active Service Standards. For the purpose of participating in the program, a year of active volunteer service is defined as a year in which an applicant for certification has accumulated a minimum of fifty (50) points in accordance with the following point system. Points will be credited for the period of July 1, through June 30, each year and shall not be transferable from one year to the next.

  (1) One (1) point shall be credited for each hour of attendance in a training course approved by the County Fire Commission providing that not more than twenty-five (25) points may be credited for all training courses attended per year.

  (2) One (1) point shall be credited for each company or county drill attended in its entirety, providing that not more than twenty-five (25) points may be credited for all drills attended per year.

  (3) One (1) point shall be credited for each official company, county, or Maryland State meeting pertaining to fire services or rescue service attended, provided that not more than twenty-five (25) points may be credited for all meetings attended per year.

  (4) One (1) point shall be credited for each call to which a volunteer responds, providing that not more than forty (40) points may be credited for all calls responded to per year.

  (5) One (1) point shall be credited for each full night of sleep-in. One (1) point shall be credited for each standby. A standby is defined as an on duty activity of the fire department or rescue squad, lasting for four (4) hours, not falling under one of the other categories, provided not more than twenty-five (25) points may be credited for all sleep-ins and standbys in one (1) year.

  (6) Two (2) points shall be credited for each month of active participation in and completion of an appointed or elected officership or chairmanship of a standing committee in any Fire or Rescue Service organization in the State of Maryland. Points shall be awarded according to the following schedule:

    | OFFICE | MAXIMUM ANNUAL POINTS | POINTS PER MONTH |
    | --- | --- | --- |
    | Chief, President | 50 | 4.17 |
    | Fire Commission | 50 | 4.17 |
    | All other elected or appointed, company, County or State association office | 25 | 2.09 |
    | Committee, Chairmanships | 25 | 2.09 |

  (7) One (1) point shall be credited for each hour of acceptable collateral duties such as, but not limited to, apparatus and building maintenance, and fire prevention, providing that not more than twenty-five (25) points may be credited for all collateral duties performed per year.

  (8) A volunteer member who, during his membership, serves or has served full-time military service in the armed forces of the United States shall receive credit at the rate of five (5) points for each month served providing that not more than fifty (50) points can be credited for any calendar year. A maximum of four (4) years of creditable service may be acquired in this manner.

(h) Cost of Living Increases.

  (1) Effective July 1, 1991, and thereafter, volunteers and spouses receiving benefits under this Act shall receive the cost of living increase awarded the career fire service of Prince George's County.

#### Sec. 11-329. Death Benefits

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-329 (2026)

(a) There shall be a death benefit of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) payable upon the death of any member of a County volunteer fire department or rescue squad. This payment shall be a one time, lump sum and shall be paid within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the volunteer's death. It shall be paid to the person or persons specified by the volunteer in accordance with duly authorized personnel procedures of the County.

(b) In addition, there shall be a line of duty death benefit for every year the member of a County volunteer fire department or rescue squad served over ten (10) years of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) per year, and Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per year for every year served over fifteen (15) years.

(c) The death of any active member caused by lung disease, heart disease, hypertension, leukemia, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, throat cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, brain cancer, testicular cancer or breast cancer, shall be presumed to be service-connected and to have been suffered in the line of duty and as a result of his/her membership of these volunteer fire departments or rescue squads unless evidence is produced which shall demonstrate a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the member's death is not related to their service in a volunteer fire department or rescue squad. This subsection shall apply to an individual who completed at least ten (10) years of service as a firefighter, firefighting instructor, rescue squad member, technical rescue basic life support unit member, or advanced life support unit member, auxiliary member, administrative member or in a combination of those jobs in the County. For purposes of this Subsection, an active member shall mean someone who has earned at least fifty (50) Length of Service Award Program points. This Subsection shall only extend medical presumption to the County death benefit outlined in Section 11-329(b), and shall not be applied to Maryland Workers' Compensation Law for disability benefits.

(d) Subsection (c) shall only apply to those members who have completed a base line physical to include screenings consistent with National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA") 1582 criteria for cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and hypertension; and shall submit documentation of an annual physical to include screenings consistent with NFPA 1582 criteria for those meeting the risk factor of a comprehensive screening for cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and hypertension. The annual physical may be performed by a County vendor, or the member's primary care physician at the expense of the member or the member's insurance. A copy of the member's physical results will be sent to Fire Department Risk Management. The required documentation from for the annual physical performed by a personal physician shall include a checklist of required screenings consistent with Prince George's County and NFPA 1582 standards. A member may opt for additional tests and evaluations as directed by the member's primary care physician. If a member chooses not to participate in the annual physical, it shall not affect his or her volunteer status. A member's medical documents from an annual physical shall become property of the Fire Department Risk Management and be subject to all medical record review rules and regulations in concert with HIPPA, shall remain confidential, and shall not be reviewed by the County without the express consent of the member. Former members who are no longer volunteers shall qualify for a medical presumption under Subsection (c) if they meet other eligibility requirements and were active members within the last five (5) years preceding their diagnosis.

#### Sec. 11-330. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-330 (2026)

### Division 7. Minimum Qualifications for Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service Care Clinicians

#### Sec. 11-331. Definitions

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-331 (2026)

(a) The words defined in this Section shall have the meanings set forth below whenever they appear in this Division, unless the context in which they are used clearly requires a different meaning or a different definition is prescribed for a particular provision.

  (1) Active experience means the aggregate cumulation of time in service either as a firefighter or EMS Care Clinician, as the applicable case may be, including and notwithstanding whether such time in service is or has been in the capacity of a volunteer or of an employee who receives compensation therefore, or whether the same may be cumulated with an organization other than the Fire Department or any designated organization.

  (2) Active status means that status by which any member of any designated organization shall constitute and serve in the capacity of a firefighter or EMS Care Clinician in accordance and within any applicable class provided under this Division.

  (3) Administrative Only Member means any person who joins the Volunteer Fire/EMS Corporation with the sole purpose of performing non-operational duties or administrative tasks (i.e., recruitment, fundraising, public fire & life safety education, data entry, accounting, etc.).

  (4) Apparatus means any motor vehicle which is owned, operated, or maintained by any designated organization and specially equipped for the purpose of responding to fire emergencies, medical emergencies, and other incidents of crisis attended by any designated organization, saving and excepting any such motor vehicle designed for the principal purpose of administrative or other nonemergency support functions as determined by the governing body of the designated organization.

  (5) Auxiliary Member means any person who joins the Volunteer Fire/EMS Corporation as a member of the Corporation's Auxiliary, whether part of the individual volunteer corporation or a separate entity.

  (6) Continuing education means a program, certification, or course of study or training, the subject matter of which is deemed and approved as substantially related to firefighting or the provision of emergency medical services, or the operation and enforcement of the provisions of this Subtitle, and includes, by way of illustration and not of limitation, an approved course for Maryland Emergency Medical Technician recertification purposes.

  (7) County experience means active experience, only and to the extent such time in service shall be cumulated in connection with the Fire Department or any designated organization.

  (8) Designated organization means any volunteer fire, volunteer rescue, or volunteer emergency medical service department, squad, or company established and operated in Prince George's County according to the provisions of Division 6 of this Subtitle.

  (9) Emergency Medical Service (EMS) means the provision of first aid or application of other developed medical techniques and treatments, the purpose of which is to save life and stabilize the medical condition of victims in trauma, medical crisis, or otherwise exigent medical circumstance.

  (10) Equivalent course of study means a program, certification, or course of study or training which is deemed and approved by the Fire Commission as materially equivalent with respect to any other such program, certification, or course.

  (11) Fire/ EMS General Order means the policies and procedures of the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department.

  (12) Governing body means a board or committee of directors or trustees, or other governing body, having legal or fiduciary or ultimate corporate control with respect to any designated organization.

  (13) Interested party means a governing body or member of any designated organization, or any applicant to any designated organization, which is the subject of, interested in, or otherwise aggrieved by any determination made and rendered by the Qualifications Review Board or any governing body.

  (14) Junior Member means a member of a designated organization between the ages of 16 to 18 years old.

  (15) Medical emergency apparatus means any basic life support ambulance or other apparatus which is designed, specially equipped, and utilized for the purpose of providing emergency medical services and the transport of victims in trauma, medical crisis, or otherwise exigent medical circumstance.

  (16) Primary EMS Care Clinician means the EMS Care Clinician who shall be the most senior and Clinician in charge assigned to any medical emergency apparatus for the purpose of responding to any medical emergency and providing emergency medical services thereupon.

  (17) Qualifications Review Board means the Volunteer Fire Service Qualifications Review Board established pursuant to the provisions of this Division.

  (18) Standard means the National Fire Protection Association or identified industry best practices in firefighting, fire officers, rescue, and emergency medical services.

#### Sec. 11-332. Purposes; Construction; Applicability of Division

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-332 (2026)

(a) The purposes of this Division are to prescribe minimum qualifications in policy and procedure for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS Care Clinicians, to establish appropriate standards of training for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS Care Clinicians and to enhance the standards and quality of service provided by the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.

(b) The provisions of this Division shall be construed and applied to promote the policies and procedures of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.

(c) The provisions of this Division shall apply to any designated organization and to any member who shall actively engage in firefighting, rescue operations, or the provision of emergency medical services in connection with the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.

#### Sec. 11-333. Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Care Clinicians classes

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-333 (2026)

(a) Subject to the applicable provisions of this Division and for purposes of this Division, volunteer firefighters shall be designated among classes of seniority as follows:

  (1) Junior Volunteer Firefighter;

  (2) Active Volunteer Firefighter;

  (3) Volunteer Fire Line Officer;

  (4) Deputy or Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief; and

  (5) Volunteer Fire Chief.

(b) Subject to the applicable provisions of this Division and for purposes of this Division, volunteer EMS Care Clinicians shall be designated among the classes of seniority as follows:

  (1) Junior EMS Care Clinician;

  (2) Active Volunteer EMS Care Clinician;

  (3) Volunteer EMS Officer;

  (4) Deputy and Assistant Volunteer EMS Chief; and

  (5) Volunteer EMS Chief.

(c) No member of any designated organization shall be appointed to active status to any officer, deputy chief, assistant chief, or chief class designation provided in this Section until such time as the governing body of such designated organization or the Fire Commission shall have duly issued a certificate, in writing, which evidences that such member meets or exceeds the conditions, qualifications, and requirements applicable thereto according the provisions of this Division.

#### Sec. 11-334. Junior Volunteer Firefighters and Junior EMS Care Clinicians

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-334 (2026)

(a) Prior to appointment to the capacity of a Junior Volunteer Firefighter or Junior EMS Care Clinician, each applicant thereto shall establish compliance with the minimum qualifications as follows:

  (1) Age. Such applicant shall have attained an age of not less than sixteen (16) years.

  (2) Compliance with certain qualifications and training. Such applicant shall establish full and complete compliance with the provisions for minimum qualifications and training requirements set forth hereunder at Section 11-335, saving and except to the extent such minimum qualifications may otherwise require the attainment of any age.

(b) Special restrictions.

  (1) No Junior Volunteer Firefighter or Junior Volunteer EMS Care Clinician shall be permitted or authorized to operate any apparatus responding to an emergency alarm.

  (2) No Junior Volunteer Firefighter or Junior Volunteer EMS Care Clinician shall be permitted or authorized to ride as a passenger upon any apparatus until such time as they shall have satisfactorily completed the Prince George's County Volunteer Recruit School, or any equivalent course of study, and furnished to the applicable designated organization a valid work permit.

  (3) No Junior Volunteer Firefighter may be permitted or authorized during emergency operations to enter a burning building or other structure until such time as they may have completed and obtained the Firefighter I certification provided at Section 11-335(b)(2) hereunder; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, an Incident Commander acting on site at any such fire may direct, authorize, or permit such Junior Volunteer Firefighter to enter such building or structure in the event such Incident Commander shall have first determined the subject fire is placed under control.

  (4) No Junior Volunteer Firefighter or Junior EMS Care Clinician shall be eligible to serve as a primary EMS Care Clinician on any medical emergency apparatus until such time as they shall have obtained a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician course certification, or any equivalent course of study.

(c) Upon attaining the age of not less than eighteen (18) years, any member who shall have qualified in accordance with the provisions of this Section as a Junior Firefighter or Junior EMS Care Clinician shall be duly and automatically qualified thereafter as an active firefighter or active EMS Care Clinician, as the applicable case may be.

#### Sec. 11-335. Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer EMS Care Clinicians

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-335 (2026)

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, prior to appointment to the capacity of a volunteer firefighter or EMS Care Clinician, whether of the junior or active class designation, each applicant thereto shall establish compliance with the minimum qualifications as follows:

  (1) Age. Such applicant shall have attained an age of not less than eighteen (18) years.

  (2) Application. Such applicant shall have furnished a completed application form as prescribed from time to time by the Fire Commission, which application form shall require the recordation of such information as is reasonably necessary to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the qualifications required by this Section.

  (3) Medical standards. Such applicant shall meet or exceed such medical standards as are established by the Fire Commission, which medical standards shall be based upon reasonable tests and examinations necessary to ascertain that the applicant's physical and mental health is adequate to insure that the applicant is able to perform in firefighting or rescue operations without the threat of injury to self, other firefighters or EMS Care Clinicians, or members of the general public.

  (4) Background investigation. Such applicant shall have authorized the conduct of, and successfully completed, a background investigation as may be determined, required, and administered by the applicable designated organization, which background investigation may include an investigation of the applicant's character, including an examination of the applicant's criminal history.

(b) Upon appointment to the capacity of junior or active firefighter, each such person appointed shall comply with each of the several training requirements set forth below; and any failure thereafter of any person to meet such requirements shall result in automatic termination of active status until such time as the same requirements shall be satisfied.

  (1) Not later than twelve (12) months after the assignment of the members Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department identification number, each junior or active firefighter shall either enroll in the Maryland Emergency Medical Technician course or in the Firefighter I certification course, or any equivalent course of study.

  (2) Not later than thirty-six (36) months after the month of appointment, each junior or active firefighter shall have satisfactorily completed the Maryland Emergency Medical Technician course and obtained the Firefighter I certification, or any equivalent course of study.

  (3) For purposes of this Section 11-335(b), in the case of any volunteer firefighter who may attain the active class designation by operation of the conversion from the junior class in accordance with the provisions of Section 11-334(c), the month of appointment shall be determined and deemed to be the month during which they were first appointed to such junior class designation.

(c) Upon appointment to the capacity of Active Volunteer EMS Care Clinician, each such person appointed shall comply with each of the several training requirements set forth below; and any failure thereafter of any person to meet such requirements shall result in automatic termination of active status until such time as the same requirements shall be satisfied.

  (1) Not later than eighteen (18) months after the month of appointment, each Active Volunteer EMS Care Clinician shall have completed and obtained a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certification.

  (2) For purposes of this Section 11-335(c), in the case of any Volunteer EMS Care Clinician who may attain the active class designation by operation of the conversion from the junior class in accordance with the provisions of Section 11-334(c), the month of appointment shall be determined and deemed to be the month during which they were first appointed to such junior class designation.

(d) Restrictions.

  (1) No Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer EMS Care Clinician shall be eligible to operate, or ride as a passenger upon, any apparatus until such time as they shall have satisfactorily completed the Prince George's County Volunteer Recruit School.

  (2) No Active Volunteer Firefighter may be permitted or authorized during emergency operations to enter a burning building or other structure until such time as they may have completed and obtained the Firefighter I certification provided at Section 11-335(b)(2) hereinabove; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, an Incident Commander acting on-site at any such fire may direct, authorize, or permit such Active Volunteer Firefighter to enter such building or structure in the event such Incident Commander shall have first determined the subject fire is placed under control.

  (3) No Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active EMS Care Clinician shall be eligible to serve as a primary EMS Care Clinician on any medical emergency apparatus until such time as they shall have obtained a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician course certification.

#### Sec. 11-336. Volunteer Training Standards

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-336 (2026)

The Volunteer Training Requirements for Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Line Officers, Volunteer Chief Officers, Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Care Clinician, Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Care Clinician Line Officers, Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Care Clinician Chief Officers. All certification requirements shall be consistent with National Fire Protection Association standards, eligibility and professional development requirement shall be consistent with Career and Volunteer Professional Development guide, and are listed in the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department General Order 11-20 (Volunteer Training Standards). Any revision to General Order 11-20 (Volunteer Training Standards) or any successor shall be consistent with National Fire Protection Association standards or shall be approved by the County Council via Resolution.

#### Sec. 11-337. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-337 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-338. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-338 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-339. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-339 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-340. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-340 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-341. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-341 (2026)

#### Sec. 11-342. Administration of Division

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-342 (2026)

(a) Disputes. Subject to the provision for recommendation by the Qualification Review Board and any governing body which is an interested party, any dispute concerning the purposes, provisions, and administration of this Division shall be subject to determination by the Fire Commission.

(b) Determinations by Fire Commission. The Fire Commission shall have the specific authorities and responsibilities to render the following determinations provided in accordance with this Division:

  (1) Any dispute concerning the issuance or failure to issue any certificate provided in accordance with the purposes, provisions, and administration of Section 11-333(c);

  (2) Any determination concerning the qualification of any program, certification, or course as one which shall be deemed an equivalent course of study with respect to any other course enumerated herein, within the meaning of Section 11-331(a)(6) and purposes of this Division; and

  (3) Any request of appeal tendered by an interested party with respect to any prior adverse determination provided in accordance with this Division and rendered by the Qualifications Review Board or any governing body.

(c) Determinations by a governing body. A governing body shall have the specific authorities and responsibilities to render the following determinations provided in accordance with this Division:

  (1) Any initial determination concerning the qualifications or compliance with applicable training requirements of any firefighter or EMS Care Clinician in active status, or any applicant for such active status;

  (2) Any certification provided in accordance with the purposes, provisions, and administration of Section 11-333(c); and

  (3) Any determination concerning the qualification of any program, certification, or course as one which shall be deemed substantially related to firefighting or the provision of emergency medical services, or the operations and enforcement of the provisions of this Subtitle, and shall constitute continuing education within the meaning set forth in Section 11-331(a)(6) and for purposes of this Division.

(d) Determinations by Qualifications Review Board. The Qualifications Review Board shall have the specific authorities and responsibilities as follows:

  (1) To evaluate and make recommendation with respect to any dispute made subject to determination by the Fire Commission pursuant to the provisions of this Division, including, without limitation, any dispute concerning the issuance or failure to issue any certificate provided in accordance with the purposes, provisions, and administration of Section 11-333(c);

  (2) To evaluate and develop recommendations concerning qualification of any program, certification, or course as one which shall be deemed substantially related to firefighting or the provision of emergency medical services, or the operations and enforcement of the provisions of this Subtitle, and shall constitute continuing education within the meaning set forth in Section 11-331(a)(10) and for purposes of this Division;

  (3) To make such general studies, surveys, inquiries, and evaluations concerning the improvement of qualifications or training for active status; and

  (4) To report its recommendations, findings, and evaluations to the Fire Commission.

(e) Form and standards of determinations. Any determination made pursuant to the provisions of this Division by the Fire Commission, a governing body, or the Qualifications Review Board shall be rendered in writing, and shall be certificated through attestation by any officer so authorized by the governing body in interest, and shall be made upon the basis of a preponderance of the evidence.

(f) Procedures; regulations. The Fire Commission shall promulgate its own rules and regulations as may be necessary and appropriate to execute its responsibilities under this Division; provided, such rules or regulations shall provide, among other things, that any appeal as provided under this Division shall be duly taken only upon the giving of timely notice thereof to the Qualifications Review Board and, further, shall provide that the Qualifications Review Board shall be afforded a period of not less than thirty (30), and not more than sixty (60) days, from the date of notice for the purpose of evaluating such appeal and making such recommendations as provided herein.

#### Sec. 11-343. Volunteer Fire Service Qualifications Review Board

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-343 (2026)

(a) There is hereby established a Volunteer Fire Service Qualifications Review Board which shall monitor the development of appropriate qualifications and standards of training for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS Care Clinicians, and to support the enhancement of standards and qualifications of service provided by designated organizations.

(b) The Qualifications Review Board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be designated in accordance with the following:

  (1) One (1) member shall be designated from, among, and by the Fire Commission, which member shall constitute and serve as Chairman of the Qualifications Review Board;

  (2) Two (2) members shall be designated by the Fire Chief from and among the members of the Prince George's County Fire Service, one of which members shall be sworn to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief and the other of which shall be appointed to the position of Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief;

  (3) One (1) member shall be designated from among the members of the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, Inc., a Maryland nonstock corporation, or its lawful successor, which is organized and existing in Prince George's County, Maryland, and which member shall be so designated by the President of such association; and

  (4) One (1) member shall be designated from, by, and among the members of the Volunteer Fire Chief's Council or its lawful successor, an unincorporated and nonprofit professional association organized and existing in Prince George's County, Maryland.

(c) Each member of the Qualifications Review Board shall serve for an indefinite term, and subject to the pleasure of the person or association by which such member is so designated to serve.

(d) The Qualifications Review Board shall promulgate its own rules and regulations as may be necessary and appropriate to execute its responsibilities under this Division.

#### Sec. 11-344. Reserved

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-344 (2026)

### Division 8. Emergency Transportation Fee

#### Sec. 11-345. Definitions

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-345 (2026)

(a) Terms used in this Division are defined as follows:

  (1) Emergency Transportation refers to the transportation of patients by a unit operated and staffed by Advanced Life Support personnel or Basic Life Support personnel or any combination of both as designated by the Prince George's County Fire Chief.

#### Sec. 11-346. Emergency transportation; fees

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-346 (2026)

(a) The fees for Emergency Transportation and related services provided by Prince George's County shall be as established in the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.

(b) No person shall be denied Emergency Transportation because of an inability to pay the fee required by this Section, and no person shall be questioned about an ability to pay such fee at the time the service is requested or rendered.

(c) The fee required by this Section may be collected on behalf of the County by the hospital to which the patient is transported or other agents designated by the County. The County Executive is authorized to contract with hospitals or other agents for fee collection.

(d) The receipt of maximum benefits payable by Medicare or Medicaid in accordance with applicable government regulations in payment of any fee imposed by this Section shall be accepted as payment in full.

(e) The County Executive is authorized to prescribe regulations for the implementation and administration of this Division. A copy of the adopted regulations and any amendments thereto shall be filed with the Clerk of the Council for review, comment, or action by the Prince George's County Council within thirty (30) days.

  | TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
  | --- | --- |
  | Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
  | Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
  | Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
  | Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-19-2009 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2009 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-44-2010 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2010 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-24-2011 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2011 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-38-2012 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2012 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-42-2013 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2013 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-34-2014 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2014 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-32-2015 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2015 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-32-2016 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2016 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-55-2017 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2017 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-23-2018 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2018 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-27-2019 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2019 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $5.00 per mile |

CB-24-2020 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2020 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $12.00 per mile |

CB-35-2021 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2021 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $12.00 per mile |

CB-56-2022 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2022 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $12.00 per mile |

CB-063-2023 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2023 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $500.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $750.00 |
| Mileage fee | $12.00 per mile |

CB-045-2024 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2024 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $750.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $850.00 |
| Mileage fee | $16.00 per mile |

CB-056-2025 set the following emergency transportation fees for emergency transportation services rendered on or after July 1, 2025 as follows:

| TYPE OF EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE | FEE |
| --- | --- |
| Basic Life Support | $650.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 1 | $750.00 |
| Advanced Life Support 2 | $850.00 |
| Mileage fee | $16.00 per mile |

#### Sec. 11-347. Use of funds

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 11-347 (2026)

Revenues from the fees imposed for Emergency Transportation provided by the County shall be used for operating and capital expenses related to Emergency Transportation, as set forth in the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.