Lisa Bossert, P.E. Fire Protection Engineer, Schirmer Engineering, Charlotte, N.C.

Of Stores, Storage and Sprinkling

Many big box retailers stack their merchandise to the ceiling. If heights exceed 12 ft.—on racks or in piles—these buildings are subject to many of the same fire protection requirements as warehouses. Certain high-hazard products such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids and idle pallets may be considered high-piled if their height exceeds 6 ft.