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Pallet C e nt ral • May -Ju ne 2 0 26 2 5 A s spring weather takes shape across the country, more than 40% of the United States is experiencing drought. Record-low snowfall and scarce winter rainfall are raising serious concerns about fire danger nationwide—and for pallet manufacturers, that risk demands year-round attention. Woodpack Global (formerly the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association) has spent more than a decade working alongside industry professionals and fire safety-code bodies to establish standards that protect employees, facilities, and surrounding communities. at work continues today through the Association's ongoing outreach to the fire safety-code community. In early March, the Association's fire code expert, Bill Koffel of Koffel and Associates, brought that mission directly to regulators on the front lines, speaking at the California Fire Prevention Institute Annual Conference. In his session, "Protecting Wood Pallets," Bill guided fire officials through the key fire codes governing outdoor pallet storage, critical knowledge for the officials responsible for keeping California's communities and businesses safe. e session brought together a dedicated group of fire officials, providing an opportunity for focused, in-depth education on the unique fire safety aspects associated with pallet storage. By hosting this event, the Association continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing fire safety at facilities, ensuring that those most engaged with these issues are well-equipped with current best practices and code requirements. Coalescing Expert Guidance For many years, fire safety guidance for buildings in the United States came from two separate governing bodies: the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). e ICC publishes the International Fire Code (IFC), while the NFPA produces the fire code known as NFPA 1. ough similar in many respects, the two codes apply to different jurisdictions. In California and Oregon, the IFC governs. In Florida, the NFPA holds authority. In states like Texas and Michigan, both apply. Just over a decade ago, Woodpack Global began working with both bodies to develop clearer, more consistent standards surrounding outdoor pallet storage, which is essential guidance for manufacturers, logistics companies, and recyclers alike. Rather than prescribing a rigid approach, both codes are performance-based, prioritizing fire safety outcomes while allowing facilities to implement best practices to their specific operations. Common Fire Risks In The Pallet Industry Like many industrial settings, pallet facilities are home to combustible materials. But in practice, most large fires are not ignited by the pallets themselves. More common culprits include careless actions such as smoking near storage areas, electrical failures, fire outside property lines, equipment malfunctions, and even intentional arson. is reality shapes how the industry approaches prevention. Effective fire safety starts with managing the surrounding environment through robust security measures, disciplined equipment maintenance, and thorough employee training. Both Codes Call For Key Plans Despite some variation between the ICC and NFPA frameworks, fire safety experts agree on the need for four foundational plans: a site plan, a fire prevention plan, a fire emergency response plan, and a security plan. A comprehensive site plan gives facility managers and first responders a clear picture of the property—lot lines, construction details, fire protection systems, water supply sources, pallet storage locations, and emergency access routes. Fire prevention plans govern the day-to- day practices that keep risk in check: regular inspections, equipment maintenance schedules, the hot work permit process, and outdoor storage protocols. e hot work permit process, an OSHA protocol, ensures that spark-generating tasks are performed in designated, cleared areas with authorized personnel and post-completion monitoring. Outdoor storage requirements are consistent across both codes. Pallet stacks must be kept at least 0.75 times their height—or 8 feet, whichever is

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