# Combustible Fibers: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define combustible fibers, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustible-fibers/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009, IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Use and Occupancy Classification (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 12 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Yes (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Combustible fibers is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle,jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Combustible Fibers (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Combustible Fibers** — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:

> Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle,jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Combustible Fibers: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/combustible-fibers/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define combustible fibers, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Combustible Fibers**, in identical words.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle,jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton. |
| IFC 2009 | [Combustible Fibers](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/combustible-fibers.md) | Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton. |

## Where combustible fibers is used in the code

The term appears in 12 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Combustible Fibers](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/combustible-fibers.md) | IFC 2009 | 22 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| [Scope and Administration](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| [Exhaust Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/exhaust-systems.md) | IMC 2009 | 4 |
| [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| [High-piled Combustible Storage](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/high-piled-combustible-storage.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/definitions.md) | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about combustible fibers, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> The equipment, processes and operations involving combustible fibers shall comply with this chapter.

— [IFC 2009 §2901.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/combustible-fibers.md)

> An operational permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3).

— [IFC 2009 §105.6.7](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md)

> Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.

— [IFC 2009 §903.3.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md)


## The terms combustible fibers is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what combustible fibers covers:

- **[Baled Cotton](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/baled-cotton.md)** — IBC 2009: A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from …

## Combustible Fibers: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Combustible Fibers | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Combustible Fibers (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Baled Cotton | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Baled Cotton: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/baled-cotton.md)
- [Corrosive: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/corrosive.md)
- [Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/hazardous-materials.md)
- [Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustible-liquid.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of combustible fibers?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle,jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on combustible fibers?

In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Combustible Fibers in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What is considered a non-combustible building?

Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as combustible fibers, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle,jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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