Building Code Glossary
Unwanted Fire: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define unwanted fire, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
Direct answer
Unwanted fire is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A fire not used for cooking, heating or recreational purposes or one not incidental to the normal operations of the property.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Emergency Planning and Preparedness (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009), General Requirements (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Unwanted Fire — IFC 2009, Definitions:
A fire not used for cooking, heating or recreational purposes or one not incidental to the normal operations of the property.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Unwanted Fire is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A fire not used for cooking, heating or recreational purposes or one not incidental to the normal operations of the property.
Where unwanted fire is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Planning and Preparedness | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about unwanted fire, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
In the event an unwanted fire occurs on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately report such condition to the fire department.
No person shall throw or place, or cause to be thrown or placed, a lighted match, cigar, cigarette, matches, or other flaming or glowing substance or object on any surface or article where it can cause an unwanted fire.
Unwanted Fire: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Emergency Planning and Preparedness (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IFC 2009) | |
| 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
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: Building Code Definition
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of unwanted fire?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A fire not used for cooking, heating or recreational purposes or one not incidental to the normal operations of the property.” 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 unwanted fire?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Emergency Planning and Preparedness 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 fire area in a building?
Fire Area is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection …” That is not the same as unwanted fire, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A fire not used for cooking, heating or recreational purposes or one not incidental to the normal operations of the property.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is an unwanted fire signal?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A fire not used for cooking, heating or recreational purposes or one not incidental to the normal operations of the property.” It is defined in IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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