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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
BUILDING DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8331, Fax (808) 961-8410
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building E, Kailua -Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4720, Fax (808) 327-3509
Date: November 18, 2016
To: Building Contractors and Homeowner-Builders
Subject: Fireblocking in Concealed Spaces of Combustible Assemblies
International Building Code 2006 (IBC)
International Residential Code 2006 (IRC)
Please find attached a summary of the building codes with regard to “Fireblocking in
Concealed Spaces of Combustible Assemblies.”
The intent and application of fireblocking is to protect and safeguard persons and property by
retarding the transmission of airflow, fire and combustible gases in concealed spaces of a
structure or dwelling by the use of approved caulking, foam, tape, mineral wool, insulation,
etc. The installation of fireblocking material is required at all stud wall openings vertically at
floor/ceiling levels and horizontally at intervals not to exceed 10-feet as well as at other
locations prescribed in sections IBC 717.2 and IRC R602.8.
Beginning January 2017, inspectors for building, electrical and plumbing permits will begin
comprehensive implementation of fireblocking application requirements and will review
product data to verify fireblocking materials applied in construction are materially
compatible and approved for use by the International Code Counsel Evaluation Service (ICC-
ES). Please be careful to have products that are identify with their ICC-ES report number
and not simply stated as “tested to” or “meets or exceeds” code or standards. Please also be
careful to note product compatible (non-reactive) with materials of construction.
Informational meetings to discuss the implementation of fireblocking requirements are
scheduled as follows:
Aupuni Center Conference Room West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G
November 25, 2016 – 10:00 am December 5, 2016 – 10:00 am
101 Pauahi Street 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
We encourage you to provide us feedback. Please send written comments to email
neil.erickson@hawaiicounty.gov or postal mail to:
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
DPW-Building Division
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Also feel free to contact me directly with any questions or comments at 961-8473.
Sincerely,
Neil Erickson
Plans Examining Manager