Fire Protection for Automated Warehouses

Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are becoming standard in modern warehouses, but they introduce fire protection challenges that current codes don't fully address. Higher storage densities, greater storage heights, and limited firefighter access are just a few of the concerns.

The NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation partnered with Summit Fire Consulting to study the ASRS landscape, identify where fire protection guidance exists, and map the gaps. The study was guided by a panel of industry subject matter experts.

Our VP of Engineering, Philip Blackwelder, served on the research panel, providing expertise on the types of ASRS systems in the market and the fire protection challenges each presents. Philip also authored a whitepaper that goes in-depth on this topic titled Fireproofing the Next-Gen Warehouse. Our CTO, Ross Barnard, also contributed to the project.

Find the full NFPA report here or below: