Fire Protection & Life Safety

Comprehensive Fire Protection & Life Safety Engineering Solutions

NV5 delivers comprehensive fire and life safety services to safeguard people, property, and performance. 

NV5 supports clients at every phase of a building’s lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and ongoing operations. Our fire and life safety experts work closely with owners, architects, contractors, insurers, and authorities having jurisdiction to navigate code requirements to solve complex challenges with confidence.

With engineers licensed across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, eight Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, and Guam, NV5 brings unmatched reach and experience. Our team is uniquely equipped to address both active and passive fire protection, ensuring a holistic, compliant approach to safety. 

Passive Fire Protection Services

NV5 provides certified third-party inspection and engineering judgment services for passive fire protection systems, backed by 30+ years of experience. Our certified inspectors perform comprehensive firestop, fire barrier, and curtain wall inspections.

We actively contribute to key fire protection code and standards committees (ASTM, UL, NFPA, IFC), giving clients the regulatory insight and credibility needed for code compliance. With a nationwide footprint and global reach, NV5 delivers trusted, expert support from design through inspection.

With NV5 Passive Fire Protection Services, you gain a trusted partner recognized by authorities and committed to delivering confidence, compliance, and peace of mind.

NV5 Passive Fire Protection Services Include:

Engineering Judgments for:
•  Firestop Systems
•  Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs)
•  Intumescent Fire-Resistive Materials (IFRMs)

•  Custom Compartmentation Design
•  Special Conditions Design for Unique Projects
•  Historic Buildings Design and Restoration

•  Firestop Inspections
•  Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM & IFRM)
•  Smoke Control Systems
•  Stairwell Pressurization

•  Fire-Rated Compartmentation Assessments
•  Firestop Inspections
•  Non-Compliance Resolution
•  Special Condition Evaluations

Engineering and Consulting Services

NV5 provides industry-leading fire protection engineering and life safety consulting services for projects across North America and globally. Our engineers are licensed in all 50 U.S. states, DC, eight Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, and Guam, giving us one of the most comprehensive engineering footprints in the industry. We collaborate with building owners, site personnel, owner representatives, insurance carriers, architects, engineers, and authorities to deliver the most cost-effective, compliant, and performance-driven solutions possible.  With specialized expertise in fire protection systems, life safety codes, and regulatory compliance, NV5 offers full-service consulting support throughout the building lifecycle – from project planning to completion – with our full cradle to grave approach. 

NV5 Engineering and Consulting Services Include:

• Product Testing & Evaluation
• Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
• Alternative Means and Methods Review
• Environmental & Hazardous Material Analysis
• Fire and Life Safety Code Interpretation

•  Plan Review & Technical Evaluations
•  Fire and Smoke Modeling
•  Water Distribution System Modeling
•  Specification Development & White Papers
•  Engineering Judgments for:
    •  Firestop Systems
    •  Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs)
    •  Intumescent Fire-Resistive Materials (IFRMs)
•  Performance-Based Design Criteria

• Hazardous Materials Analysis
• COPE (Construction, Occupancy, Protection, Exposure) and HPR (Highly Protected Risk) Surveys
• Third-Party Site Audits
• Environmental Impact Studies

Codes and Standards Services

Navigating building codes and safety regulations can be challenging, with state-specific codes, local ordinances, conflicting requirements, and numerous editions to consider. NV5’s expert team offers comprehensive life safety consulting services that cover all stages of a project, from initial planning to construction and system commissioning, ensuring compliance for the entire life of your facility. We are committed to helping our clients meet safety, regulatory, and performance standards, providing solutions that keep projects on track and aligned with industry regulations.

NV5 Codes and Standards Services Include:

•  In-Depth Review of Local, State, and Federal Codes
•  Fire Protection Code Compliance Evaluation

•  Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Mitigation
•  Identifying Safety and Hazardous Exposure Points

•  Expert Consulting on Life Safety Systems
•  Code Compliance Recommendations for Maximum Safety

•  Adherence to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards
•  Ensuring Systems Meet Industry Fire Safety Guidelines

•  Evaluation and Certification According to UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Standards
•  Compliance with ASTM International Safety Standards

•  Full Compliance Audits for Regulatory Adherence
•  Gap Analysis for Code Violations and Risks

•  Egress Systems Evaluation and Compliance with Building Codes
•  Emergency Exit and Evacuation Planning

•  Creation of Detailed Life Safety Plans for Buildings and Complexes
•  Ensuring Safe Egress and Occupant Protection

•  Development of Evacuation Plans Following International Building Code (IBC) Standards
•  Custom Plans Tailored to Specific Facility Layouts and Needs

Design Services

At NV5, our design professionals specialize in providing precise, cost-effective designs for all fire and life safety systems. We provide a comprehensive range of design services to meet every project’s needs, including performance-based designs, bid preparation, submittals, and installation.  By leveraging the latest software tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and adhering to the latest codes, we ensure the most efficient and effective systems design.

NV5 Design Services Include:

•  Custom Compartmentation Design
•  Special Conditions Design for Unique Projects
•  Historic Buildings Design and Restoration

•  Traditional Fire Suppression & Dry Chemical Systems
•  Inert Gas & Clean Agent Systems
•  Foam, Aerosol & Water Mist Systems

•  Voice Evacuation Systems Design
•  Sound Clarity and Coverage Optimization

•  Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) Systems
•  Gas and Linear Heat Detection
•  Explosion Detection and Protection Systems

•  Comprehensive Fire Alarm System Design
•  Alarm System Integration & Evaluation

•  Performance Testing
•  Code Compliance Evaluation

•  Underground Water Supply and Fire Protection Systems Design
•  Efficient Distribution System Layouts for Safety Compliance

Field Consulting Services

When it comes to fire protection and life safety, the “field” is where the rubber meets the road. NV5’s Field Consulting Services are designed to support every phase of your project, from initial planning and construction to post-occupancy modifications and long-term compliance. Our experienced team works on-site with building owners, site personnel, owner representatives, insurance carriers, architects, engineers, and authorities having jurisdiction to reduce stress and ensure full compliance with fire codes and life safety standards.

Whether you’re tackling new construction or resolving long-standing issues, we provide practical, code-driven solutions where they matter most — on the ground. 

NV5 Field Consulting Services Include:

•  Firestop Inspections
•  Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM & IFRM)
•  Smoke Control Systems
•  Stairwell Pressurization

•  Quality Control Programs
•  Barrier Management Programs
    •  Barrier Audits
    •  Fire and Smoke Door Inspections

•  Fire Investigations
•  Site Due Diligence
    •  Waterflow Testing
    •  Jurisdictional Consulting
    •  Existing Facility ROI Analysis

•  Fire-Rated Compartmentation Assessments
•  Firestop Inspections
•  Non-Compliance Resolution
•  Special Condition Evaluations

•  Fire Suppression Systems
•  Detection and Alarm Systems
•  System Failure Analysis

•  Construction Fire Safety Plan Development
•  Intelligibility Testing

Let NV5 Solve Your Fire Protection and Life Safety Challenges

Fill out the form below to download the handbook.

Form #1 - Redirection to PDF

Form #2 - Sends email containing the link to the PDF

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

eNewsletter - NV5 Real Estate Transaction Services

Contact NV5 Real Estate Transaction Services

Download NV5 2022 Compliance Calendar

Please fill out the form below. After successful form submission, you will be redirected to the requested file. Thank you.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We ensure nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact MaryJo OBrien at (954) 495-2112. Persons with hearing-and speech-impairments can contact the NV5 by using the Virginia Relay Service, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). Call 711 for TTY/TDD.
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Hyperspectral Imaging - Technically Speaking

Our internal innovation and development team constantly analyzes new technology and develops solutions to meet our client’s challenges. Our Technically Speaking series is one way we share our technical findings with the professional community. 

Please tell us a little about yourself by filling out the form below, and we’ll share the document with you, thanks!

Accuracy Part 1- Technically Speaking

Our internal innovation and development team constantly analyzes new technology and develops solutions to meet our client’s challenges. Our Technically Speaking series is one way we share our technical findings with the professional community. 

Please tell us a little about yourself by filling out the form below, and we’ll share the document with you, thanks!

Prune Optimization Webinar Recording

NV5 Geospatial releases a new predictive modeling platform for vegetation management that uses existing lidar and historical data to identify the relative level of asset risk from trees by quantifying the potential for causing asset damage. 

Please tell us a little about yourself by filling out the form below, and we’ll share the document with you, thanks!

Topobathy Lidar - Technically Speaking

Our internal innovation and development team constantly analyzes new technology and develops solutions to meet our client’s challenges. Our Technically Speaking series is one way we share our technical findings with the professional community. 

Please tell us a little about yourself by filling out the form below, and we’ll share the document with you, thanks!

Contact Geospatial

Contact Geospatial