Haunted Houses

The Maryland and Baltimore County fire marshals have established minimum fire safety guidelines for use and operation of seasonal "haunted houses." These guidelines also apply to similar commercial activities such as carnivals and other seasonal amusement activities.

Specific requirements:

• All decorations must be non-combustible or fire retardant.
• During operation, staff members with flashlights must be constantly present in the maze at each exit.
• The Fire Marshal may require additional exits, depending on the size and complexity of the maze.

The Fire Marshal allows these requirements in lieu of sprinklers, which would be required in a permanent place of amusement but are impractical at temporary occupancies.

View the applicable sections of the Maryland Fire Prevention Code for additional details.

Revised November 5, 2009