What is the Red X Program?

The Red X Program is designed to inform firefighters that a building has significant structural or interior hazards that warrant extreme caution during firefighting efforts.

The requirements of Poudre Fire Authority’s Red X Program are based on sections of Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 of the 2021 International Fire Code. To identify buildings, the signage will be placed in accordance with the 2021 International Fire Code Section 311.5.  Section 311.5 reads as follows:

Any vacant or abandoned buildings or structures determined to be unsafe pursuant to Section 114 relating to structural or interior hazards shall be marked as required by Sections 311.5.1 through 311.5.5.

Why would a vacant or abandoned building receive a Red X sign? 

The following conditions are some, but not all, reasons a vacant or abandoned building may receive a Red X placard as well as the agency that would help make that determination.

• Abandonment or Long-term vacancy (180+ days) AND one or more of the following:
  • Unrepaired fire damage or a previous fire caused by a condition that has not been abated (Poudre Fire Authority)
  • Health hazards (methamphetamine, damaged/unmaintained asbestos (County Health Department)
  • Structural hazards (City or County Building Department)
  • Multiple significant Building Code violations (City or County Building Department)

What do they look like? 

Placards (Red X signs) will be applied on the front of the structure and visible from the street. There will be additional placards applied to the side of the entrance. Placards will be 24 inches by 24 inches with a red background, white reflective stripes, and a white reflective boarder. The stripes and boarders will have a 2-inch stroke. The date will also be added to reflect the most recent inspection and application of the placard.

The symbols that are used for the signs inform the firefighters about the condition of the structure. The three different symbols .

1. Normal structural conditions

2. Structural or interior hazards exist, and interior firefighting or rescue operations should be conducted with extreme caution.

3. Do not enter - structural or interior hazards exist to a degree that consideration should be given to limit firefighting to exterior operations only, entry only for known risks to life.

The use of these symbols is meant to be informational only and will not in any way limit the discretion of the on-scene incident commander.

It is unlawful to remove, deface, or damage these signs unless there has been specific permission granted to do so. Buildings are inspected regularly to ensure that no significant changes have occurred in or around the structures. Poudre Fire Authority will work in conjunction with the City of Fort Collins Building Department, Larimer County Building Department, Larimer County Health Department, Colorado State University, and the Town of Timnath to track vacant and abandoned builds.