Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority

What it does

• •Requires persons storing explosive materials to submit written notices to local fire authorities every 12 months thereafter, in addition to the existing initial notification requirement when storage begins.
• •Requires notification to local fire authorities when a person ceases storing explosive materials at a location.
• •Requires persons storing explosives to retain copies of all notices for five years.

Why it matters

• •The rule is intended to increase first responder safety by ensuring fire authorities have current information about explosives storage locations, enabling them to make informed decisions about whether to fight fires or evacuate areas rather than responding without knowledge of hazards.
• •Annual notices address the concern that storage conditions and personnel at emergency response agencies change over time, and the 1998 initial-notification-only requirement did not capture these changes.
• •The rule implements a recommendation from the Chemical Facility Safety and Security Working Group established by Executive Order 13650 to improve communication between explosives storage facilities and fire authorities.

Who is affected

• •Any person or entity that stores explosive materials subject to ATF regulations.
• •Local fire authorities and emergency response personnel in jurisdictions where explosives are stored.

What happens next

This final rule is effective October 26, 2026.