Why Is California Different?

The Importance of Flame-Retarding Your Soft Goods to Comply with CA Title 19

When it comes to fire safety regulations, California isn’t just different—it’s stricter. Businesses operating in the Golden State often find themselves navigating more rigorous standards than almost anywhere else in the country. One regulation that stands out in the flame-retardant world is California Title 19.

If you're working with draperies, decorative fabrics, upholstered furniture, or any other “soft goods” used in public spaces, it’s critical to understand what this regulation is—and what happens if you ignore it.

What Is CA Title 19?

California Title 19, officially known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Public Safety, governs fire prevention and fire protection standards. Within this code, flammability requirements for decorative materials are clearly outlined. The purpose? To reduce fire hazards in public assemblies, including places like schools, theaters, hotels, trade shows, and more.

In short, if your soft goods are being displayed, installed, or used in a public setting in California, they must be flame-retardant and certified as such.

What Makes Title 19 Different?

Unlike some states that follow general NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines or adopt local codes, California requires third-party testing and registration with the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM). The product not only needs to be flame-retarded—it needs to be treated by a Certified Applicator or made by a Registered Manufacturer and tested under SFM-approved methods, such as the vertical flame test.

Key Differences:

• Warp and Weft: Where some states require only testing of fabric in the Weft direction of the fabric, California Title 19 requires it also be tested and pass in the Warp Direction. Meaning a lot of IFR fabric that is only compliant with NFPA 701 still must be treated to comply with CA Title 19!!

• Certification: Treated goods must come with a valid California Certificate of Flame Resistance issued by a California Licensed Flame-Retardant Applicator.

Why You Should Care

Failing to comply with Title 19 isn’t just a regulatory issue—it can also:

• Delay event setups or cause shutdowns during inspections

• Invalidate insurance coverage in the event of a fire

• Damage your brand's reputation with clients and venue managers

• Put lives at risk, increasing the potential for injuries and property damage

What Should You Flame-Retard?

Any decorative or functional soft good used in a public environment could fall under the requirement. Common examples include:

• Curtains and drapes

• Banners and backdrops

• Upholstered furniture

• Dried plants and Dried floral displays

• Fabric wall coverings

• Scenic elements in theaters or theme parks

The Smart Solution: Work with Certified Professionals

If you’re using or installing soft goods in California, work with a certified flame-retardant applicator or manufacturer. These professionals not only apply products that meet SFM standards, but they also issue the proper documentation to keep you compliant and inspection-ready.

At Firetect, for example, we’ve been helping clients across California meet Title 19 requirements since 1973. We manufacture and apply flame-retardant saturants and coatings, and we’re certified by the California State Fire Marshal.

Final Thought: When in California, Comply Like California

California’s Title 19 isn’t optional—it’s the law. And it’s a smart one. In an environment where wildfires, dense populations, and indoor venues intersect, the need for preventative fire safety measures is critical. Don’t let non-compliance put your project—or your people—at risk.

Let Firetect Flame-retard your goods, certify them properly, and keep your events and spaces safe.