Due to ongoing dry conditions and prevailing high winds, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova of the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has elevated fire restrictions to Stage 2, effective May 28, 2026 within the boundaries of Los Alamos County to safeguard public health and safety, as well as protect lands, structures, natural and historical artifacts.
The Los Alamos Fire Department requires the use of a rapid Entry Key Box System, or Knox Box, key box system. The Knox Box can securely store keys, access cards, key fobs, elevator keys, electrical shunt trips, or other vital information needed to assist emergency responders. This information is intended to outline the requirements for the proper type and installation of secure key boxes and padlocks.
A Knox Box is required on all new construction and existing construction undergoing substantive remodel. When access to a building or area is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes or for access to fire protection equipment, a Knox Box will be required as designated by the Fire Marshal. All occupancies that have a fire sprinklers system, fire alarm system, special hazards, hazardous materials or high piled storage are required to have a Knox Box. The size of the key box shall be determined by the type of occupancy and hazards present. Buildings defined as a high rise require a Knox Elevator/Lobby Box in the Fire Command Room.
A Knox box shall be located adjacent the main entrance and at the Riser Room installed at a height of 6 ft. above grade. Additional key boxes may be required based upon access, location of fire protection systems and occupancy use and size.
A Knox Padlock, Model 3770, is required on all manual and automatic access controlled gates, pedestrian and vehicle, when the gates obstruct the fire lane and/or access to a building. In addition, a Knox Key Switch/KS-2, Model 3502, is required for all automatic access gates.
2 ½ in. Siamese FDC’s shall be provided with a Model 3040 or 3041 Knox FDC Cap with Swivel-Guard. 5 in. Storz FDC’s shall be provided with a Model 5002 Knox Cap.
Acceptable standard Knox Boxes are the hinged door Models 3200. Tamper switches are permitted when desired by the owner. For muti-tenant, multi-story and mid-size and larger commercial buildings, a 4400 Series will be required. Consideration should be given to the intended use of the building when selecting the key box. High-Rise buildings shall provide a Knox Elevator/Lobby Box Model 1403 in the Fire Command Room. It is recommended that all Knox Boxes be recessed.
We no longer require an authorization signature to purchase Knox products. You are still welcome to pick up a paper form in our office. You may order directly from Knox at www.knoxbox.com. Click here to review LAFD information on Knox Boxes, switches, etc.