Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-28.13-32. Boarding homes for children--Fire stopping

(a) Exterior walls of frame construction and interior stud partitions shall be fire-stopped by a two inch (2″) thick timber or plate or masonry filling, completely closing any possible vertical opening at the ceiling of the basement.

(b) In existing buildings, exterior walls of frame construction and interior stud partitions shall be completely fire-stopped by a timber of not less than two inches (2″) in thickness or other suitable noncombustible material completely closing any possible vertical openings, open joist channels, and stud spaces, at the ceiling of the basement.