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Fire Safety Plans

Section 2.8 of the B.C. Fire Code sets the requirements for fire safety plans in buildings. The most common buildings requiring fire safety plans are ones that contain fire alarm systems, a high number of occupants or care & detention occupancies. Other buildings where hazardous processes are performed and demolition and/or construction sites also require fire safety plans.

A well designed fire safety plan coupled with training by supervisory staff will help to ensure the following:

Assist fire fighters with the layout and hazards associated with a building;
Increase the speed of evacuation of occupants during a fire; and
Indicate if there are any special requirements to assist occupants in evacuating.

The following information shall be included in a fire safety plan:

Describe in detail what is expected of supervisory personnel
List the inspection, testing and maintenance requirements fire fire and life safety eqipment
List the alternative solutions accepted during the construction of the building
Provide emergency contact names and numbers
Site and floor plans
Controlling fire hazards or hazardous processes
Procedures for when and how to conduct a fire drill
Note the utility services and their respective shut-off points

It is the responsibility of the building owner, or strata, to develop a fire safety plan. All new buildings with pending occupancy are required to submit a fire safety plan to Fire/Rescue’s Prevention Division for review. Please visit the fees and charges section for more information on fees for fire safety plan reviews.

Fire/Rescue’s Prevention Division can provide assistance or direction to building owners in developing or updating their fire safety plan.

Cooperation between building owners, their representatives and Fire/Rescue is important to make sure residents are safe. An up-to-date fire safety plan forms an integral part in maintaining a fire-safe environment.