Fire safety for building owners

A fire safety plan is required in every building that has a fire alarm system.

It includes:

• Locations and instructions for building services
• Building contact information 
• Training and maintenance schedules
• A place to keep relevant information for people requiring extra assistance

Supervisory staff

Assign specific supervisory staff members to handle fire safety tasks.

They must be trained in the fire emergency procedures outlined in the fire safety plan before they take on any fire safety responsibilities. For more guidance, refer to BC Fire Code 2.8.1.2.1 External website, opens in new tab. 

Regularly update your fire safety plan.

Make sure to include:

• Names of supervisory staff and emergency contacts
• Contractor details
• List of people who need help during an emergency

Conduct a fire drill to review the plan:

• Staff should lead the fire drill.
• Decide whether to include all occupants based on the building's use.
• Schedule drills after hours to accommodate different work shifts.

For more guidance, refer to BC Fire Code 2.8.3.1.(1) External website, opens in new tab.

Fire drills should be conducted at least once a year. Supervisory staff, however, may need to participate in more frequent drills.

Some buildings require more frequent drills. Check BC Fire Code 2.8.3.2 External website, opens in new tab to see if this applies to your building.

The fire safety plan is one of the most important documents to prepare and maintain for the safety of occupants and for the lifetime of the building.

Download the fire safety plan template Word file (3.4 MB)

Additional resources

• Fire safety plan bulletin PDF file (529 KB)
• Know your fire safety plan PDF file (10.8 MB)

Supervisory staff are responsible for the fire safety of occupants under the fire safety plan. According to the BC Fire Code External website, opens in new tab, they must complete training in their role before taking responsibility. This training prepares them to handle emergencies and perform daily safety checks.

Training includes:

• Roles and responsibilities: What supervisory staff must do in emergencies and for daily operations.
• Emergency procedures: Specific actions to take during an emergency to keep everyone safe.
• Daily safety checks: Routine inspections to prevent fire hazards and make sure equipment is functional  

Learn more about training requirements PDF file (3.6 MB)

Signup for training

• Request free building training sessions from VFRS Public Education by emailing vfrsfiresafety@vancouver.ca
• Enroll in hands-on fire extinguisher training

A fire watch is required when part of the fire protection systems are not functioning for any amount of time. It can be ordered by any uniformed member of VFRS. Refer to Fire By-law, Div. B Article 6.1.1.2 and Article 6.1.1.4 in attachments. 

To keep things safe, we require a 24-hour fire watch until a qualified technician fixes and restores these systems to working condition as soon as possible. 

If you are conducting a fire watch, you need to keep a written record of all activities. This log should be chronological and available for the VFRS for as long as the fire watch lasts.

• Watch the fire watch procedures video Video file
• Download fire watch procedures and logs PDF file (571 KB)

Information icon The fire watch can only be removed by a uniformed member of VFRS or a qualified technician.

It is the responsibility of the owner or owner’s representative to cancel the fire watch once the system has been restored.

When repairs are done

Phone 3-1-1 to cancel the fire watch or have a qualified technician complete the form once the repairs have been completed.

The Home Action Response Team (HART), a partnership between the City and Vancouver Coastal Health, addresses hoarding issues in the community. We make sure those affected by hoarding receive the necessary health care and support to maintain safety and well-being.

Get help for a tenant or resident impacted by compulsive hoarding

A Notice of Violation PDF file (528 KB) can be issued when a fire safety inspection identifies non-compliance with the Fire By-law.

This could include issues like:

• Blocked exits
• Out-of-service fire extinguishers
• Non-functional fire alarms

Property owners must address these violations immediately to bring the premises into compliance and avoid further enforcement actions.

For property managers and owners, clear communication is key to maintaining a safe environment. 

Promote fire safety among tenants by:

• Emphasizing to keep hallways clear of storage
• Making sure fire doors are never blocked or wedged open
• Reinforcing compliance and safety throughout the property

Encourage your tenants to follow fire safety regulations by displaying these posters in common areas. These posters help remind everyone of the importance of clear hallways and properly functioning fire doors.

• No storage in hallways PDF file (1 MB)
• Close fire doors PDF file (1.3 MB)

It's important to use, store, and throw away rechargeable batteries the right way to prevent fires. Keep these batteries in cool places and not near anything that can catch fire. When batteries are no longer needed, following the right disposal methods can help keep your home safe.

Learn more about managing battery safety

We have banned the sales of lockable butane lighters as part of a plan to reduce harm. These lighters could be easily locked, making them a concern for safety. Stopping their sale helps keep everyone safer. 

Find out more about the ban on lockable lighters

Locking caps for Fire Department Connections (FDCs) and standpipes help keep your building’s fire sprinkler and standpipe systems safe.

The caps prevent damage, debris, and vandalism that can block water flow, making sure the systems function properly in an emergency. 

Learn more about ordering locking caps and their benefits PDF file (1.2 MB)

A lockbox provides emergency access to your building without forced entry, enhancing safety for residents and first responders.

By securing a key in a lockbox, you help emergency services gain quick and safe entry during an incident. 

Learn more about applying for a lockbox permit

Planning safe evacuations includes everyone, especially people with disabilities.

Key planning includes:

• Making sure all paths are clear and accessible during emergencies
• Providing special tools, such as evacuation chairs, for those who need them
• Detailing accessible routes and support strategies to accommodate various needs

Resources

• Review the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guide on evacuation planning for people with disabilities PDF file (3.5 MB)
• Review the federal guide for safely evacuating people who need assistance PDF file (5.8 MB)

After experiencing a fire, it's important to take immediate actions to protect your health and property. Quickly securing your home and understanding the right steps for recovery are key. 

Review the Office of the Fire Commissioner's guide on post-fire actions External website, opens in new tab

Storing items in underground parking areas needs to be done safely to prevent fires.

Follow these guidelines to keep the area safe:

• Store items only if they don't interfere with the fire protection system.
• Keep propane cylinders outside.
• Use parking spots only for cars unless approved otherwise.
• Lock up bikes in lockers.
• Store flammable items in metal cabinets.

Review additional storage guidelines PDF file (217 KB)

Keeping exit routes in good repair and free of obstructions is important for safety. Regular maintenance and clear communication help facilitate safe and quick evacuations during emergencies.

Follow these guidelines to keep exit routes safe: 

• Maintain exit routes in good condition and free of obstructions (refer to BC Fire Code Div B, section 2.7.1.6.1 External website, opens in new tab).
• Regularly inspect and repair exterior means of egress structures, such as fire escapes and exterior stairs.
• Use weather-resistant coloured tags to indicate the safety status of exit routes:
  • Safe (white) 
  • Use with caution (yellow)
  • Unsafe (red)

Resources

Use these resources to comply with fire safety regulations and maintain clear, safe exit routes.

• Learn how to maintain exterior exits (exterior means of egress structures) PDF file (1.7 MB)
• Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia External website, opens in new tab
• Download sample fire escape tags PDF file (80 KB)

Electromagnetic locks are allowed on doors within exit routes, provided they meet specific safety requirements.

These locks use magnetic force to secure doors and must release quickly during emergencies. They are often used in secured areas like elevator lobbies, care facilities, and high-rise buildings to enhance security without compromising safety.

Key points

• Electromagnetic locks must comply with the Vancouver Building By-law.
• The total delay for unlocking must not exceed 15 seconds.
• Weather-resistant tags and clear signage must indicate the safety status and operation of these locks.
• Locks must be inspected and maintained regularly to keep them working properly.
• There are special rules for using electromagnetic locks on glass doors and exit doors in tall buildings.

Review guidelines and compliance requirements for electromagnetic locks PDF file (191 KB)

Vacant buildings must be secured to prevent unauthorized entry and potential fire hazards. Building owners can do this themselves or hire a professional service. 

Key steps

• Board up all windows and doors using 1.59 cm (5/8 inch) thick plywood and 7.62 cm (3 inch) screws or nails.
• Make sure all accessible openings are securely boarded.
• Remove any broken glass and clean up combustible materials to reduce fire risks.
• Secure swimming pools to prevent accidents.
• Disconnect natural gas and electrical services if the building does not have active alarm systems.

Learn more about boarding up vacant buildings PDF file (149 KB)

Old or unused 40 mm fire hoses may be removed under certain circumstances.

Key steps

• The building must be fully sprinklered. If it is 4 storeys or more, it must have standpipe connections in the exit stairwells.
• Engage a professional engineer to prepare plans that include a description and schematic of the building’s sprinkler and standpipe systems.
• The fire protection engineer must review the condition of the existing sprinklers and recommend any necessary upgrades.
• Apply for building and sprinkler permits
• Once permits are issued, update the fire safety plan and post instructions to reflect the changes.
• Make sure portable extinguisher coverage is compliant with NFPA 10 and the Vancouver Fire Bylaw.
• Update building signage to indicate the removal of fire hoses.

Building owners can perform these tasks with professional assistance to comply with fire safety regulations.

Review the removal of existing 40 mm fire hose bulletin PDF file (233 KB)

Regular testing and maintenance of standpipe systems are required to make sure they function properly during emergencies.

Flow tests

• Conduct a flow test every 5 years on all automatic standpipe systems to verify the required flow and pressure are available at the most remote hose valve outlet(s).

Hydrostatic tests

• Perform hydrostatic tests every 5 years on manual and semiautomatic dry standpipe systems, including the piping in the fire department connection.
• Hydrostatic test the piping from the fire department connection to the fire department check valve at 200 psi, or working pressure plus 50 psi, for 2 hours at least once every 5 years.

Inspections and maintenance

• Inspect and maintain fire pumps at the same time as standpipe systems if they are part of the system.
• Check if any standpipe hose connection will be exposed to pressures above 175 psi during a flow test and install an approved pressure-regulating hose valve if needed.
• Test all hose valves by fully opening and closing them, then attaching a test coupling to test the threads.
• Verify that fire department connection couplings or swivels rotate smoothly and test hose threads by attaching a test coupling.

Pressure recording

• Record inlet and outlet pressures during hydrostatic and flow tests at each pressure-regulating hose valve and master pressure-reducing valve.

Air tests

• Conduct an air test on manual dry standpipe systems before introducing water into the system.

Calculations

• Calculate the hydrostatic test pressure for automatic dry or manual dry standpipe systems using the fire ground formula in consultation with the fire department.

Qualified personnel

• Testing should be conducted by qualified personnel to meet NFPA 25 standards and Vancouver Fire By-law External website, opens in new tab requirements.

Learn more about standpipe system testing PDF file (1.8 MB)

As a building owner, it’s crucial to treat every alarm as an emergency. When an alarm sounds, all building staff and occupants should react as though it is a real emergency. Refer to your building’s fire safety plan for specific procedures.

Key actions

• Don't silence or acknowledge the alarm until the fire department has arrived and evaluated the situation. Premature silencing can result in fire deaths and civil liability.
• Only reset the alarm system after fire personnel have arrived. Resetting prematurely can cause important alarm panel information to be lost and may result in false alarm fees.

Always treat alarms seriously to maintain safety and prevent potential hazards.

Find out more about silencing fire alarms PDF file (1.7 MB)

Two-stage fire alarm systems provide a preliminary alert before a full evacuation alarm.

High-hazard industrial areas requirements

Buildings with high-hazard industrial areas (Group F-1) require single-stage fire alarm systems.

Multi-story and special occupancies requirements

Buildings over 3 storeys high or with care, treatment, or detention occupancies (Groups B-1, B-2, B-3) must use 2-stage fire alarm systems.

Function of 2-stage systems

In a 2-stage system, the first stage is an alert signal for supervisory staff to investigate within 5 minutes. If not confirmed, the second stage alarm sounds for evacuation.

Training and staffing for supervisory staff

Supervisory staff must be trained and sufficient in number to handle emergencies as per the Fire By-law.

Learn more about 2-stage fire alarm systems PDF file (280 KB)

Maintain the safety and integrity of your building by making sure that all fire separations, including ceilings, walls, and doors, are properly repaired. This helps preserve their fire-protection ratings. 

Key actions

• Regularly repair any damages to fire separations and door closures to keep them functional and compliant with fire safety standards.
• Supervisory staff should routinely check fire doors every 24 hours to make sure they close and latch properly and are not obstructed in any way.

Refer to BC Fire Code Div B sections 2.2.1.2, 2.2.2.2, and 2.2.2.4 for more details External website, opens in new tab