If you’re planning a construction project in British Columbia, understanding what the BC Fire Code requires for construction fire safety plans is essential — and getting it wrong can delay your building permit or halt your project entirely.
What the BC Fire Code Says
The BC Fire Code (Division B, Part 2, Section 2.4) requires a fire safety plan for construction and demolition operations. This applies to most projects that require a building permit, including new construction, major renovations, tenant improvements, and demolition.
The plan must be prepared and approved by the local fire department — the “authority having jurisdiction” (AHJ) — before construction begins or before a building permit can be issued, depending on the municipality.
Who Enforces It?
In BC, the BC Fire Code is enforced by local fire departments. Each municipality’s fire prevention office is the AHJ for construction fire safety plans in their jurisdiction. This means:
- Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) for projects in Vancouver
- Surrey Fire Service for projects in Surrey
- Burnaby Fire Department for projects in Burnaby
- The relevant fire department for every other BC municipality
Each fire department has its own specific requirements and submission processes, although all are based on the same BC Fire Code framework.
What the BC Fire Code Requires in the Plan
Section 2.4 of the BC Fire Code outlines minimum requirements for construction fire safety plans. A compliant plan must address:
Site Plan (CAD Drawing)
A scaled drawing of the construction site showing fire hydrant locations, fire department vehicle access routes, the location of fire suppression equipment on site, and designated evacuation assembly areas.
Emergency Procedures
Written procedures for discovering a fire, alerting occupants and the fire department, evacuating the site, and managing impaired fire protection systems (e.g., when sprinklers or alarms are taken out of service during construction).
Fire Hazard Assessment
Identification of site-specific fire hazards, including combustible construction materials, flammable liquids, temporary heating equipment, and hot work operations.
Hot Work Procedures
A hot work permit system with defined procedures for welding, cutting, and grinding — including fire watch requirements and minimum clearance distances from combustibles.
Fire Suppression Equipment
The type, quantity, and location of portable fire extinguishers on site. Larger projects may also require temporary standpipe systems or fire hose stations.
Site Superintendent Responsibilities
Clearly defined responsibilities for the site superintendent or designated fire safety supervisor, including daily site inspections, equipment maintenance, and coordination with the fire department.
When Does the Plan Need to Be Submitted?
Timing requirements vary by municipality, but generally the fire safety plan must be submitted and approved either:
- Before the building permit is issued — In Vancouver, Surrey, and most Metro Vancouver municipalities, fire safety plan approval is required as part of the building permit process.
- Before construction begins — In some jurisdictions, the plan must be approved before work starts on site, even if the building permit has already been issued.
Starting your fire safety plan early — ideally at the same time as your building permit application — avoids delays.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to have an approved construction fire safety plan can result in:
- Building permit refusal or delays
- Stop-work orders during construction
- Fines under the Fire Services Act
- Increased liability in the event of a fire
Get Your BC Construction Fire Safety Plan
Get Fire Plan specializes in BC construction fire safety plans. We handle the entire process — from site visit and CAD drawings to submission and fire department approval — and provide a draft for your review before submitting. Most plans are completed within 5–7 business days of your site visit.
Contact us for a free quote — we respond within 1 business day.
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Guides: BC Fire Code requirements · What a CFSP costs · How long it takes · What a plan must include