We recently completed a Construction Fire Safety Plan (CFSP) for a mixed-use building project on Harvie Road in Surrey, BC. This two-storey wood-frame building sits at the corner of Harvie Road and 88th Avenue — and like every construction site in British Columbia, it needs a fire safety plan before work begins.
What’s a Construction Fire Safety Plan?
A Construction Fire Safety Plan is required under Section 5.6 of the BC Fire Code for any construction or demolition site. It’s not optional — the local fire department needs to approve it before the project can proceed.
Unlike a regular fire safety plan for an occupied building, a CFSP covers the unique hazards that come with active construction: exposed framing, hot works like welding and cutting, temporary electrical systems, stored construction materials, and the fact that fire alarm systems usually aren’t installed yet.
The Harvie Road Project
This project involved interior tenant improvements to both levels of an existing building on Harvie Road. The scope included a caretaker suite, a commercial retail unit, and storage rooms — all using wood-frame construction with drywall interiors and vinyl siding exterior.
The building didn’t have a fire alarm system at the start of construction. That’s one of the first things our plan addressed — air horns for emergency notification, properly placed fire extinguishers at all exits, and a clear evacuation procedure for all construction staff and sub-contractors on site.
What We Covered in This CFSP
Every construction fire safety plan we create is tailored to the specific site. For the Harvie Road project, our plan included:
- CAD site plan drawings — showing fire department access points, fire hydrant locations, and emergency routes
- Fire Safety Director appointments — designated personnel responsible for fire safety on site 24 hours a day
- Fire department access provisions — ensuring fire trucks could reach the building via both Harvie Road and 88th Avenue at all times
- Hot works protocols — detailed procedures for any welding, cutting, or open-flame work, including fire watch requirements
- Fire extinguisher placement — ABC multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers at all exits, no more than 30 feet apart per NFPA 10
- Emergency procedures for staff — clear instructions for what to do if a fire is discovered or an alarm sounds
- Weekly inspection checklists — because the plan has to stay current as construction progresses
- Hazardous materials management — rules for storage and daily removal of any hazardous materials brought on site
Why Construction Sites Need Their Own Fire Safety Plan
Construction sites are high-risk environments for fire. Wood framing is exposed, fire protection systems aren’t operational yet, and you’ve got multiple trades working with everything from propane heaters to electrical tools. A single spark near exposed insulation or stored lumber can escalate fast.
The CFSP makes sure everyone on site — from the general contractor to the electrician’s apprentice — knows exactly what to do and where to go. It maps out fire hydrant locations, designates muster points, and establishes a chain of command so the fire department gets the information they need without delay.
Related case study: For a commercial example, see our Fire Safety Plan Surrey project for a multi-tenant strip mall on 108th Avenue — different occupancy type, same Surrey Fire Service approval process.
Need a Construction Fire Safety Plan in Surrey?
If you’re starting a construction or renovation project in Surrey, you’ll need a CFSP approved by the Surrey Fire Department before breaking ground. We handle the entire process — site visit, CAD drawings, plan documentation, and fire department submission.
One flat fee. Approval guaranteed or your money back. That’s how we’ve done it for 20+ years.
Call us at 778-574-2895 or email contactus@getfireplan.com to get your construction fire safety plan started.
Also see: Construction FSP — Townhome Restoration, 26th Avenue Surrey | Construction FSP — 23-Storey Highrise, 97A Avenue Surrey | Construction FSP — Wood Frame Residential, 156th Street Surrey
Need a construction fire safety plan in Surrey?
Firm quote within one business day, drafts in 5–7 business days, no site visit required, approval guaranteed — anywhere in BC.
Guides: BC Fire Code requirements · What a CFSP costs · How long it takes · What a plan must include