Burnaby enforces one of the clearest and most detailed sets of construction fire safety plan requirements in the Lower Mainland. Whether you’re building a townhouse complex or a high-rise tower, the Burnaby Fire Department requires a properly prepared and submitted Construction Fire Safety Plan (CFSP) for every construction and demolition project in the city.
This guide breaks down exactly what Burnaby requires, how to submit your plan, what it must contain, and how the fee structure works.
The Legal Requirement
Construction fire safety plans in Burnaby are governed by:
- BC Fire Code 2024, Section 5.6 — the provincial standard for fire prevention during construction and demolition
- City of Burnaby Fire Services Bylaw — municipal enforcement framework, including Section 23 (submission timelines)
- 2013 Emergency Management BC Bulletin — supplementary guidance for the provincial standard
The Burnaby Fire Department’s position is unambiguous: fire safety plans for demolition and construction sites are required for all projects in Burnaby — not just large or high-rise buildings. This broad application means even low-rise residential construction projects need a compliant plan.
What Your Plan Must Include
Burnaby has standardized the content and formatting requirements for construction fire safety plans. Your submission must cover:
Personnel and Organization
- General contractor name, site supervisor name, and 24/7 emergency contact number
- Designated Appointed Fire Safety Director — who must complete fire safety training and sign all required documentation
- Owner and project manager contact information
Fire Hazard Controls
- Hot work permit system and procedures
- Combustible refuse storage and disposal schedule
- Flammable liquid and propane/gas management
- Temporary heating equipment protocols
- Smoking restrictions and designated areas
Fire Protection Systems
- Location and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
- Progressive standpipe installation schedule (for multi-storey construction)
- Temporary fire alarm provisions
- Testing, inspection, and maintenance logs kept on-site
Site Plans and Floor Plans
Plans must use Burnaby’s standardized fire safety plan symbols (available for download from the Fire Department). Site plans must show:
- Fire hydrant locations
- Fire department access routes
- Emergency egress routes and muster points
- Hazardous material storage areas
The Four-Document Submission Package
One of Burnaby’s most specific requirements is the four-document package. Your submission must include four separate PDF files emailed to the Fire Administration Office:
- Application Form — Burnaby’s standardized application
- Fire Safety Plan — the site-specific plan following department guidelines and using standardized Burnaby symbols
- Vital Building Information Form — key building data for fire department use
- Pre-Incident Plan — a simplified floor plan and information sheet for first responders
All four documents must be emailed to the Burnaby Fire Administration Office. Submissions missing any of the four documents will be returned for completion.
Where to Submit:
📧 Email: fire@burnaby.ca
📞 Phone: 604-294-7195
📍 4867 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby BC V5E 2S9
🕐 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Burnaby’s Fee Structure
Burnaby uses a tiered fee schedule based on building height. All fees include GST:
| Building Type | Fee (incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Low-rise (6 storeys or fewer) | $171.15 |
| High-rise (7 storeys or more) | $342.30 |
| Revisions (same company, within 10 years) | No charge |
Payment accompanies the application submission. If you’re revising a previously approved plan and your company submitted the original within the last 10 years, there is no revision fee.
Binder and FSP Box Requirements
Burnaby has specific physical requirements for the on-site fire safety plan:
Binder: The plan must be kept in a red, 8.5″ × 11″ three-ring binder with the words “FIRE SAFETY PLAN” printed on the front cover and on the spine.
Fire Safety Plan Box (FSPB): All buildings requiring a fire safety plan must have a fire safety plan box installed at a location accessible to fire department personnel. The box must be:
- A padlock type with a spare lock included inside the box
- Clearly labelled “Fire Safety Plan” on the front
- Located at or near the principal entrance to the site or building
This ensures responding fire crews can access the plan immediately during an emergency.
The Appointed Fire Safety Director
Burnaby places particular emphasis on the Appointed Fire Safety Director — the person responsible for implementing the fire safety plan on-site. This individual must:
- Complete fire safety director training before being assigned responsibility
- Sign the fire safety plan documentation
- Be knowledgeable about the site-specific fire hazards, protection systems, and emergency procedures outlined in the plan
Unlike some municipalities where the site supervisor informally fills this role, Burnaby formalizes it with a training and certification requirement. Ensure your designated Fire Safety Director has completed the required training before your plan is submitted.
Your CFSP Is a Living Document
Like all BC construction fire safety plans, Burnaby’s requirements treat your CFSP as a living document. As construction phases progress, your plan must be updated to reflect changes in site layout, access routes, personnel, fire protection systems, and new hazards introduced at each phase.
Significant revisions should be documented and submitted for re-approval if required. Minor updates reflecting normal construction progress can typically be maintained on-site without re-submission — but your Fire Safety Director is responsible for keeping the plan current.
Fire Watch and Hot Work
For any hot work operations (cutting, welding, grinding, brazing), Burnaby requires:
- A valid hot work permit before work begins
- A designated fire watch during hot work operations
- A minimum fire watch period after hot work is complete (typically 60 minutes, longer depending on materials)
- Documentation of all hot work activity and fire watch compliance
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to submit a compliant Construction Fire Safety Plan to Burnaby Fire Department before beginning construction is a violation of both the BC Fire Code and the City of Burnaby Fire Services Bylaw. Inspectors can issue stop-work orders, and non-compliance creates significant liability exposure in the event of a site fire.
Who Prepares the Plan?
Burnaby’s requirements are detailed and format-specific, and the department reviews submissions carefully. Generic or template-based plans that aren’t properly adapted to your specific site, personnel, and construction sequence are often returned for revision — causing permit delays.
For complex projects, engaging a professional fire safety plan preparer who is familiar with Burnaby Fire Department’s requirements is the most efficient path to approval.
Get a Burnaby Construction Fire Safety Plan
Get Fire Plan prepares Construction Fire Safety Plans for construction projects throughout Burnaby and the Lower Mainland. We’re familiar with Burnaby Fire Department’s four-document submission format, standardized symbols, and binder and box requirements — so your plan is right the first time.
- CAD-designed, site-specific plans
- Full four-document package included
- Upfront pricing, no surprises
- Guaranteed acceptance by Burnaby Fire Department
👉 View our Burnaby construction fire safety plan services →
📞 778-574-2895 | contactus@getfireplan.com
Need a construction fire safety plan in Burnaby?
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