In Port Coquitlam, a Construction Fire Safety Plan (CFSP) is required for all buildings under construction — and the city’s Fire and Emergency Services department takes an unusually proactive approach to enforcement, engaging with developers at the building permit application stage rather than waiting until construction begins.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Port Coquitlam’s CFSP requirements: what triggers them, what the plan must include, the three-document submission package, fees, the adjacent building protection requirement, and how PoCo Fire approaches plan review.

The Legal Basis

Construction fire safety plans in Port Coquitlam are required under:

BC Fire Code 2024, Section 5.6 — the provincial standard for fire safety during construction and demolition across BC
City of Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw No. 4395 — the municipal bylaw enforcing local fire safety requirements

Non-compliance with either the BC Fire Code or the city bylaw can result in stop-work orders and penalties under local enforcement.

When Is a CFSP Required?

A Construction Fire Safety Plan is required for all buildings under construction in Port Coquitlam. The requirement applies to new construction, major renovations, demolition, and alteration projects of any scale.

One important distinction unique to Port Coquitlam: the CFSP covers the construction phase, but a separate full Fire Safety Plan must also be submitted before occupancy. Construction sites and completed buildings have two different plan requirements — make sure your project is compliant at both stages.

Early Engagement at the Building Permit Stage

Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services reviews fire safety requirements proactively: at the building permit application stage, the Fire Department provides detailed comments to all applicants covering common fire safety requirements for the proposed construction.

This means fire safety review begins before you break ground — PoCo Fire identifies potential issues early so they can be addressed in the design and planning phase rather than discovered on-site mid-construction. It’s a collaborative approach that benefits developers who engage with the process early.

The Three-Document Submission Package

Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services requires a three-document submission package for every construction fire safety plan:

Construction Fire Safety Plan — the full site-specific plan addressing BCFC Section 5.6 requirements
Pre-Incident Plan — simplified floor plan and site information for first responders
Vital Information Form — key building and emergency contact information for the fire department

All three documents must be submitted together to Port Coquitlam Fire Hall Administration for review and approval.

Submission contact:
Port Coquitlam Fire Hall Administration
📞 604-927-5466
📧 fire.admin@portcoquitlam.ca

Review Fee

Port Coquitlam charges a flat review fee of $200 (tax included) per submission. This fee applies to the initial CFSP submission and covers the plan review process by PoCo Fire and Emergency Services.

What Your Plan Must Include

Personnel and Contacts

General contractor and site supervisor with 24/7 emergency contact numbers
Owner and project manager contact details
Designated Fire Safety Coordinator responsible for the plan on-site

Fire Hazard Controls

Hot work permit system — procedures for cutting, welding, grinding, and brazing
Combustible refuse storage and removal schedule
Flammable liquid and gas storage and handling procedures
Temporary heating equipment protocols
Smoking restriction policies and designated areas

Fire Protection Equipment

Location and maintenance schedule for portable fire extinguishers
Progressive standpipe installation schedule (for multi-storey construction)
Temporary fire alarm provisions
Testing, inspection, and maintenance logs kept on-site

Emergency Procedures

Alarm activation and fire department notification procedures
Evacuation procedures for all site personnel
Designated muster point
Training records for supervisory staff

Site Plans

Fire department vehicle access routes — kept unobstructed at all times
Fire hydrant and Fire Department Connection locations
Site address visible from the street
Emergency egress routes and exit locations
Hazardous material storage areas

Adjacent Building Protection — A Port Coquitlam-Specific Requirement

One requirement that distinguishes Port Coquitlam from many other municipalities: during the plan review process, PoCo Fire and Emergency Services may require a registered professional to submit a report assessing the protection of adjacent buildings during construction.

This report typically involves:

Radiant heat flux calculations — assessing the potential heat exposure to adjacent structures in the event of a site fire
Thermal radiation analysis — evaluating the risk of ignition to neighbouring buildings based on separation distance, materials, and openings

This requirement typically applies to sites in dense urban areas or where neighbouring structures are in close proximity. Whether it applies to your project will be determined during the Fire Department’s review of your building permit application.

Fire Watch and Hot Work

BC Fire Code Section 5.6 requires a fire watch for hot work operations and when fire protection systems are temporarily impaired. In Port Coquitlam:

A valid hot work permit is required before any cutting, welding, grinding, or brazing
Continuous fire watch during hot work operations
Minimum fire watch period after work is complete (typically 60 minutes or more)
Fire watch logs must be kept on-site

Transition to Full Fire Safety Plan Before Occupancy

Your Construction Fire Safety Plan covers the active build phase only. Before the building is ready for occupancy, you must submit a complete Fire Safety Plan — the operational plan that covers the building once it is occupied. This is a separate document with different requirements from the CFSP.

Planning for the occupancy Fire Safety Plan early in the construction phase — rather than treating it as an afterthought just before move-in — avoids delays at the occupancy permit stage.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Operating a construction site in Port Coquitlam without an accepted Construction Fire Safety Plan violates both the BC Fire Code and City Bylaw No. 4395. PoCo Fire and Emergency Services can issue stop-work orders, and the City can apply fines under the bylaw. Liability exposure in the event of a site fire without a compliant CFSP is significant.

Get a Port Coquitlam Construction Fire Safety Plan

Get Fire Plan prepares Construction Fire Safety Plans for construction projects throughout Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities. We’re familiar with PoCo Fire’s three-document submission format, the adjacent building protection requirement, and the building permit stage review process.

Full three-document package: CFSP + Pre-Incident Plan + Vital Information Form
Adjacent building protection support (where required)
Upfront flat-fee pricing — no surprises
Guaranteed acceptance by Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services

👉 View our Port Coquitlam construction fire safety plan services →

📞 778-574-2895 | contactus@getfireplan.com

Need a construction fire safety plan in Coquitlam?

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

Construction Fire Safety Plan Requirements in Port Coquitlam, BC