Fire Inspections and Safety Plans

• Items Checked During an Inspection

  The following are the items that are most commonly checked during an annual or semi-annual fire inspection:

  • fire alarm systems
  • automatic sprinkler systems
  • emergency lights
  • exiting including signs, doors and means of egress
  • fire doors
  • fire extinguishers
  • indoor and outdoor storage
  • storage of flammable or combustible liquids
  • laundry rooms
  • fire safety plans
  • Fire Department connections for sprinkler systems and fire hydrants
  • commercial kitchen exhaust hood systems
  • spray booths
• Requirements for New Buildings

  The New Building Checklist outlines the requirements new buildings must complete prior to final occupancy.  Review the checklist to make sure you are prepared.

• Book an Inspection

  Pitt Meadows Fire and Rescue conducts routine inspections of all public buildings on an annual or semi-annual basis. To book a non-routine inspection contact the Fire Prevention Office at firepevention@pittmeadows.ca.

• Technicians

  All fire protection technicians performing inspections, testing or maintenance of fire safety equipment or systems must be certified under the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act of British Columbia (ASTTBC).

  They are required to properly record and tag or label any inspections according to the ASSTBC and BC Fire Code.

• BC Fire Code

  The BC Fire Code (BCFC) is a provincial regulation containing technical requirements for the construction, use or demolition of buildings and facilities and the design, construction and use of specific elements of facilities related to certain fire hazards, and protection measures for the current or intended use of buildings. The 2018 BC Fire Code is available online for free here.

  BC Fire Code

Fire Safety Plan Requirements

• Fire safety plan

  Section 2.8.2 of the British Columbia Fire Code (BCFC) requires buildings to develop a fire safety plan based on their use or type of occupancy. 

  As the owner or authorized agent of the premises, you are responsible for providing a fire safety plan that meets current BCFC requirements before final occupancy.

  Download the fire safety plan guidelines.

• Pre-incident site and floor plans

  In addition to the fire safety plan, all commercial and public facilities, including farms, are required to participate in the pre-incident plan program as a condition of their final inspection approval. 

  This program requires the development of a comprehensive floor plan and site map, which includes detailed information on the type of structure, its construction, presence of protection systems, locations of services and presence of hazardous materials.
  You must use Pitt Meadows Fire & Rescue Service fire safety plan symbols on your site and floor plans. 

  Update your pre-incident plan

  Update the Fire Department if there are any changes to your facilities and your plan by completing an emergency dispatch information form:

  Emergency Dispatch Form

  Emergency Dispatch Form for Stratas

  Submit the form by one of these methods:

  • email to fire@pittmeadows.ca
  • fax to 604.465.1195  
  • mail to 12007 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC  V3Y 2B5  

  Ensure that you have included an email address for your business. The Fire Inspector will need this to send you inspection reports. 
   

• Construction fire safety plans

  Construction fire safety plans are required according to Sections 2.8 and 5.6 of the BCFC. They must be submitted for review prior to work.

• Fire safety plan box

  All buildings that require a fire safety plan must install a fire safety plan box. 

  The fire safety plan box must be a padlock type with a spare lock inside.  It must be clearly labelled “Fire Safety Plan” on the front of the box. 

  Contact the Fire Prevention Office at fire@pittmeadows.ca or 604-465-2490 for information about where to install the box.