Construction sites present some of the highest fire risks in the built environment. Temporary electrical systems, hot work operations, exposed combustible materials, and incomplete permanent fire protection systems create conditions where small oversights can escalate quickly.
In British Columbia, construction fire safety requirements are governed by BC Fire Code Section 5.6, which outlines prevention, protection, and emergency planning obligations during construction and demolition activities.
This guide explains the fire safety requirements that apply to active construction sites across BC, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond, and what contractors must understand to maintain compliance throughout all project phases.
These requirements apply to construction projects across British Columbia, including Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, and other Lower Mainland municipalities where active sites may be subject to local fire authority inspections.
Fire hazards on construction sites differ from those in completed buildings because systems may be temporary or not fully operational.
Common construction fire hazards include:
Welding, cutting, and grinding (hot work)
Temporary electrical wiring and overloaded circuits
Improper storage of flammable liquids and compressed gases
Combustible framing materials and debris buildup
Blocked fire lanes or restricted emergency access
Missing or improperly located fire extinguishers
Routine site risk assessments help identify hazards early and reduce ignition potential.
Construction fire safety in British Columbia is governed primarily under BC Fire Code Section 5.6, which outlines construction fire safety plan (C-FSP) requirements for active construction and demolition operations.
Key compliance areas include:
Control of combustible materials
Temporary fire protection systems
Hot work supervision
Fire department access maintenance
Emergency planning procedures
Assigned fire safety responsibilities
Municipal fire departments act as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and may conduct inspections of active construction sites to verify compliance.
Depending on occupancy classification and risk conditions, additional obligations may apply under Section 2.8 of the BC Fire Code. Certain projects may also reference NFPA 241 compliance standards in BC where enhanced fire prevention controls are required.
Failure to meet code requirements may result in:
Deficiency notices
Inspection delays
Work stoppages
Administrative penalties
Understanding regulatory expectations early helps prevent project disruption and improves inspection outcomes.
Permanent sprinkler and alarm systems are often incomplete during early construction phases. Temporary measures are therefore required to manage risk.
Temporary fire protection may include:
Interim standpipe systems where applicable
Temporary alarm or detection systems
Clearly maintained fire lanes and access routes
Emergency lighting where necessary
Fire department access routes must remain unobstructed at all times.
Hot work operations are among the leading causes of construction site fires.
BC fire safety expectations typically require:
Pre-work hazard evaluation
Removal or shielding of combustibles
Accessible fire extinguishers
Assigned fire watch personnel
Post-work monitoring period
Continuous supervision during and after hot work significantly reduces fire risk.
Active construction sites may be inspected by municipal fire authorities.
Inspections commonly review:
Housekeeping and debris control
Extinguisher placement and condition
Hot work procedures
Fire watch assignments
Emergency access routes
Site documentation
Maintaining organized procedures and documentation improves inspection outcomes.
Fire safety documentation demonstrates compliance and due diligence.
Typical documentation may include:
Site hazard identification records
Fire prevention procedures
Hot work control logs
Emergency response instructions
Assigned responsibility lists
Emergency contact information
Documentation should remain accessible on-site and updated as site conditions change.
Certain construction projects may require a documented fire safety plan outlining emergency procedures, assigned responsibilities, and site-specific prevention measures in accordance with BC Fire Code requirements.
Construction sites must maintain clear emergency response procedures.
Effective emergency planning includes:
Defined evacuation routes
Designated muster points
Accountability procedures
Communication protocols
Regular review as site layouts evolve
Construction fire drill procedures help workers respond safely and efficiently in real emergencies.
Proper extinguisher placement ensures small fires can be controlled before escalating.
Best practices include:
Placement within acceptable travel distances
Correct extinguisher types for site hazards
Clear visibility and unobstructed access
Routine inspection and maintenance
Improper placement is a frequent cause of inspection deficiencies.
Fire safety compliance depends on worker awareness and training.
Training programs typically cover:
Fire hazard recognition
Safe hot work practices
Proper use of fire extinguishers
Emergency evacuation procedures
Reporting unsafe conditions
Training records should be documented and kept current.
A designated fire safety officer may oversee compliance efforts on larger projects.
Responsibilities can include:
Monitoring fire hazards
Enforcing prevention procedures
Coordinating inspections
Maintaining documentation
Updating fire safety procedures as site conditions change
Clear responsibility assignment improves accountability.
Many inspection deficiencies stem from preventable errors.
Common issues include:
Blocked fire lanes
Accumulated combustible debris
Inadequate hot work monitoring
Missing or inaccessible extinguishers
Outdated emergency contact postings
Routine internal reviews help minimize enforcement risks.
Section 5.6 outlines fire prevention and protection requirements for construction and demolition operations.
Yes. Municipal fire authorities may conduct inspections to verify compliance.
Fire watch supervision is typically required during and after hot work activities.
Yes. Extinguishers must be properly placed, accessible, and regularly inspected.
Requirements depend on project scale, demolition scope, temporary occupancy, and municipal policy.
Some municipalities may require documented fire safety planning during construction. The format may be digital or printed, but documentation must align with BC Fire Code Section 5.6 and reflect active site conditions.
Construction fire safety in British Columbia requires continuous prevention, supervision, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
By understanding BC Fire Code 5.6 requirements, maintaining temporary fire protection measures, supervising hot work operations, organizing documentation, and training workers, construction projects can significantly reduce fire risk and maintain compliance.
Proactive fire safety management protects workers, minimizes inspection delays, and helps projects proceed safely across British Columbia.
If you have questions about construction fire safety requirements in BC or need clarification on site-specific compliance obligations, contact us to discuss your project and ensure your documentation aligns with current Fire Code expectations.
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