Fire inspections are a legal requirement for many buildings in Surrey, British Columbia. These inspections are not optional, nor are they based on personal preference or insurance recommendations alone. They are enforced under the BC Fire Code and supported by local fire authorities to protect occupants, property, and first responders.
This guide explains fire inspection requirements in Surrey BC, who must comply, how inspections are enforced, and what property owners need to understand to remain compliant. It focuses on legal and regulatory obligations, not inspection preparation or checklists.
Yes. Fire inspections are mandatory for many buildings in Surrey under provincial law.
The BC Fire Code requires owners and owner-authorized agents to maintain fire protection systems in operating condition and ensure buildings meet ongoing life-safety requirements. When inspections are required, compliance is not optional.
Fire inspection requirements typically apply to:
Commercial buildings
Multi-family residential and strata properties
Industrial and warehouse facilities
Institutional, public, and assembly occupancies
Single-family homes are generally exempt, but most buildings with shared occupancy or public access fall under mandatory inspection requirements.
Fire inspection requirements in Surrey are enforced by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which is typically the Surrey Fire Services.
The AHJ has legal authority to:
Conduct enforcement inspections
Identify fire code violations
Issue written orders and compliance deadlines
Require follow-up inspections
It’s important to understand that enforcement inspections are different from routine maintenance inspections. Fire departments focus on code compliance and life-safety enforcement, not ongoing system testing or servicing.
Fire inspection requirements in Surrey vary by building type, occupancy, and risk level. In general, inspections are required for buildings where fire hazards could impact multiple occupants or the public.
Common examples include:
Offices, retail spaces, and commercial plazas
Apartment buildings, condominiums, and strata complexes
Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and storage buildings
Schools, healthcare facilities, and institutional properties
Assembly occupancies such as restaurants and event spaces
Inspection requirements are determined by how a building is used, not just its size or age.
Fire inspection frequency in Surrey is guided by provincial minimums and local enforcement practices.
For many properties, annual fire inspections are the baseline expectation. Higher-risk occupancies may require more frequent oversight, while some inspections occur only when triggered by specific conditions.
It’s important to distinguish between:
Fire inspections (overall building compliance)
System testing and maintenance (alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting)
A detailed breakdown of inspection intervals and testing schedules is covered separately.
For province-wide timelines, see our guide on how often fire inspections are required in BC.
Fire inspections in Surrey focus on compliance verification, not technical system testing.
Inspectors typically verify that:
Required fire protection systems are present and accessible
Exits, corridors, and stairwells are unobstructed
Fire alarm and sprinkler systems are not visibly impaired
Fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and tagged
Emergency lighting and exit signage are operational
Required documentation is available on site
The goal is to confirm that buildings meet minimum life-safety standards and do not pose an immediate risk to occupants or responders.
While every property is different, some fire code violations are identified more frequently than others during inspections.
Common examples include:
Blocked or obstructed exits
Missing or outdated inspection documentation
Impaired fire alarm or sprinkler systems not reported
Inaccessible fire extinguishers
Unauthorized changes to occupancy or building use
Outdated or missing fire safety plans
Many violations are administrative or operational in nature, but repeated or serious deficiencies can lead to enforcement action.
Documentation plays a major role in fire inspection compliance.
Property owners are typically required to maintain records such as:
Inspection and maintenance reports
Proof of corrected deficiencies
Fire safety plans (where required)
Service records for fire protection systems
Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons inspections result in compliance orders. Records must be retained and made available to fire authorities upon request.
If deficiencies are identified, fire authorities may issue written orders outlining required corrective actions and compliance deadlines.
Possible outcomes include:
Orders to comply within a specified timeframe
Mandatory re-inspections
Escalated enforcement for unresolved issues
Occupancy restrictions in serious cases
Increased liability and insurance complications
Failing to address deficiencies within required timelines can lead to further enforcement action.
Managing fire inspection compliance is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task.
Many property owners coordinate inspections, documentation, and corrective work through certified providers offering fire protection services in Surrey. This approach helps ensure inspections are completed on time, records are accurate, and deficiencies are addressed before they become enforcement issues.
Working with a single provider can simplify coordination across fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and related systems.
It’s important to separate legal requirements from inspection preparation.
Fire inspection requirements define what the law expects
Inspection preparation focuses on readiness and coordination
This guide explains the legal and regulatory side of inspections.
For a practical, readiness-focused resource, see our Surrey Fire Inspection Checklist, which is designed to help building managers prepare for inspections without duplicating code requirements.
Yes. Most commercial, multi-family, industrial, and institutional buildings are subject to inspection requirements under the BC Fire Code.
The building owner or the owner’s authorized agent is legally responsible for compliance.
Many properties follow annual inspection cycles, but frequency can vary based on occupancy and risk.
Missing records may result in compliance orders and required re-inspections.
Fire inspection requirements in Surrey BC are enforceable legal obligations designed to protect lives, property, and public safety. Understanding who must comply, how inspections are enforced, and what documentation is required helps property owners avoid unnecessary enforcement risk.
Compliance is most effective when approached proactively and supported by accurate inspections, clear records, and timely corrective action. Whether inspections are routine or enforcement-driven, staying informed and organized is the key to meeting BC Fire Code requirements.If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to contact us.
If you need support with inspections, documentation, or ongoing fire code compliance, professional fire protection services can help ensure your property remains inspection-ready year-round.
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