Fire protection services play a critical role in keeping buildings safe, compliant, and operational. Yet many property owners and managers across British Columbia, including the Lower Mainland, aren’t always clear on what these services actually include or how installation and maintenance differ.
Understanding this distinction is essential, especially in BC, where fire protection responsibilities are governed by the BC Fire Code and BC Building Code. This guide explains fire protection services, breaks down installation vs maintenance, and shows why both are required for long-term safety and compliance in commercial and residential buildings.
Fire protection services are the professional activities that help reduce fire risk, control fire spread, and protect occupants and property. These services support the full lifecycle of fire protection systems—from initial setup to long-term reliability.
Across communities such as Vancouver, Surrey, and Richmond, fire protection services typically include:
Installing fire protection systems during construction or renovations
Maintaining systems so they remain operational year-round
Supporting ongoing compliance with local fire authorities
While systems vary by building type, the services behind them fall into two core categories: installation and maintenance.
In British Columbia, fire protection services are not optional. Building owners are legally responsible for ensuring fire protection systems are installed correctly and maintained over time, whether the property is in a commercial centre, industrial area, or mixed-use development.
Two primary regulations apply:
BC Building Code (BCBC): Governs when fire protection systems must be installed, typically during new construction or major renovations.
BC Fire Code (BCFC): Governs the ongoing condition, operation, and maintenance of installed systems.
Local fire departments act as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and enforce these requirements.
Fire system installation refers to the initial setup or replacement of fire protection systems within a building.
Installation is typically required when:
A new building is constructed
Tenant improvements or renovations are completed
Existing systems are upgraded or replaced
A change in building use triggers new code requirements
Proper installation ensures fire protection systems are designed, installed, and approved in accordance with applicable codes.
Fire system maintenance refers to the ongoing care and upkeep of fire protection systems after installation.
Maintenance ensures systems continue to function as intended, whether the building is a high-rise, warehouse, retail space, or office environment.
Routine servicing and adjustments
Preventive care to reduce unexpected failures
Replacing worn or damaged components
Maintenance is ongoing and does not end once a system is installed or approved.
Installation and maintenance serve different purposes, and both are necessary for long-term reliability and compliance.
Occurs during construction or system replacement
Focuses on putting systems in place correctly
Typically infrequent
Occurs continuously after installation
Focuses on reliability and performance
Required throughout the life of the building
Both are required to meet fire code expectations in BC.
Yes. Under the BC Fire Code, building owners must ensure fire protection systems are maintained in operating condition at all times. Documentation may be requested during inspections or audits.
Skipping maintenance can lead to:
Enforcement notices
Failed inspections
Increased liability
Insurance complications
Even properly installed systems can fail over time. Without maintenance:
Components degrade
Building use or occupancy changes
Compliance risks increase
Installation and maintenance must work together to ensure long-term safety.
Commercial and older buildings often face additional challenges, including aging systems and evolving code requirements. Property managers must ensure both installation and maintenance are addressed to avoid compliance issues.
This often involves coordinating multiple fire protection services to keep systems aligned with current code expectations.
Responsibility rests with:
The building owner
The owner’s authorized agent (such as a property manager)
Certified professionals perform the work, but accountability for compliance remains with ownership.
Yes. Maintenance is required under the BC Fire Code to keep systems operational.
No. Installation and maintenance are separate responsibilities.
The building owner or authorized agent is responsible.
Yes, provided all work meets applicable code and certification requirements.
Systems may fail inspections, trigger enforcement action, or increase safety risks.
Fire protection services are not a one-time task they are an ongoing responsibility. Installation ensures systems are correctly set up, while maintenance ensures they continue to function, comply with the BC Fire Code, and protect occupants over time.
For property owners and managers across British Columbia, understanding the difference between installation and maintenance is key to avoiding compliance issues and maintaining safe, reliable buildings year-round.
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