Fire safety plans aren’t just paperwork—they’re the playbook your building follows when something goes wrong. For commercial properties, a properly prepared fire safety plan can mean the difference between a calm, controlled evacuation and total confusion.
If you own, manage, or operate a commercial building in British Columbia, understanding how fire safety plans work is essential for fire code compliance, liability protection, and occupant safety.
Commercial fire safety plan requirements apply across British Columbia, including cities such as Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and Surrey, where local fire authorities may review and inspect fire safety plan documentation.
This guide explains what a commercial fire safety plan is, who needs one, and what it must include. Approval timelines and pricing are covered in separate guides.
A fire safety plan is a written, site-specific document that outlines what should happen before, during, and after a fire emergency in a commercial building.
It provides clear instructions for occupants, staff, and emergency responders so everyone knows their role when alarms activate.
Fire safety plans exist to:
Guide occupants and staff during emergencies
Reduce confusion and panic
Support first responders with accurate building information
Meet legal requirements under applicable fire codes
When seconds matter, there’s no time to guess. A properly prepared plan helps ensure:
Safe and orderly evacuation
Proper use of installed fire protection systems
Faster emergency response
Reduced risk of injury, property damage, or business interruption
Not every building requires the same level of documentation, but many commercial occupancies are legally required to maintain a fire safety plan.
Fire safety plans are commonly required for:
Office buildings
Retail stores and shopping centres
Warehouses and industrial facilities
Restaurants and food service spaces
Schools, daycares, and care facilities
High-occupancy or multi-tenant buildings
Fire safety plan requirements are usually based on:
Building size and height
Number of occupants
Type of business activity
Presence of fire protection systems
Local fire authorities may request to review, inspect, or verify your fire safety plan at any time.
A compliant commercial fire safety plan covers far more than evacuation diagrams.
This section outlines:
What to do when fire alarms sound
Primary and secondary evacuation routes
Exit locations and assembly areas
Procedures for occupants requiring assistance
Every commercial fire safety plan clearly defines:
Fire wardens or floor supervisors
Staff responsibilities during emergencies
Who contacts emergency services
Who assists with evacuation
Plans must document installed systems such as:
Fire safety plans also act as compliance records, outlining:
Inspection frequencies
Testing requirements
Maintenance responsibilities
Where documentation is stored
In BC, commercial fire safety plans must align with the BC Fire Code and local fire authority expectations.
Commercial buildings are required to:
Develop site-specific fire safety plans
Keep plans accessible on-site
Train staff on emergency procedures
Update plans when conditions change
Local fire departments may:
Request copies during inspections
Review plans during occupancy changes
Require revisions for compliance
Failure to maintain an accurate and up-to-date plan can result in orders, fines, or business interruptions.
Fire safety plans are not “set-and-forget” documents.
Updates are required when:
Floor layouts change
New tenants move in
Occupant load increases
Fire protection systems are modified
Best practice includes:
Annual plan reviews
Regular staff training
Fire drills and emergency simulations
One of the most common issues inspectors encounter is the use of generic templates that do not reflect the actual building layout, use, or systems.
A fire safety plan only works if:
Staff know it exists
Roles are clearly assigned
Training is documented and current
A commercial fire safety plan must be accurate, site-specific, and kept current to meet fire code expectations.
This guide focuses on what a commercial fire safety plan includes. Approval timelines and pricing vary depending on building complexity and documentation quality.
Fire safety plans for commercial buildings are not optional paperwork—they are a critical safety and compliance tool. A well-prepared plan protects occupants, supports emergency responders, and helps business owners avoid costly enforcement issues.
Keeping your fire safety plan accurate, updated, and aligned with BC fire code requirements is one of the most effective ways to maintain a safe and compliant commercial property.
Contact Otis Fire today to review, update, or create a code-compliant fire safety plan tailored to your commercial building.
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