Construction Fire Safety Plan Checklist — BC Requirements 2026

Construction Fire Safety Plans Are Not Optional in BC

Under Subsection 5.6 of the BC Fire Code, every construction site of any meaningful size requires a site-specific Fire Safety Plan. After several high-profile construction fires in Metro Vancouver over the past two years, fire departments across BC have tightened enforcement — and general contractors are now being asked to produce plans before permits are issued, before hot work begins, and during routine inspections. This checklist walks through everything a compliant BC construction Fire Safety Plan must cover in 2026.

Site Information and Contacts

Site address and legal description. General contractor name and site supervisor with 24/7 contact info. Owner and project manager contact details. Designated Fire Safety Coordinator for the project. Current construction phase (excavation, framing, closed-in, finishing). Scheduled completion date. List of sub-trades currently on site.

Site Access and Fire Department Response

Unobstructed fire department access route to the building at all times. Access gate codes or lockbox arrangements for after-hours emergencies. Nearest hydrant location marked on the site plan. Fire department connection (FDC) location once installed. Temporary water supply for firefighting during construction. Designated assembly point for workers in the event of evacuation. Emergency access maintained even during concrete pours and crane lifts.

Fire Protection Equipment

Portable fire extinguishers at each stairway, hoist, and active work area. Standpipe extended upward as the building rises (required for buildings over three storeys). Temporary fire alarm or notification system for workers. Emergency lighting in stair towers and egress routes. Fire watch personnel where sprinklers or alarms are temporarily out of service. Monthly equipment inspections recorded in the site log.

Hot Work Procedures

Written hot work permit system. Combustibles removed or protected within 11 metres of hot work. Fire watch during hot work and for 60 minutes after. Dedicated extinguisher at every hot work location. Weekly hot work audits by the Fire Safety Coordinator. Documentation retained on-site for the life of the project.

Combustibles, Housekeeping and Waste

Only a 24-hour supply of combustible materials on the work floor. Daily removal of combustible waste from the building. Waste bins located minimum 6 metres from the structure. Flammable liquids stored in approved cabinets or secure external enclosures. Propane cylinders stored outside and secured. Smoking prohibited except in designated areas away from the building.

Electrical and Heating Equipment

Temporary heaters inspected daily and shut down when unattended. No propane heaters used inside closed-in portions of the building. GFCI protection on all temporary power. Extension cords in good condition and protected from damage. Daily end-of-shift shutdown procedure for electrical equipment.

Emergency Procedures and Training

Written fire emergency procedure covering alarm activation, evacuation, and roll call. All workers oriented to the site Fire Safety Plan before starting work. Regular toolbox talks covering fire safety topics. Evacuation drills held at appropriate intervals. Emergency contact numbers posted at the site office and all major stairs.

Documentation and Review

Site-specific Fire Safety Plan accepted by the local fire department. Plan reviewed and updated at each major phase change. Inspection logs retained on site. Hot work permits filed and retained. Incident reports for any fire, near-miss, or evacuation.

Get Your Construction Fire Safety Plan Done Right

Fire Safety Plan prepares construction Fire Safety Plans for projects of every scale across British Columbia — from single-family custom builds to 40-storey highrise towers. We know what Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, and other BC fire departments expect, and we update plans as your project phases change so you're always in compliance. Call 778-574-2895 or email contactus@getfireplan.com. Also visit our sister site getfireplan.com for more BC fire safety resources.