Our Responsibility as Fire Inspectors
In British Columbia, the authority for the Fire Services comes under the Fire Safety Act [SBC 2016] CHAPTER 19, which requires that a monitoring entity must implement a risk-based compliance monitoring system for public buildings, and that a local authority must designate in writing persons or a class of persons as fire inspectors to conduct fire safety `inspections.
DWV Fire Prevention Officers are your fire inspectors and are responsible for carrying out the prescribed inspections and enforcement of the British Columbia Fire Code.
Your Responsibility as an Owner or Owner’s Authorized Agent
As building owners and commercial tenants, you have a responsibility to fulfill certain requirements under the B.C. Fire Code. Making sure buildings are free from fire hazards isn't just common sense - it's the law.
B.C. Fire Code
Responsibility – Division C – Part 2, Article 2.2.1.1.
Unless otherwise specified, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this code.
Records – Division C – Part 2, Article 2.2.1.2.
Where this Code requires that tests, inspections, maintenance, or operational procedures be performed on a fire safety system, records shall be made and the original or a copy shall be retained at the premises for examination by the authority having jurisdiction.
Compliance
The Fire Safety Act also identifies the owner as the person responsible for complying with any orders given by the fire inspector. If during an inspection, a deficiency is noted, a correction notice will be given to the owner outlining the infraction. The owner will be given a timeline as to when they must have all deficiencies corrected.
Failure to correct deficiencies may result in:
- An order being issued and a fine imposed on the building owner
- An order being issued through the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s Office
- Legal action taken against the building owner
Persons guilty of an infraction of the Fire Safety Act, or the British Columbia Fire Code are liable to the penalties and/or conditions defined in those regulations.
To help you prepare for your next annual fire inspection, please review the Fire Inspection Guidelines posted here.
Multi-Family Residential Occupancy Fire Inspection Guidelines
Child Care Occupancy Fire Inspection Guidelines
Care Home Occupancy Fire Inspection Guidelines
Retail / Commercial / Restaurant Occupancy Fire Inspection Guidelines
Assembly Occupancy Fire Inspection Guidelines