Brockville Fire Department

Fire Safety Plan Requirements

A Fire Safety Plan is a critical document that outlines procedures for fire prevention, evacuation, and emergency response. It is required by law under the Ontario Fire Code for certain types of buildings and occupancies.

Who Needs a Fire Safety Plan?

A Fire Safety Plan is required for:

• Buildings containing a care occupancy, care and treatment occupancy, or a retirement home

• Buildings with an assembly occupancy (e.g., churches, halls, restaurants, theatres)

• Buildings over 3 storeys in height

• High buildings as defined by the Building Code

• Industrial occupancies with more than 25 occupants

• Any building with a fire alarm system

• Any other occupancy where the Fire Chief or Fire Marshal deems it necessary

🔥 Note: It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure a Fire Safety Plan is prepared, submitted for review, approved by the local fire department, and kept current.

What Should a Fire Safety Plan Include?

The Fire Safety Plan must be customized to the specific building and include:

✅ Emergency Procedures

• Evacuation instructions

• Fire alarm response actions

• Procedures for assisting persons requiring help

• Notification of the fire department

✅ Building Information

• Site and floor plans

• Description of fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, etc.)

• Utility shut-offs and emergency contacts

✅ Fire Prevention Measures

• Housekeeping practices

• Control of ignition sources

• Maintenance schedules for fire protection equipment

✅ Training & Drills

• Responsibilities of supervisory staff

• Frequency and documentation of fire drills

• Training requirements for occupants and staff

✅ Maintenance & Record Keeping

• Regular inspections and testing of fire equipment

• Maintenance of exits and fire routes

• Record sheets for all inspections and tests

Approval and Accessibility

• The Fire Safety Plan must be submitted to your local fire department for review and approval.

• A copy must be kept on site in an approved location, typically in a Fire Safety Plan Box near the main entrance.

• Staff must be trained on their roles and responsibilities outlined in the plan.

Updating the Fire Safety Plan

The Fire Safety Plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually, or whenever:

• The building’s layout or use changes

• Fire protection systems are altered

• Staff turnover occurs

A Fire Safety Plan is a plan suited to the resources provided by individual buildings. Emergency planning is mandated by the Ontario Fire Code, and is extremely important to the health a