New Legislation Enhances Fire Safety For People, Communities

The provincial government is implementing legislation to enhance fire safety through an enhanced system of inspections and enforcement.

“The Fire Safety Act is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of all British Columbians,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“This modern legislation provides fire services with the tools they need to improve compliance with fire-safety codes and legislation, ultimately protecting lives, communities and property.”

The Fire Safety Act (FSA) replaces the previous Fire Services Act, and the government says it reflects significant advancements in fire protection and a deeper understanding of fire behaviour since the last substantial update in 1979.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, says the modern legislation provides fire services with the tools they need to improve compliance with fire-safety codes and legislation, ultimately protecting lives, communities and property.

The FSA introduces enhanced monitoring to identify higher-risk buildings, a penalty system to incentivize owner compliance with fire-safety legislation and the BC Fire and BC Building Codes, and more effective enforcement tools.

The FSA was developed in response to stakeholder feedback and recommendations from a BC Coroners report on the 2012 Lakeland Mills explosion in Prince George, in which two people were killed.

While ruled accidental, it recommended penalties for building owners for non-compliance with the BC Fire Code and orders of the fire commissioner.

Municipalities will soon operate within an inspection model that focuses on compliance monitoring of higher-risk buildings. In addition, the municipal designated fire investigators will also be responsible for investigating fires.

Regional districts will operate within a complaint model and will get assistance from the Office of the Fire Commissioner when requested.

There is a one-year transition period before designated inspectors and investigators must meet new training standards.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.