Fire Code Updates: NFC Release - 2020

Recently, there were many changes in the current NFC Model Codes released in 2020. When the NFC Model Codes are changed/updated each province reviews and updates its Fire Codes. British Columbia’s “Updated” Fire Code will reflect these changes and be adopted in June 2023 and enforced in December 2023. 

NOTE: Updates will follow in all other jurisdictions in Canada, typically after the release of the Newest NFC Model Fire Code, in this case, 2020. It then takes about three years for other Jurisdictions within Canada to adopt or update their existing inspection lists.

The Fire Code from a risk management and loss control perspective is utilized as a base template for information in order to develop a code, standards, and regulations-based inspection format. 

Where the Code Applies in Buildings

1. Applies to all new and existing buildings and facilities.
2. Fire Safety – This relates to specific elements of the building and facility, the design or construction of the building, and building protection as prescribed based on occupancy.
3. Safety in Use – This applies to activities related to the use of the building and facility, the condition of the building or facility, and inadequately built-in protection for the building or facility.

All owners of buildings shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Fire Code regardless of local Fire Commissioner, Fire Inspector, or other AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) inspections.  

Fire Departments develop their own inspection formats based on the various fire service acts, by-laws, fire codes, standards, and regulations. The primary purposes of Fire Department inspections include prevention and pre-fire planning.

Digital Inspections allow both owners of buildings and fire departments to keep up to date on all their inspection requirements, as well as allow for easy implementation of code changes, additions, updates, and enhancements.

Every 5 years in Canada a new release of the National Fire Code is developed. This National Fire Code is referred to as a Model Fire Code for other jurisdictions (provincial, territorial and other) to base their own fire code development.

Some local authorities may adopt the new NFC Model Code as their own enforceable code with no changes made. Others initiate a review process including evaluation, public discussions, adoption, and eventual enforcement.

In 2020 all NFC-based Fire Codes forms were provided in CityReporter, including those used by various provincial, territorial, First Nations, and others. These forms are easily updated whenever there are any changes or enhancements. 

Learn more about CityReporter's Fire & Code Enforcement solutions! 

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