Fire Safety Plan (Toronto/Ontario, 2025): Build, Approve & Maintain
A practical, code‑aligned guide for businesses, property managers, landlords, and condo/apt boards in Toronto and across Ontario. Learn who needs a Fire Safety Plan (FSP), what it must include under the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07), how to submit and maintain it, and how to train staff and run drills.
Quick Answer: Do we need a Fire Safety Plan?
Under the Ontario Fire Code, many buildings must have an approved, implemented Fire Safety Plan (FSP) and conduct drills. Requirements are set out in Division B, Section 2.8 – Fire Safety Plans. Common examples that typically require an FSP include:
- Buildings where a fire alarm system is required by code (many multi‑residential, assembly, care, and larger commercial buildings).
- Buildings with vulnerable occupants or complex evacuation needs (e.g., care occupancies), and buildings with large occupant loads or special hazards.
- Sites directed by the Chief Fire Official to maintain an FSP due to use, size, or risk profile.
Always confirm applicability with the Ontario Fire Code and your local fire department (AHJ). The OFC is a regulation under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA).
Who’s Responsible (Owner / Manager / Lessee)
The OFC places responsibility on the “owner”—defined broadly to include anyone in care or control of the building (e.g., landlords, property managers, long‑term lessees). The owner must:
- Prepare, submit, implement, and maintain the Fire Safety Plan.
- Designate supervisory staff and ensure they are trained for their roles.
- Keep records (drills, inspections, maintenance) available for the AHJ on request.
The OFC is enforced by municipal fire departments (e.g., Toronto Fire Services). Orders to Comply and penalties flow from the FPPA. See FPPA.
Required Contents (OFC Div. B, Section 2.8)
While your AHJ may provide a template or specific format, a compliant FSP typically covers the following areas referenced in OFC Div. B, 2.8:
| OFC Requirement Area | What to Include in Your FSP | Where to Keep/Post | Associated Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency procedures | Steps on fire discovery, alarm activation, 9‑1‑1/contact procedures, assisting persons requiring help, relocation/evacuation, “do not use elevators,” shelter‑in‑place (where applicable). | Within FSP; posted instructions for occupants on each floor/area as required. | None specific; include in training materials. |
| Supervisory staff duties | Roles (floor wardens, sweepers, accountability leads, impairment/fire watch), staffing levels, after‑hours coverage, contact lists. | FSP copy at alarm panel/security desk; distribute role cards to staff. | Training and drill logs. |
| Building description & diagrams | Site plan; floor plans showing exits, stairs, fire alarm panel/annunciator, sprinkler/standpipe rooms, valves, FDC (Siamese), fire pump, extinguishers, emergency power, areas of refuge. | FSP; simplified postings in common areas (“You Are Here” maps). | Drawing revision history. |
| Control of fire hazards | Housekeeping, safe storage of combustibles/flammables, hot‑work controls, kitchen grease control/cleaning frequency, smoking rules. | FSP; applicable postings in hazard areas. | Hot‑work permits; kitchen cleaning service records. |
| Inspection, testing & maintenance | Schedules for alarms, sprinklers/standpipes, emergency lighting, extinguishers, generators, monitoring tests (monthly/annual/multi‑year as applicable). | FSP; maintenance log on site. | Annual S536 report; sprinkler test reports; lighting logs; extinguisher tags. |
| Training & drills | Frequency and scope of drills; occupant notifications; debrief and corrective action process. | FSP; notices to occupants; lobby postings. | Drill records (date/time, floors, duration, issues, actions). |
| Impairment/Fire watch | Procedure for system outages: notifications (monitoring/AHJ), patrol frequency, documentation, interim measures, restoration plan. | FSP; instruction cards for guards/supervisory staff. | Fire‑watch logs; impairment forms. |
| Contact & coordination | Owner/manager, monitoring station, elevator/electrical/mechanical contacts, alarm/sprinkler contractors, after‑hours numbers. | FSP at alarm panel/security desk; copies for management. | Call records where relevant. |
See the OFC on e‑Laws for the legal text of Div. B, Section 2.8 – Fire Safety Plans: O. Reg. 213/07.
How to Build & Implement Your FSP
- Confirm applicability with OFC Div. B 2.8 and your AHJ.
- Gather base data: floor/site drawings; equipment lists (alarm, sprinkler/standpipe, extinguishers, emergency power), monitoring details, tenant roster/uses.
- Draft procedures for fire discovery, alarm response, assistance to persons with disabilities, shutdowns, and evacuation/shelter‑in‑place where applicable.
- Assign supervisory staff roles; document duties and coverage for after‑hours.
- Build inspection/maintenance schedule aligned to the OFC and standards (e.g., annual alarm inspection to CAN/ULC‑S536).
- Prepare diagrams showing exits, stairs, equipment rooms, FDC, shut‑offs, and assembly points.
- Submit for AHJ review/approval where required (see Submission).
- Train supervisory staff and occupants per the FSP; post instructions on each floor as required by the OFC.
- Run drills at the prescribed frequency; log results and corrective actions.
- Review & update the FSP whenever building conditions change (renovations, occupancy/use changes, equipment upgrades).
Fire Drills, Training & Records
- Plan the drill (scope, floors, observers). Notify occupants and stakeholders per the FSP.
- Coordinate monitoring: place the system “on test” to avoid nuisance dispatch charges (Toronto fee schedule: User Fees PDF).
- Execute & debrief: time the evacuation, note issues, assign fixes, record actions.
- Keep records with the FSP (date/time, areas, participants, observations, sign‑off). Records must be available to the fire department upon request.
Tie‑in: Inspection & Maintenance Schedules
Your FSP should reference the inspection/testing you perform under the OFC and related standards, for example:
- Fire Alarm System – full annual inspection and test to CAN/ULC‑S536; verification to CAN/ULC‑S537 for new/altered systems (Ontario adoption updates: O. Reg. 87/25).
- Sprinkler/Standpipe – annual inspection/testing and multi‑year tasks as applicable (maintain reports on site).
- Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs – monthly function checks and an annual duration test; keep logs.
- Portable Extinguishers – monthly owner visual checks and annual servicing by a qualified technician.
- Kitchen Hood Suppression (if applicable) – semi‑annual service and regular grease exhaust cleaning.
Legal baseline and record‑keeping requirements are in the Ontario Fire Code. Keep all annual reports and monthly logs with your FSP.
Submission, Approval & Updates (Toronto/Ontario)
- Approval: In many municipalities, the Chief Fire Official reviews/approves your FSP. Contact your fire department for submission instructions and current fees. (Toronto publishes fire user fees here: User Fees PDF.)
- On‑site copies: Keep at least one full copy at the fire alarm panel/annunciator or security desk; provide copies to management and supervisory staff.
- Posting: Post occupant fire emergency instructions on each floor/area as required by the OFC.
- Updates: Revise and re‑submit when building use, layout, or life‑safety systems change.
- Transparency: Toronto posts Fire Inspection Results; keep your plan and records inspection‑ready.
FAQ
Is a “fire escape plan” the same as a Fire Safety Plan?
“Fire escape plan” usually refers to routes and assembly points. In Ontario, the official, enforceable document is the Fire Safety Plan (FSP) required under the Ontario Fire Code. Your FSP includes emergency procedures, supervisory roles, diagrams, inspection schedules, drills, and record‑keeping.
Do condos/apartments need an FSP?
Most multi‑residential buildings with fire alarm systems require an FSP. Confirm applicability in OFC Div. B, 2.8 and with your AHJ.
Where should we keep the plan and how long do we keep records?
Keep the FSP at the alarm panel/annunciator or security desk and provide copies to management/supervisory staff. Keep drill logs, annual inspection reports, monthly checks, and corrective action records on site for review by the fire department.
What happens if we don’t have or follow our FSP?
The fire department can issue an Order to Comply and, if not corrected, lay charges under the FPPA. Penalties can be significant. False alarm user fees may also apply in Toronto (see User Fees PDF).
Official References
- Ontario Fire Code – O. Reg. 213/07 (e‑Laws) — see Division B, Section 2.8 (Fire Safety Plans)
- Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA)
- O. Reg. 87/25 — adoption/updates that reference CAN/ULC alarm standards
- UL Standards – CAN/ULC‑S536 (annual fire alarm testing scope)
- City of Toronto – Fire Inspection Results
- City of Toronto – Fire User Fees (PDF)
All links point to official government/standards sources. Confirm local submission procedures and current fees with your AHJ (e.g., Toronto Fire Services).
Need Help? We’ll Build, Approve & Train on Your Fire Safety Plan
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Disclaimer: This guide summarizes common OFC requirements. Your approved FSP, AHJ directives, insurer conditions, and manufacturer instructions govern.
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