All dwelling units should be equipped with working smoke alarms. This applies from private dwellings to high-rise residential towers, whether owner-occupied or rented. Homes equipped with smoke alarms are provided with earlier warning of fire, which result in faster escape by occupants, earlier arrival by the fire department and ultimately less risk to fire fighters and the public.

Where the Local Assistant is tasked to perform or administer fire safety inspections, the Local Assistant should make it a priority to inform owners that every dwelling unit should have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm upgrades should always be considered when the Local Assistant is requesting the owner for other upgrades.

For “public buildings” and “hotels”, the Local Assistant can use FSA Section 33 or BC Fire Code 2006 [ref: Division B Sentence 2.1.3.3.(1)] when writing a provincial order for smoke alarm upgrades. “Public buildings” in the FSA does not include private dwellings. Private dwellings may cover a range of housing including single family houses, and side-by-side duplexes or row-houses.

Some municipalities have by-laws that deal with smoke alarms in private dwellings. For communities without such by-laws, for private dwellings, the Local Assistant can use Section 21 (d) and subsequent Section 22 (d) for the upgrade where the dwelling in question is considered a “fire hazard” without working smoke alarms.

It is more challenging to upgrade smoke alarms in private dwellings where the units are generally not inspected on a regular basis. The LAFC may consider using different strategies to raise public awareness on this issue during Fire Prevention Week, or when the clocks change. The Office of the Fire Commissioner will work with the Local Assistant to provide a Public Education Notice.

The question arises whether the smoke alarm can be battery operated. Except for dwelling units without electrical power, the BC Building Code mandates dwelling units to have interconnected hard wired smoke alarms for new construction [ref: BCBC Division B Sentence 3.2.4.20.(1) and 9.10.19.3.(1)]. The BC Fire Code allows the Authority Having Jurisdiction to accept battery operated smoke alarms in existing buildings [ref: BCFC Division B Sentence 2.1.3.3.(2)].

If the installation is under a fire order by the Local Assistant, the Fire Commissioner recommends all smoke alarms be hard wired installations. If hard wired alarms are deemed to be a hardship, then 10 year battery sealed units are recommended.

If the LAFC is going to accept battery operated smoke alarms other than the 10-year sealed units, then there should be a plan in place on battery checks and replacement cycles. For all battery operated smoke alarms, it is a good idea to write or post the installation date on the casing of the smoke alarms so that the owner can be made aware when replacements are necessary.

Where smoke alarms are upgraded in existing buildings, the location and placement should meet the code requirements [ref: BCBC Division B Article 3.2.4.20 and Article 9.10.19.2].

The Fire Commissioner will review smoke alarm upgrade requirements in conjunction with the proposed update of the Fire Services Act. For now, if you have questions or need assistance in writing smoke alarm upgrades, please contact the OFC.

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For general information visit the OFC Website