What fire control means in your plan
A fire safety plan is a living document that tells everyone in a building what to do when an alarm sounds. Fire control is the part of the plan that focuses on confining, controlling, and extinguishing a fire before it spreads. It covers your fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control fans, fire pumps, and emergency power. The Ontario Fire Code, 2012 requires every building to have a plan that clearly explains how these systems work and who operates them.
Fire control systems you must account for
Your plan must list every fire control device in the building and show where it is located. Common systems include:
- Fire alarm systems with pull stations, notification bells, and control panels
- Automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes
- Smoke control and ventilation systems that keep hallways and stairwells clear
- Fire pumps that boost water pressure for sprinklers and hoses
- Emergency power and lighting that keep exits and control panels running during a blackout
Keep copies of all maintenance certificates and test reports in your fire safety binder. If a system is offline for repairs, note the date, the company handling the work, and the temporary measures you have put in place.
Training supervisory staff
Designated supervisory staff are the people who will operate fire control systems during an emergency. They must be trained before they take on these duties, and they must refresh their training every year. For high-rise buildings, staff must complete training every six months.
Training must cover:
- How to operate the fire alarm control panel and confirm a real fire
- When and how to call 9-1-1
- How to activate smoke control fans, fire dampers, and fire doors
- How to reset or isolate fire suppression systems safely
- How to use the voice communication system to guide occupants
- How to direct Wrenford Fire Rescue to the fire location and the fire control panel
Staff must also practice fire drills regularly. Schools and buildings with children must run drills three times in the spring and three times in the fall. Other buildings should run drills at least twice a year so everyone knows the evacuation routes and assembly points.
Documentation and binders
Your fire safety plan must be kept in a secure, clearly marked binder at the building's main entrance or at the central alarm and control facility. Fire Rescue officers will check the binder during inspections. The binder must include:
- A completed Vital Building Information form
- Base building drawings showing fire compartments, exits, and fire control equipment
- Fire alarm zone drawings, if your system uses zones
- A log of all fire drills, with dates, times, and staff signatures
- Current maintenance certificates for alarms, sprinklers, smoke control, and emergency power
- Procedures for confining, controlling, and extinguishing a fire
- Steps for evacuating occupants, including provisions for people who need assistance
Keep five copies of the Vital Building Information form and five copies of the base building drawings in the binder. Update the binder whenever you change the building layout, replace equipment, or change staff duties. You must also complete a Fire Control Systems Verification Form each time you test your equipment.
Review cycle and submission
The Ontario Fire Code requires you to review your fire safety plan at least every 12 months. This ensures the plan still matches how the building is used and that all fire control systems are working as designed. You do not need to file the full plan with the City to keep it on site, but you must make it available for Fire Rescue at all times. If you need a copy of the official template and symbol guide, visit Fire safety plans for buildings.
Need help or have questions?
Our fire prevention team can walk you through the requirements, check your binder, or answer questions about fire control systems. Call or visit Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) at 210 Water Street, or email us at [email protected]. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also reach the station directly at 519-555-0115.
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