Why you need a fire safety plan for fire dampers
Fire dampers are mechanical doors installed inside your building's ventilation system. They close automatically when smoke or high heat is detected. This action stops fire and toxic smoke from traveling through ducts into other rooms. Under the Ontario Building Code, every commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential building with mechanical ventilation must have a fire safety plan that specifically covers these dampers. Without a current plan, your building may fail inspection and face fines.
What your plan must include
Your plan needs clear details so firefighters and maintenance staff know exactly where the dampers are and how they work. Make sure your document includes:
- Updated floor plans showing every damper location and the specific zone it protects.
- Manufacturer names, model numbers, and activation temperatures for each damper.
- A testing and maintenance schedule that meets the manufacturer's strict requirements.
- The name, job title, and contact number of the person responsible for the system.
- Step-by-step instructions for emergency shutdown and manual release.
How to submit your plan
We review all fire safety plans through the Fire Prevention online portal. You will need to upload a single PDF file that contains your drawings, schedules, and contact details. The portal also handles the payment step so you do not have to mail a cheque or visit City Hall.
Fees and review times
The initial review fee for a fire damper system plan is $125.00. If your building has multiple separate ventilation zones, you must submit a separate plan and pay the fee for each zone. We aim to return a preliminary review within five business days. If your plan needs changes, we will list the required updates in a digital notice. You have 30 days to fix the issues and resubmit.
Testing and maintenance duties
Fire dampers wear out over time and must stay in working order. The Ontario Building Code requires annual inspections by a licensed technician. Any time you replace a damper, change the duct layout, or update the manufacturer specifications, you must update your fire safety plan. You can upload the revised PDF to the portal at any time. We will stamp the new version and email you a confirmation.
Contact the Fire Prevention office
If you are not sure which dampers belong in your plan, or if you need the correct drawing templates, contact the Fire Prevention office. They can review your draft before you pay the full fee. You can reach them by email at [email protected] or by phone at 519-555-0115 during office hours. For after-hours emergencies involving a malfunctioning damper, call 9-1-1.