What is a high-rise fire safety plan?
A fire safety plan is a detailed guide that shows how your building protects people and how they will get out safely during a fire. In Ontario, the Building Code Act, 1992 requires a fire safety plan for any high-rise building. This means any building that is five storeys or higher, or has a total floor area larger than 1,800 square metres.
Who needs a plan?
If you own or manage a high-rise building in Wrenford, you must have a plan on file with the City of Wrenford Fire Rescue. This includes apartment towers, condominium buildings, and mixed-use buildings with commercial space on the ground floor and residences above.
What must be included?
Your plan must match the actual layout and equipment in your building. It should cover:
- Evacuation procedures for residents, visitors, and staff
- Fire detection and alarm systems, including sprinklers and smoke control
- Emergency communication systems and fire command centre operations
- Maintenance schedules for all life safety equipment
- Contact information for the owner, manager, and 24-hour emergency contacts
Use the Fire Safety Plan template and symbol guide to help you get started. The High-Rise Fire Safety Plan Checklist will walk you through every required section before you submit.
How to submit your plan
The fastest way to submit your plan is through the Fire Prevention online portal. You will upload your completed plan, attach any required drawings, and pay the review fee online. If you need to submit in person, bring your documents to Fire Station 1 (Headquarters), 210 Water Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A6, during business hours.
Our fire safety planners review every submission carefully to make sure it meets provincial standards. You can expect a review time of four to six weeks. If we need changes, we will contact you with a list of required corrections.
Fees
Application fees cover the staff time required to review your documents and ensure they meet the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code. All fees are set out in the Fees and Charges By-law.
- Initial review fee: $350.00
- Annual review fee: $175.00
Re-inspection fees apply if an inspector must visit your building to verify corrections after a deficiency notice. You must pay any outstanding fees before we will process a new submission.
Ongoing requirements
A high-rise fire safety plan is not a one-time document. You must review and update your plan every twelve months to reflect any changes in staff, equipment, or building layout. Keep a copy in the fire command centre and make sure your building staff know how to use it. Regular staff training is strongly recommended to keep everyone safe.
Need help?
If you have questions about the plan requirements or need support with the online portal, contact the Fire Prevention team. You can reach us at [email protected] or call 519-555-0115.