What is a fire safety plan for a special event?
A fire safety plan is a step-by-step guide that shows how your event will keep people safe if a fire starts. It covers evacuation routes, fire extinguisher locations, cooking or heating equipment, and who is in charge of safety. You must follow the Ontario Fire Code when planning any temporary gathering.
Who needs a plan?
You need a plan if your event includes:
- More than 150 people gathered in one area
- Temporary structures like tents, canopies, or stages
- Open flames, pyrotechnics, or commercial cooking equipment
- Extended operating hours past 10:00 p.m.
If you are unsure whether your event falls under these rules, contact the fire prevention office to ask.
How to submit your plan
All special event fire safety plans must be submitted through the Service Wrenford portal. You will need to upload a completed plan template, a site map showing entrances and exits, and a list of trained staff members. Make sure every person listed as a fire warden has completed the required safety training before you submit.
Fees and review timeline
A review fee of $200.00 applies to all initial plan submissions. This covers the first round of staff review and feedback. We do not charge extra for minor corrections or follow-up emails. Please submit your plan and payment at least 14 days before your event date. This gives our officers enough time to check your paperwork and let you know if changes are needed.
What happens after approval?
Once your plan is approved, you will receive a letter of acceptance. You must keep a printed copy on site during the entire event. A fire prevention officer may visit your location to verify that your setup matches the approved plan. If changes are made after approval, you must update your plan and resubmit it through the Service Wrenford portal.
Need help or have questions?
The Fire Prevention team is here to help you get started. You can visit us at Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) during business hours, call 519-555-0115, or email [email protected]. For general rules on open flames and temporary heating, see Open-air burning and fire permits. If your event involves a permanent structure instead of a temporary gathering, visit Fire safety plans for buildings.