Fire Safety Plan Alberta: Calgary & Edmonton Compliance Guide (2026)

Get help with Alberta’s fire safety rules for commercial buildings, construction sites, and existing facilities in Calgary and Edmonton with experienced fire safety plan services.

The National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) requires many buildings and construction sites in Alberta to maintain a compliant fire safety plan. These requirements are not just regulatory—they are critical for protecting lives, property, and business continuity. Calgary and Edmonton businesses must clearly document and regularly review their fire evacuation procedures, emergency systems, and staff responsibilities.

Understanding Alberta’s Fire Safety Plan Requirements

National Fire Code

The National Fire Code—2023 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) requires certain buildings and operations to maintain approved fire safety plans developed in coordination with local fire authorities.

Who Needs a Fire Safety Plan in Alberta?

According to the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition), the following buildings and operations require approved fire safety plans:

• Occupancies for assembly, care, treatment, or imprisonment, such as schools, hospitals, daycares, and theaters
• The Alberta Building Code says that buildings must have fire alarm systems.
• NFC(AE) Section 5.6 covers construction, alteration, and demolition sites.
• Places to store risky items or flammable materials inside and outside
• Places that store or handle flammable or combustible liquids, like refineries, processing facilities, and gas stations
• Industrial facilities and processes that are dangerous
• The Alberta Building Code’s Subsection 3.2.6 defines high buildings.

Calgary Fire Safety Plan Compliance

The Calgary Fire Department requires fire safety plans for all applicable buildings and construction sites within city limits. Plans must be reviewed at least every 12 months to account for changes in building use or characteristics.

Calgary Submission Process

For written acceptance or review, Calgary requires submission through the 311 process: Calgary fire safety codes

1. 1. Initial Submission: Upload through 311 online system
   2. Review Fee: $119 + GST (charged only on initial upload; corrections incur no additional fees)

• Required Written Acceptance For:

1. • Construction, alteration, or demolition operations
   • Hot works operations and hot surface applications
2. Standard Review: All other fire safety plans must be submitted for review but don’t require written acceptance

Calgary Fire Safety Plan Box Requirements

Calgary requires a clearly marked box for the fire safety plant entrance so firefighters can quickly access emergency procedures during an incident.

Note: Building access keys may be stored in the box ONLY if 24/7 security is nearby; otherwise, use an exterior key lockbox. Calgary Fire Safety Codes

Calgary Training Requirements

Supervisory staff must complete training on fire emergency procedures and responsibility for fire safety plans, and regular fire drills are required depending on the building type.

Edmonton Fire Safety Plan Compliance   

Under the NFC(AE), Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has the same strict rules. Before a permit can be issued for a construction or demolition site, the fire safety plans must be accepted in writing.

Edmonton Submission Process

Edmonton offers two pathways for fire safety plan submission:

1. Digital Submission: Upload through the self-serve application system with commercial building permit applications
2. In-Person Review: Present completed plan at the first construction-site safety inspection by a Fire Safety Codes Officer

Contact for Technical Support:

• Phone: 780-496-3628
• Email: cmsfpts@edmonton.ca

Edmonton Construction Site Requirements

Construction, renovation, and demolition sites must maintain fire evacuation procedures, emergency contact protocols, fire watch procedures during hot work, and clear evacuation routes for all workers.

Fire watch during heated work

Construction sites must maintain fire watch procedures during hot work, ensure proper fire extinguishers are available, and conduct post-work inspections to reduce fire risk.

Access & Water Supply:

• Unobstructed fire department vehicle access routes
• Adequate water supply for firefighting before combustible materials arrive
• Properly addressed, visible site signage for emergency crews

Types of Fire Safety Plans in Alberta

1. Commercial Fire Safety Plan (Existing Buildings)

For operational businesses and occupied facilities, a commercial fire safety plan must include:

Building Safety Systems Documentation:

• Fire alarm system (type, coverage, monitoring, testing schedule)
• Fire sprinkler system (coverage, testing requirements)
• Fire extinguishers (types, locations, maintenance records)
• Emergency lighting (locations, runtime requirements, testing)
• Fire doors and firewalls (identification and purpose)

Staff Responsibilities:

• Evacuation procedures and muster locations
• 911 notification protocols
• Assistance for persons requiring help evacuating
• Alarm panel monitoring and fire crew liaison
• Fire location confirmation procedures
• Fire extinguishment by trained personnel
• Fire safety schedule maintenance

2. Construction Site Fire Safety Plan

Alberta mandates three tiers of construction fire safety plans based on project scope:

Small Buildings Fire Safety Plan (simplified template) covers:

Simplified fire safety plans for construction evacuation procedures, worker training, fire hazard control, and safe storage of flammable materials.

A customized fire safety plan requires detailed documentation for:

• Fire separation in partially occupied buildings (1-hour minimum fire-resistance rating)
• Protection during fire system shutdowns
• Standpipe system installation and maintenance
• Security provisions during non-operating hours
• Contact personnel for emergencies

3. Fire Evacuation Plan Preparation

Effective fire evacuation plan preparation requires:

• Clear exit routes from every floor with alternate egress paths
• Muster points located safely off-site with headcount procedures
• Personnel accountability systems (updated lists of who’s on site)
• Assistance protocols for persons with mobility or cognitive challenges
• Communication chains between floor wardens, security, and fire department
• Regular drills (frequency varies by building type—see Calgary school requirements above)

Fire Code Compliance Plan: Key Elements

A robust fire code compliance plan addresses these critical areas:

1. Hazard Control Measures

• Control of combustibles on-site and around buildings
• Regular garbage/material removal
• Separation of combustibles from open flame devices
• Proper storage of flammable liquids (locked, vented, separated by 3m from other materials)
• Vehicle/truck parking that doesn’t obstruct fire department access

2. Fire Protection Systems Maintenance

• Regular testing and servicing of fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers
• Documentation of all maintenance activities
• Immediate alternative measures when systems are temporarily shut down

3. Hot Works Management

• Permit systems for cutting, welding, grinding, and torch-applied operations
• 15 m clearance of combustible materials or proper protection with noncombustible barriers
• Continuous fire watch during operations and 60 minutes after
• Final inspection 4 hours post-completion
• Multiple fire watch personnel when combustibles can’t be directly observed

4. Water Supply & Access

• Operational standpipe systems installed progressively in high-rise construction
• Accessible fire department connections at street level
• Hydrant access maintained clear of obstructions
• Temporary water supplies for firefighting before permanent systems are active

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to implement an approved fire code compliance plan can result in severe consequences :

• Stop work orders issued immediately by Fire Safety Codes Officers
• Orders to remove work already completed
• Prosecution under the Safety Codes Act
• Written acceptance required before construction/demolition can legally commence

The owner, developer, or contractor is responsible for the fire safety plan until occupancy, and the plan must be modified and resubmitted if circumstances change .

Professional Fire Safety Plan Services

Developing a compliant fire safety plan requires expertise in Alberta fire codes, site hazard assessment, emergency procedures, and staff training programs.

Activate Fire Safety provides detailed services for fire safety plans and RTA’s laws. We ensure your fire safety plan meets Calgary’s and Edmonton’s standards and protects your people and property—from site evaluation and plan design through to submission and staff training.