Resources to support fire and life safety planning and training for Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Housing Providers.
Currently, these fire and life safety resources are tailored for Vancouver SRO buildings, where older infrastructure and complex resident needs present higher risks. BC Housing is committed to expanding these resources over time to support SRO providers across British Columbia.
Fire and life safety operational standards for SROs
Based on provincial and municipal fire codes and bylaws, the Fire and Life Safety Operational Standards (“Standards”) translate complex requirements into a clear, practical framework for SRO housing providers. These Standards help providers:
- Maintain safe, compliant buildings
- Implement consistent fire prevention and emergency preparedness best practices
- Reduce risks for residents and staff through proactive measures
Download the Fire and Life Safety Operational Standards for SRO Providers (PDF)
Resources
Guidance, templates, and links referenced in the Standards—each designed to support providers:
Fire Safety Awareness Training for Non-Profit Providers
A self-paced online course to help providers in meeting fire and life safety training requirements for supervisory staff.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) Program
A toolkit to help providers personalize evacuation strategies in collaboration with residents who live with temporary or permanent disabilities:
- PEEP Program Overview (PDF)
- How to Create a PEEP – Step-By-Step (PDF)
- About the Buddy System (PDF)
- PEEP Template (PDF)
Additional tools and reference information:
A. Fire & Life Safety Legislation, Codes & Technical Standards
The following federal, provincial, and municipal documents establish the legal and technical framework for fire and life safety in B.C. and inform BC Housing’s Fire & Life Safety Operational Standards for SRO Supportive Housing Providers.
- A1. British Columbia Fire Code
- A2. National Fire Code of Canada
- A3. British Columbia Building Code (PDF)
- A4. BC Fire Safety Act
- A5. City of Vancouver Fire Bylaw (PDF)
- A6. CAN/CSA C282 2015 – Emergency Electrical Power Supply for Buildings (subscription required)
- A7. CAN/ULC S536 2019 – Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems (subscription required)
- A8. CAN/ULC S552 02 – Maintenance and Testing of Smoke Alarms (subscription required)
- A9. NFPA 10 2013 – Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (subscription required)
- A10. NFPA 25 2017 – Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems (subscription required)
B. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) Resources
VFRS is the authority having jurisdiction for fire and life safety in Vancouver, including SRO buildings. These resources support the development and maintenance of Fire Safety Plans and fire protection systems.
To explore general fire safety information, visit Vancouver Fire Safety.
Key VFRS Resources referenced in the Fire & Life Safety Operational Standards for SROs:
- B1. VFRS Bulletin: Construction Fire Safety Plan Bulletin (PDF)
- B2. VFRS Template: Vancouver Fire Safety Plan Template (PDF)
- B3. VFRS Bulletin: Fire Safety Plans (PDF)
- B4. VFRS: Fire Safety for Building Owners
- B5. VFRS Bulletin: Blocking or Wedging Fire Doors in the Open Position (PDF)
- B6. VFRS Bulletin: No Storage in Hallways (PDF)
- B7. VFRS Bulletin: Exterior Means of Egress Structures Bulletin (PDF)
- B8. VFRS Bulletin: Standpipe System Testing Bulletin (PDF)
- B9. VFRS Bulletin: Sprinkler System Isolation Valves Bulletin (PDF)
- B10. VFRS Bulletin: Silencing of Fire Alarm Bulletin (PDF)
- B11. VFRS Program: Residents Requiring Assistance: “Can You Escape in an Emergency?” (PDF)
- B12. VFRS Procedure: Fire Watch Procedure (PDF)
- B13. VFRS Training Support: [email protected]
- B14. VFRS Training Checklist: Supervisory Staff Training and Fire Prevention Checklist (PDF)
- B15. VFRS Training: Get fire extinguisher
C. BC Housing Fire Drill Resources
Fire drills are required as part of every building’s Fire Safety Plan. They help staff and residents practice emergency procedures and identify gaps in preparedness.
BC Housing resources support, not replace, official requirements:
- C1. Fire Drill Requirements (PDF)
- C2. Fire Drill Resident Briefing Guide (PDF)
- C3. Fire Drill Notice Template (PDF)
- C4. Fire Drill Report Form (PDF)
For official fire drill requirements, see Resources B2 and B3 regarding Fire Safety Plans.
D. BC Housing Fire Watch Resources
A fire watch is required whenever any part of a building’s fire safety system is out of service.
Providers must follow the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) Fire Watch Procedure as the official guide. BC Housing resources complement these requirements:
- D1. Fire Watch Required Equipment (PDF)
- D2. Fire Watch Notice Template (PDF)
For official fire watch requirements, see Resource B12: VFRS Fire Watch Procedure
E. BC Housing Complaints Resolution Policy Requirement
SRO supportive housing providers must have a complaints resolution policy that:
- Explains how residents can submit complaints, including fire and life safety concerns
- Reviewed regularly and updated as needed
- Transparent, easy to access, and ensures no retaliation for residents or staff
For more support refer to Guiding Principles for Effective Complaint Resolution (PDF).
F. Other Resources – Reducing Common Safety Hazards
The City of Vancouver provides guidance on preventing common fire hazards and complying with local safety requirements including:
- F1: Battery Fire Prevention - Best practices for safe storage and handling of batteries.
- F2: Locking Torches Banned - Prohibited equipment and enforcement measures.
Contact
BC Housing Security & Emergency Services: [email protected]