WHEREAS the BC Building Code requires the installation of smoke alarms conforming to CANULC-S531 in each dwelling unit and in each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit; AND WHEREAS the BC Fire Code does not include reference to dwelling units in its smoke alarm maintenance requirements and, as such fire authorities in British Columbia cannot require the maintenance of smoke alarms in dwelling units; AND WHEREAS in absence of regular maintenance a smoke alarm will over time not function properly; AND WHEREAS studies show that the presence of a functioning smoke alarm in a dwelling unit significantly reduces the probability for death, injuries and losses due to a fire in that dwelling unit: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to amend part 2-2.1.3.3. of the BC Fire Code to require that smoke alarms be properly maintained in every dwelling unit in BC and that interim fire code changes be introduced in this regard on or before December 31, 2009.
Ministry of Housing Social Development The BC Fire Code BCFC will be amended to: - Require smoke alarms in all dwelling units currently, the BCFC requires smoke alarms in all hotels and public buildings, as defined in the Fire Services Act, and - Permit smoke alarms to be battery operated in dwelling units that were constructed before March 31, 1979 or that are without access to electricity currently smoke alarms are permitted to be battery operated where authorized by the authority having jurisdiction. This Code change is targeted at dwelling units built before 1979, when the smoke alarm requirement was added to the Building Code. Please note that smoke alarm maintenance is currently a requirement of the BC Fire Code. The proposed change to the BC Fire Code is posted online for public review until December 15, 2009. Feedback will be analyzed and recommendations for the code changes will be forwarded to the Minister for approval early in the new year.