Fire Inspection

According to the Fire Safety Act of Nova Scotia, municipalities are required to carry out inspections on the following:

• Assembly occupancies – churches, community halls, licensed establishments, restaurants, theatres, arenas, gyms
• Residential occupancies containing 4 or more dwelling units – apartments, motels, hotels
• Business and personal service occupancies – offices, banks, service shops
• Mercantile occupancies – stores, markets, and retail outlets
• Industrial occupancies – workshops, factories, warehouses, repair garages, gas stations

The Fire Inspector also works in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshal. The Deputy Fire Marshal maintains their authority under the Act, and the Municipal Fire Inspector reports to the Deputy on all matters of Fire Safety within the Municipality.

The National Fire Code of Canada requires that certain buildings develop and maintain a Fire Safety Plan.  The Fire Inspector can assist in the development and/or maintenance of these plans and has prepared a Fire Safety Planning Guide.  The Fire Safety Planning Guide helps people prepare or enhance their fire safety plan so that they meet the requirements of the Fire Code.

The following occupancies are required to have a formal fire safety plan:

• Assembly occupancies (see above for examples)
• Buildings required to have a fire alarm system including sprinklered buildings
• Areas used for bulk storage
• Areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored or handled
• Areas where hazardous processes or operations occur
• Residential units (of any number) if connected to commercial businesses

The Office of the Fire Marshal maintains a list of licensed fire extinguisher maintenance companies and individuals who are able to inspect, service and/or repair portable fire extinguishers in Nova Scotia.

View the list