Fire inspections, plans and standards

All buildings in New Brunswick must be built or renovated according to the standards of the National Building Code and the National Fire Code. This ensures that buildings are fire-safe and structurally secure.

The inspection of apartments or buildings falls under the local fire department in Bathurst, Dieppe, Edmundston, Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, New Maryland, Oromocto, Riverview and Saint John. For all other areas, contact your local Provincial Fire Prevention Officer.

Certain construction projects, renovations, changes in occupancy, and conversions  require a plan review by the Office of the Fire Marshal before construction begins.

Section 18(1) of the New Brunswick Fire Prevention Act requires that plans and specifications for buildings subject to review must be submitted to the Office of the Fire Marshal for approval before construction begins.

To help avoid delays, submissions should include complete, scaled drawing sets, as applicable to the project, including architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings, along with any other required supporting documentation.

Certain occupancies or projects may have additional submission requirements. For example, plans for licensed childcare facilities must be reviewed by the Department of Early Education and Childhood development before a fire plan review can be completed.

Once the plans have been reviewed, the Office of the Fire Marshal may direct changes. A letter outlining the changes may be sent to the builder, architect or owner, with a copy sent to the regional fire inspector and local fire department. No construction may begin until plans have been submitted by the Office of the Fire Marshal.

The 2020 National Building Code of Canada (NBC) addresses the design and construction of new buildings and the substantial renovation of existing buildings.

The 2020 National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) provides minimum fire safety requirements for buildings, structures and areas where hazardous materials are used, and addresses fire protection and fire prevention in the ongoing operation of buildings and facilities.

Copies of both documents are available from the National Research Council Canada .