Firefighters Express ‘Serious Concerns’ Over Revised BC Building Code Permitting Single-Stairwell Apartments

September 3, 2024 TruthUSA

British Columbia has modified its building code to allow single egress stair designs in low-rise and mid-rise buildings to promote housing development, but this change has raised safety concerns among some fire officials.

The amendment to the B.C. Building Code now permits buildings up to six storeys to have only one exit stairwell instead of two, as announced by Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon last week.

Previously, the building code required at least two egress stairwells in buildings three storeys and taller. Kahlon indicated that this update would enable housing projects to be constructed on smaller lots and in various layouts.

A statement jointly issued by the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. expressed “serious concerns” about the change, accusing the province of disregarding the recommendations of the National Building Code of Canada.

President Todd Schierling of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Association stated, “It is concerning that the Province of B.C. has reduced established critical life-saving features by circumventing the national code development consensus process.”

President Dan Derby of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. also raised concerns, mentioning potential risks to both building occupants and first responders with the newly updated code.

Both associations are advocating for “layered fire prevention measures” such as multiple exits, fire suppression systems, fire-rated construction, and automatic fire alarm systems, emphasizing the importance of proper exiting for life safety.

They are requesting that the changes be either reversed or paused until consulting with the National Research Council, which oversees the committee responsible for establishing building and fire codes in Canada.

Code Change Brings ‘Flexibility’

Vancouver Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung supports the change to the B.C. building code, aiming to implement the new provincial modifications in the city for greater flexibility in building design.

Kahlon described the update as a step towards allowing more flexibility for multi-bedroom apartments and enhancing housing density in areas with transit-oriented developments.

Under the revised code, buildings with single egress stairwells must include safety features like sprinklers, smoke-management systems, and wider stairwells to ensure safety.

The code update followed a report in June from engineering and consulting services company Jensen Hughes, containing feedback from engineers, architects, and the fire services community.

The B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. expressed concerns about the report not adequately addressing the risks associated with single stairway apartments.

The province has stated that the Ministry of Housing will collaborate with the Office of the Fire Commissioner to address safety concerns.

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