Fire Safety Act Amendments Come into Effect

Changes that will improve fire prevention in Nova Scotia came into effect today, Feb. 28. The amendments to the Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act adopt new codes and standards and modernize the system of fire safety.

"This new act makes the province's fire safety system more proactive, with a stronger emphasis on education, training, and prevention," said Ron Russell, Minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Marshal. "It was drafted in response to recommendations made by the Fire Prevention Advisory Council and its external stakeholders including firefighters, businesses and individuals."

The minister thanked the Select Committee on Fire Safety and the Fire Prevention Advisory Council, for its review of the act, and for providing some valuable input on the final amendments.

The improvements adopt the Canadian National Fire Code as the provincial standard. It also harmonizes responsibilities of fire and building inspectors to clarify duties.

The new act will increase membership on the Fire Safety Advisory Council to include representation of municipalities, hospitals and school boards.

"It will also allow the Fire Marshal's office to co-ordinate and co-operate with other agencies to provide educational programs and training for the fire service, fire inspectors and fire investigators," said Mr. Russell.

The amendments expand the list of the types of buildings that municipalities must provide fire inspections for. It also changes the inspection schedule to a risk-based system, which means older facilities or those with identified issues, are visited more often. The Fire Marshal's office will continue to monitor the system of inspections performed by municipalities.

Under the new legislation, the Fire Marshal's office will review certain types of building plans to ensure compliance with provincial fire-safety regulations. This applies to both high- risk facilities and other categories, such as oil tanks and used- tire storage operations. The amendments also introduce certification for the fire service.