FAQs

ULC-listed monitoring means your system meets strict Canadian safety standards and is monitored by a certified central station 24/7.

Fire alarm systems must be inspected on a regular schedule, including monthly and annual inspections, in accordance with the BC Fire Code and standards like CAN/ULC S536.

BC Fire Code Section 6.3, CAN/ULC S536 and NFPA 72 require periodic testing of fire alarm equipment throughout the year. This testing includes daily, monthly, quarterly and annual inspections.  See a list of the required fire alarm inspections.

Qualified technicians must carry out the annual inspection. The monthly inspections can be undertaken by on-site personnel. Fraser Valley Fire Protection can train your designated staff members (at no cost) to carry out these tests. However, for your convenience, we offer monthly and quarterly inspection services to ensure your equipment is fully functional.   Find out more about fire alarm inspections.

An addressable system provides more detail to first responders, such as which devices may have been activated. A conventional fire alarm will alert of a potential fire within a more general area.

For the best outcome, we recommend and only allow that qualified electricians to install hard-wired smoke alarms. Some smoke alarms have auxiliary equipment connected to them, such as sprinklers and strobes. A qualified electrician should carry out the work to ensure functionality is maintained.

It is recommended that both battery-operated and hard-wired alarms should be replaced after 10 years. With battery-operated alarms, batteries should be replaced at least once a year.

Ionization smoke alarms pick up flaming fires more quickly while a photoelectric smoke alarm responds more rapidly to smoldering fires. For you best protection, you should use a combination of both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms in your building.

Yes. While they don’t have a strict “expiry date,” they require regular inspections and hydrostatic testing to remain compliant and functional. Disposable (non-rechargeable) models should be replaced every 10–12 years. Rechargeable models require maintenance every 3–6 years. Check the pressure gauge monthly—if it is not in the green, it must be replaced or serviced.

Common types include Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical), and Class K (kitchen fires).

Keep the mnemonic PASS in mind to remind you of the steps for operating a fire extinguisher: (1) Pull the pin. (2) Aim low. (3) Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. (4) Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Use a fire extinguisher only on a fire that is confined to a very small area, such as a sink or wastebasket. If the fire seems to be getting larger, exit the building and call your local fire department.

Preparing for a fire inspection involves ensuring that all safety equipment is functional, that exits are clear, and that documentation is up to date. Key steps include checking:

1. Fire extinguishers are charged and accessible,
2. Emergency lighting works
3. Electrical panels are clear
4. Fire alarm systems have current inspection tags.

Conduct a pre-inspection walkthrough to identify hazards.

Keep inspection reports, maintenance logs, deficiency reports, and repair documentation for compliance and insurance. For fire inspections, retain records of inspections, tests, and maintenance for at least 2 years or until the next inspection. Maintain key documents: fire alarm certifications, sprinkler maintenance, fire extinguisher tags, emergency lighting tests, and fire safety plans.

Building owners and property managers are responsible for ensuring systems are installed, maintained, and inspected according to code.

Fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, hydrants, and suppression systems all require regular inspections and testing.

Service providers often cover the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, including cities such as Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, and Maple Ridge.

Fire drills should be conducted regularly (often annually or more frequently, depending on building type) to ensure occupants are prepared.

At this time, we only provide fire protection and fire suppression services for multi-dwelling, commercial and industrial buildings.

The NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. This association is responsible for national fire protection codes and provides fire protection training and education. Learn more about the NFPA at NFPA.org / Codes & Standards

BC Fire Code Section 6.4 and NFPA 25 require periodic testing of sprinkler systems throughout the year. These include daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly annual, 3-year and 5-year inspections. See a list of the required sprinkler inspections.

Qualified technicians or fitters must conduct annual, 3-year and 5-year inspections. The monthly inspections can be undertaken by on-site personnel. Fraser Valley Fire Protection can train your designated staff members (at no cost) to carry out these tests. For your convenience, we offer monthly and quarterly inspection services to give you peace of mind that your equipment is fully functional. Find out more about Sprinkler Inspection Services.

Look for corrosion, paint, damage, or large amounts of dust on their sprinkler heads. If you see these issues please contact us so we can come to ensure your sprinkler head’s effectiveness.

For wet sprinkler systems, it is important to ensure the building’s heating system is working and able to adequately warm areas where there are pipes.

Dry pipe sprinkler systems must be serviced before the cold weather each year. This involves draining the drum drips until they are moisture-free. Closing the top valve and opening the bottom to drain water. This is repeated until no more water comes out.

Even though your fire sprinklers have not been activated, you should still have them inspected to determine that all the seen and unseen components are in proper working order. With the passing of time, components can degrade or flaws in a component can become apparent. Without an inspection, you would have know way of knowing if your system will be fully operational when you need it to be.

A fire sprinkler system reduces heat, flames and smoke arising from a fire in order to increase the amount of time building occupants have to safely escape from a building and minimize damage.