Division B
Acceptable Solutions
Part 9 — Housing and Small Buildings
Section 9.10. Fire Protection
9.10.1. Definitions and Application
9.10.1.1. Sloped Roofs
For the purposes of this Section, roofs with slopes of 60° or more to the horizontal that are adjacent to a room or space intended for occupancy shall be considered as a wall.
9.10.1.2.
Commissioning of Life Safety and Fire Protection Systems


9.10.1.3. Items under Part 3 Jurisdiction
Tents, air-supported structures, transformer vaults, walkways, elevators and escalators shall conform to Part 3.
Where rooms or spaces are intended for an assembly occupancy, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.
Where rooms or spaces are intended for the storage, manufacture or use of hazardous or explosive material, such rooms or spaces shall
conform to Part 3. (See A-3.3.1.2.(1) in Appendix A.)
Except as provided in Article 3.3.5.8., facilities for the dispensing of fuel shall not be installed in any building.
Openings through floors that are not protected by shafts or closures shall be protected in conformance with Subsection 3.2.8. (See also Sentence 9.9.4.7.(1).)
Chutes and shafts shall conform to Subsection 3.6.3. except where they are entirely contained within a dwelling unit. 
Sprinkler systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.12. to 3.2.5.15. and 3.2.5.17.
Standpipe and hose systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. and 3.2.5.17.
Where fuel-fired appliances are installed on a roof, such appliances shall be installed in conformance with Article 3.6.1.4.9.10.1.4. Items under Part 6 Jurisdiction
In kitchens containing commercial cooking equipment used in processes producing grease-laden vapours, the equipment shall be designed
and installed in conformance with Article 6.2.2.7. (See Appendix A.) 9.10.2. Occupancy Classification
9.10.2.1. Occupancy Classification
Except as provided in Article 9.10.2.2., every building or part thereof shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the groups or divisions described in Table 9.10.2.1.| Table 9.10.2.1. Occupancy Classifications Forming part of Sentence 9.10.2.1.(1) | ||
| Group | Division |
Description of Major Occupancies(1) |
| C | — | |
| D | — | |
| E | — | |
| F | 2 | |
| F | 3 |
Low-hazard industrial occupancies (Does not include storage garages serving individual dwelling units) |
| Notes to Table 9.10.2.1.: | |
|
|
|
| (1) | See A-3.1.2.1.(1) in Appendix A. |
9.10.2.2. Custodial, Convalescent and Residential Care Homes
Children's custodial homes and convalescent homes for ambulatory occupants living as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit with sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons are permitted to be classified
as
Group C, residential occupancies.
as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit
with sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons,

9.10.2.3.
Group A, Division 2, Low Occupant Load

9.10.2.4. Major Occupancies above Other Major Occupancies
Except as permitted in Article 9.10.2.5., in any building containing more than one major occupancy in which one major occupancy is located entirely above another, the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. for each portion of the building containing a major occupancy shall be applied to that portion as if the entire building was of that major occupancy. 9.10.2.5. Buildings Containing More Than One Major Occupancy
In a building containing more than one major occupancy, where the aggregate area of all major occupancies in a particular group or division does not exceed 10% of the floor area on the storey on which they are located, they need not be considered as major occupancies for the purposes of Articles 9.10.8.1. and 9.10.2.4. provided they are not classified as Group F, Division 2 occupancies. 9.10.3. Ratings
9.10.3.1. Fire-Resistance and Fire-Protection Ratings
Where a fire-resistance rating or a fire-protection rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined in conformance with the test methods described in Part 3, A-9.10.3.1. in Appendix A, or Appendix D. 9.10.3.2. Flame-Spread Ratings
Where a flame-spread rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined in accordance with the test methods described in Part 3, or in accordance with Appendix D.
Unless the flame-spread rating is referred to herein as a “surface flame-spread rating,” it shall apply to any surface of the element being
considered that would be exposed by cutting through it as well as
to the exposed surface of the element.
9.10.3.3. Fire Exposure
Exterior walls shall be rated for exposure to fire from inside the building, except that such walls need not comply with the temperature rise limitations required by the standard tests referred to in Article 9.10.3.1. if such walls have a limiting distance of not less than 1.2 m, and due allowance is made
for the effects of heat radiation in accordance with the requirements in Part 3.
Interior vertical fire separations required to have fire-resistance ratings shall be rated for exposure to fire on each side. 9.10.3.4. Suspended Membrane Ceilings
Where a ceiling construction has a suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles which contribute to the required fire-resistance rating, hold down clips or other means shall be provided to prevent the
lifting of such panels or tiles in the event of a fire.
9.10.4. Building Size Determination
9.10.4.1. Mezzanines not Considered as Storeys
Except as required by Sentences (2) and 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from the calculation of building height, provided
The space above a mezzanine conforming to Sentence (2) is permitted to include an enclosed space whose area does not exceed 10% of the open area of the room in which
the mezzanine is located, provided the enclosed space does not obstruct visual communication between the open space above the mezzanine and the room in which it is located.
For the purpose of determining occupant load, the areas of mezzanines that are not considered as storeys shall be added to the floor area of the storey on which they are located. (See Appendix A.)
Platforms and catwalks intended solely for periodic inspection and maintenance need not be considered as floor assemblies or mezzanines for the purpose of calculating building height, provided9.10.4.2. More Than One Level of Mezzanine
Each level of mezzanine that is partly or wholly superimposed above the first level of mezzanine shall be considered as a storey in calculating the building height. 9.10.4.3. Basement Storage Garages

9.10.4.4.
Roof-Top Enclosures


9.10.5. Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Membranes
9.10.5.1. Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Membranes
Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (4), a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall not be pierced by openings into the assembly unless the assembly has
been tested and rated for such openings.
A wall or ceiling membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating is permitted to be pierced by openings for electrical and similar service
outlet boxes provided such outlet boxes are tightly fitted.
Where boxes referred to in Sentence (2) are located on both sides of walls required to provide a fire-resistance rating, they shall be offset where necessary to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.
A membrane ceiling forming part of an assembly assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of Table A-9.10.3.1.B or Appendix D, is permitted to be pierced by openings leading to ducts within the ceiling space provided
the ducts, the amount of openings and their protection conform to
the requirements of Appendix D. 9.10.6. Construction Types
9.10.6.1. Combustible Elements in Noncombustible Construction
Where a building or part of a building is required to be of noncombustible construction, combustible elements shall be limited in conformance with the requirements in Subsection 3.1.5.9.10.6.2. Heavy Timber Construction
Heavy timber construction shall be considered to have a 45 min fire-resistance rating when it is constructed in accordance with the requirements for heavy timber construction in Article 3.1.4.7.9.10.7. Steel Members
9.10.7.1. Protection of Steel Members
Except as permitted in Article 3.2.2.3., structural steel members used in construction required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be protected to provide the required fire-resistance rating. 9.10.8. Fire Resistance and Combustibility in Relation to Occupancy, Height and Supported Elements
9.10.8.1. Fire-Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs
Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the fire-resistance ratings of floors and roofs shall conform to Table 9.10.8.1. (See Subsection 9.10.2.
for mixed occupancies and Subsection 9.10.21.
for construction camps.)
| Table 9.10.8.1. Fire-Resistance Ratings for Structural Members and Assemblies Forming part of Sentence 9.10.8.1.(1) | ||||
|
Maximum Building Height, storeys |
Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating by Building Element, min |
|||
| Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces |
Mezzanine Floors |
Roofs | ||
| Residential (Group C) | 3 | 45 | 45 | — |
|
All other occupancies |
2 | 45 | — | — |
| 3 | 45 | 45 | 45 | |
9.10.8.2. Fire-Resistance Ratings in Sprinklered Buildings
The requirements in Table 9.10.8.1. for roof assemblies to have a fire-resistance rating are permitted to be waived in sprinklered buildings where9.10.8.3. Fire-Resistance Ratings for Walls, Columns and Arches
Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, all loadbearing walls, columns and arches in the storey immediately below a floor or roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required for the supported floor or roof assembly.
Reserved.

9.10.8.4. Support of Noncombustible Construction
Where an assembly is required to be of noncombustible construction and to have a fire-resistance rating, it shall be supported by noncombustible construction. 9.10.8.5. Service Rooms
9.10.8.6. Mezzanines
Mezzanines required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements for “Floors Except
Floors over Crawl Spaces” in Table 9.10.8.1.9.10.8.7. Roofs Supporting an Occupancy
Where a portion of a roof supports an occupancy, that portion shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to the rating for “Floors Except Floors over
Crawl Spaces” in Table 9.10.8.1.9.10.8.8. Floors of Exterior Passageways
Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the floor assembly of every exterior passageway used as part of a means of egress shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min or be of noncombustible construction.
No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving buildings of Group D, E or F major occupancy that are not more than 2 storeys in building height. 
9.10.8.9. Crawl Spaces
Where a crawl space exceeds 1.8 m in height or is used for any occupancy or as a plenum in combustible construction or for the passage of flue pipes, it shall be considered as a basement in applying the requirements in Article 9.10.8.1.9.10.8.10. Application to Houses

9.10.8.11. Part 3 as an Alternative
The fire-resistance ratings of floors, roofs, loadbearing walls, columns and arches need not conform to this Subsection if such assemblies
conform in all respects to the appropriate requirements in Section 3.2.9.10.9. Fire Separations between Rooms and Spaces within Buildings

9.10.9.1. Application

9.10.9.2. Continuous Barrier
Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a fire separation shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of fire
and retard the passage of smoke
.
Reserved.


Reserved.

9.10.9.3. Openings to be Protected with Closures
Except as permitted in Articles 9.10.9.5., 9.10.9.6. and 9.10.9.7., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with closures conforming to Subsection 9.10.13.
Reserved.

9.10.9.4. Floor Assemblies
Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (4), all floor assemblies shall be constructed as fire separations.
Floor assemblies for which no fire-resistance rating is required by Subsection 9.10.8. and floors of mezzanines not required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. need not be constructed as fire separations.
Where a crawl space is not required by Article 9.10.8.9. to be constructed as a basement, the floor above it need not be constructed as a fire separation. 9.10.9.5. Interconnected Floor Spaces
9.10.9.6. Penetration of Fire Separations
(See A-3.1.9. in Appendix A.)
Piping, tubing, ducts, chimneys, wiring, conduit, electrical outlet boxes and other similar service equipment
that penetrate a required fire separation shall be tightly fitted or fire stopped to maintain the integrity of the separation. (See Appendix A.)
Penetrations of a firewall shall be sealed at the penetration by a fire stop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the fire separation.
Except as provided in Sentences (4) to (12) and Article 9.10.9.7., pipes, ducts, electrical boxes, totally enclosed raceways or other similar service equipment that
partly or wholly penetrate an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be noncombustible unless the assembly has been tested incorporating such equipment. (See A-3.1.9.2.(1) in Appendix A.)
Electrical wires or similar wiring enclosed in noncombustible totally enclosed raceways are permitted to partly or wholly penetrate an assembly required to have
a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required in Sentence (3). 
Single conductor metal-sheathed cables with combustible jacketting that are more than 25 mm in overall diameter are permitted to penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required in Sentence (2), provided the cables are not grouped and are spaced a minimum of 300 mm apart.
Electrical wires or cables, single or grouped, with combustible insulation or jacketting that is not totally enclosed in raceways of noncombustible material, are permitted to partly or wholly penetrate an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required in Sentence (3), provided the overall diameter of the wiring is not more than 25 mm.
Combustible totally enclosed raceways which are embedded in a concrete floor slab are permitted in an assembly
required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required in Sentence (3), where the concrete provides not less than 50 mm of cover between
the raceway and the bottom of the slab.
Combustible outlet boxes are permitted in an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time
of testing as required in Sentence (3), provided the opening through the membrane into the box does not exceed 160 cm2.
Combustible water distribution piping is permitted to partly or wholly penetrate a fire separation that is required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required in Sentence (3), provided the piping is
protected with a fire stop in conformance with Sentence 3.1.9.4.(4)
.
Combustible sprinkler piping is permitted to penetrate a fire separation provided the fire compartments on each side of the fire separation are sprinklered. 
Sprinklers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the fire stop requirements of Sentence (1), provided the annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler is covered by
a metal escutcheon plate in accordance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems.”
Combustible piping for central vacuum systems is permitted to penetrate a fire separation provided the installation conforms to the requirements that apply to combustible drain, waste and vent piping specified in Sentences 9.10.9.7.(2) to (6). 
Fire dampers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the fire stop requirements of Sentence (1), provided the fire damper is
9.10.9.7. Combustible Drain, Waste and Vent Piping
(See A-3.1.9. in Appendix A.)
Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (6), combustible piping shall not be used in any part of a drain, waste and vent piping system where
any part of that system partly or wholly penetrates a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating or penetrates a membrane that contributes to the required fire-resistance rating of an assembly.
fire stop
that has an F rating not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the fire separation. 
The rating referred to in Sentence (2) shall be based on CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” with a pressure differential of 50 Pa between the exposed and unexposed sides, with the higher pressure on the exposed
side.
Combustible drain piping is permitted to penetrate a horizontal fire separation or a membrane that contributes to the required fire-resistance rating of a horizontal fire separation, provided it leads directly from a noncombustible watercloset through a concrete floor slab.
Combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of a vertical fire separation provided it is not located in a vertical shaft.
In buildings containing 2 dwelling units only, combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of a horizontal fire separation. 9.10.9.8. Collapse of Combustible Construction
Combustible construction that abuts on or is supported by a noncombustible fire separation shall be constructed so that its collapse under fire conditions will not cause collapse
of the fire separation. 9.10.9.9. Reduction in Thickness of Fire Separation by Beams and Joists
Where pockets for the support of beams or joists are formed in a masonry or concrete fire separation, the remaining total thickness of solid masonry and/or grout and/or concrete shall be not less than the required equivalent thickness
shown for Type S monolithic concrete in Table D-2.1.1. in Appendix D for the required fire-resistance rating.
9.10.9.10. Concealed Spaces above Fire Separations
Except as provided in Sentence (2), a horizontal service space or other concealed space located above a required vertical fire separation shall be divided at the fire separation by an equivalent fire separation within the space.
Where a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical fire separation other than a vertical shaft, such space need not be divided as
required in Sentence (1) provided the construction between such space and the space below is constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical fire separation, except that where the vertical fire separation is not required to have a fire-resistance rating greater than 45 min, the fire-resistance rating of the ceiling may be reduced to 30 min.
9.10.9.11. Separation of Residential Occupancies
Except as provided in Sentence (2), residential occupancies shall be separated from all other major occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
Except as provided in Sentence (3), a major occupancy classified as a residential occupancy shall be separated from other major occupancies classified as mercantile or medium-hazard industrial occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
Where not more than 2 dwelling units are located in a building containing a mercantile occupancy, such mercantile occupancy shall be separated from the dwelling units by a fire separation having not less than 1 h fire-resistance rating. 9.10.9.12. Residential Suites in Industrial Buildings
Not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy. 9.10.9.13. Separation of Suites
and (3), a suite
shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.


In sprinklered buildings, suites of business and personal services occupancy and mercantile occupancy that are served by public corridors conforming with Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) are not required to be separated from each other by fire separations. 9.10.9.14. Separation of Residential Suites
and (3) and Article 9.10.21.2.
, suites in residential occupancies shall be separated from adjacent rooms and suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.

Sleeping rooms in boarding and lodging houses where sleeping accommodation is provided for not more than 8 boarders or lodgers
need not be separated from the remainder of the floor area as required in Sentence (1) where the sleeping rooms form part of the proprietor's residence and do not contain cooking facilities.

Reserved.

9.10.9.15. Separation of Public Corridors

In other than residential occupancies, no fire-resistance rating is required for fire separations between a public corridor and the remainder of the building if
In other than residential occupancies, no fire separation is required between a public corridor and the remainder of the building if
Reserved.

9.10.9.16. Separation of Storage Garages
Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having not less than a 1.5 h fire-resistance rating.
Except as permitted in Sentence (3), storage garages containing 5 motor vehicles or fewer shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation of not less than 1 h.
Where a storage garage serves only the dwelling unit to which it is attached or in which it is built, it shall be considered as part of
that dwelling unit and the fire separation required in Sentence (2) need not be provided between the garage and the dwelling unit.
Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a storage garage is attached to or built into a building of residential occupancy,
Where membrane materials are used to provide the required airtightness in the air barrier system, all joints shall be sealed and structurally supported.
9.10.9.17. Separation of Repair Garages
Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a repair garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
Ancillary spaces directly serving a repair garage, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and
parts storage areas and supervisory office space, need not be separated
from the repair garage but shall be separated from other occupancies as required in Sentence (1).
The fire separation referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h, where
Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a building containing a repair garage also contains a dwelling unit, an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3. shall be installed between the dwelling unit and the suite containing the garage to provide an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes. (See A-9.10.9.16.(4) in Appendix A.)
Where membrane materials are used to provide the required airtightness in the air barrier system, all joints shall be sealed and structurally supported.
9.10.9.18. Exhaust Ducts Serving More Than One Fire Compartment
Where a vertical service space contains an exhaust duct that serves more than one fire compartment, the duct shall have a fan located at or near the exhaust outlet to ensure
that the duct is under negative pressure.
Individual fire compartments referred to in Sentence (1) shall not have fans that exhaust directly into the duct in the vertical service space. 9.10.9.19. Central Vacuum Systems
A central vacuum system shall serve not more than one suite. 9.10.9.20. Multiple Tenant Self Storage Warehouses
9.10.10. Service Rooms
9.10.10.1. Application
This Subsection applies to service rooms in all buildings except rooms located within a dwelling unit. 9.10.10.2. Service Room Floors
The fire-resistance rating requirements in this Subsection do not apply to the floor assembly immediately
below a service room. 9.10.10.3. Separation of Service Rooms
Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Articles 9.10.10.5. and 9.10.10.6., service rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h when the floor area containing the service room is not sprinklered.
Where a room contains a limited quantity of service equipment and the service equipment does not constitute a fire hazard, the requirements
in Sentence (1) shall not apply. 9.10.10.4.
Location of Fuel-Fired Appliances
Except as provided in Sentences (2)
and (3)
and Article 9.10.10.5., fuel-fired appliances shall be located in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating.
and laundry appliances
need not be separated from the remainder of the building as required in Sentence (1),
where the appliances serve

9.10.10.5. Incinerators
Service rooms containing incinerators shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
The design, construction, installation and alteration of each indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA 82, “Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.”
Every incinerator shall be connected to a chimney flue conforming to the requirements in Section 9.21. and serving no other appliance.
An incinerator shall not be located in a room with other fuel-fired appliances. 9.10.10.6. Storage Rooms
Rooms for the temporary storage of combustible refuse in all occupancies or for public storage in residential occupancies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating, except that a 45 min fire separation is permitted where the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly is not required to exceed 45 min, or where such rooms are sprinklered. 9.10.11. Firewalls
9.10.11.1. Required Firewalls
Except as provided in Article 9.10.11.2., a party wall on a property line shall be constructed as a firewall.
(See A-3.2.3.4.(1) in Appendix A.)
9.10.11.2. Firewalls Not Required

Reserved.

The wall described in Sentence (1) shall provide continuous protection from the top of the footings to the underside of the roof deck.
Any space between the top of the wall described in Sentence (1) and the roof deck shall be tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material. 9.10.11.3. Construction of Firewalls
9.10.12. Prevention of Fire Spread at Exterior Walls and between Storeys
9.10.12.1. Termination of Floors or Mezzanines
Except as provided in Sentence (2) and in Articles 9.10.1.3. and 9.10.9.5., the portions of a floor area or mezzanine that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a firewall or a vertical shaft, shall terminate at a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly that terminates at the separation.
A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation where the mezzanine is not required to be considered as a storey in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2.9.10.12.2. Location of Skylights
Where a wall in a building is exposed to a fire hazard from an adjoining roof of a separate unsprinklered fire compartment in the same building, the roof shall contain no skylights within a horizontal distance of 5 m of the windows in the exposed wall.
9.10.12.3. Exterior Walls Meeting at an Angle
Except as provided in Article 9.9.4.5., where exterior walls of a building meet at an external angle of 135° or less, the horizontal distance from
unprotected opening in one exterior wall to an unprotected opening in the other exterior wall
shall be not less than 1.2 m, where these openings are
The exterior wall of each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (1) within the 1.2 m distance shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the interior vertical fire separation between the compartment and the remainder of the building. 
9.10.12.4. Protection of Soffits
This Article applies to the portion of any soffit enclosing a projection that is
Protection required by Sentence (2) shall be provided by
In the case of a soffit described in Sentence (1) that is at the edge of an attic or roof space and completely separated from the remainder of
that attic or roof space by
fire blocks
, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply.
Where all suites spanned by a common attic or roof space or situated above or below the projecting floor are sprinklered, the requirements of Sentence (2) do not apply, provided that all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having
openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exceptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.9.10.13. Doors, Dampers and Other Closures in Fire Separations
9.10.13.1. Closures
Except as provided in Article 9.10.13.2., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with a closure conforming to Table 9.10.13.1. and shall be installed in conformance with Chapters 2 to 14 of NFPA 80, “Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives,” unless otherwise
specified herein. (See also Article 9.10.3.1.) | Table 9.10.13.1. Fire-Protection Ratings for Closures Forming part of Sentence 9.10.13.1.(1) | |
|
Required Fire-Resistance Rating of Fire Separation |
Minimum Fire-Protection Rating of Closure |
| 30 or 45 min |
20 min(1) |
| 1 h |
45 min(1) |
| 1.5 h | 1 h |
| 2 h | 1.5 h |
| 3 h | 2 h |
| 4 h | 3 h |
| Notes to Table 9.10.13.1.: | |
|
|
|
| (1) | See Article 9.10.13.2. |
9.10.13.2. Solid Core Wood Door as a Closure
A 45 mm thick solid core wood door is permitted to be used where a minimum fire-protection rating of 20 min is permitted or between a public corridor and a suite provided that the door conforms to CAN/ULC-S113, “Wood Core Doors Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104 for Twenty Minute Fire Rated Closure Assemblies.” (See Appendix A.)
Doors described in Sentence (1) shall have not more than a 6 mm clearance beneath and not more
than 3 mm at the sides and top.
9.10.13.3. Unrated Wood Door Frames
Doors required to provide a 20 min fire-protection rating or permitted to be 45 mm solid core wood shall be mounted in a wood frame of not less than 38 mm thickness where the frame has not
been tested and rated.
9.10.13.4. Doors as a Means of Egress
Doors forming part of an exit or a public means of egress shall conform to Subsection 9.9.6. in addition to this Subsection.
9.10.13.5. Wired Glass as a Closure
Wired glass conforming to Article 9.6.1.2. which has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a vertical fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h provided such glass is not less than 6 mm thick and is mounted in conformance with Sentence (2).
Wired glass described in Sentence (1) shall be mounted in fixed steel frames having a metal thickness of not less than 1.35 mm and a glazing stop of not less
than 20 mm on each side of the glass.
Individual panes of glass described in Sentence (1) shall not exceed 0.8 m2 in area or 1.4 m in height or width, and the area of glass not structurally supported by mullions shall not exceed 7.5 m2.
9.10.13.6. Steel Door Frames
Steel door frames forming part of a closure in a fire separation, including anchorage requirements, shall conform to CAN4-S105-M, “Fire Door Frames Meeting the Performance Required by CAN4-S104.”9.10.13.7. Glass Block as a Closure
Glass block that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h. (See Article 9.20.9.6.) 9.10.13.8. Maximum Size of Opening
The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 11 m2, with no dimension greater than 3.7 m,
when the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are not sprinklered.
The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 22 m2, with no dimension greater than 6 m, when the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are sprinklered. 9.10.13.9. Door Latch
Every swing type door in a fire separation shall be equipped with a latch. 9.10.13.10. Self-closing Device
Except as described in Sentence (2), every door in a fire separation shall have a self-closing device.
Self-closing doors are not required between public corridors and suites in business and personal services occupancies, except in dead-end corridors. 9.10.13.11. Hold-Open Devices
Where hold-open devices are used on doors in required fire separations, they shall be installed in accordance with Article 3.1.8.12.9.10.13.12. Service Room Doors
Swing-type doors shall open into service rooms containing fuel-fired equipment where such doors lead
to public corridors or rooms used for assembly but shall swing outward from such rooms in all other cases.
9.10.13.13. Fire Dampers
Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (5) and Sentence 9.10.5.1.(4), a duct that penetrates an assembly required to be a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating shall be equipped with a fire damper in conformance with Articles 3.1.8.4. and 3.1.8.9.
A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation provided the duct
A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation around an exhaust duct riser in which the airflow is upward provided
Noncombustible ducts that penetrate a fire separation separating a vertical service space from the remainder of the building need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation provided
A duct serving commercial cooking equipment and piercing a required fire separation need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation. (See also Article 6.2.2.7.) 9.10.13.14. Fire Stop Flaps
Fire stop flaps in ceiling membranes required in Sentence 9.10.5.1.(4) shall be constructed in conformance with Appendix D, Fire-Performance Ratings.
9.10.13.15. Doors between Garages and Dwelling Units
A door between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall be tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust
fumes and shall be fitted with a self-closing device.
A doorway between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall not be located in a room intended for sleeping.
9.10.13.16. Door Stops
Where a door is installed so that it may damage the integrity of a fire separation if its swing is unrestricted, door stops shall be installed to prevent such damage.
9.10.14. Spatial Separation Between Buildings
9.10.14.1. Application
9.10.14.2. Area and Location of Exposing Building Face
The area of an exposing building face shall be
For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.4.A to determine the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that there are no unprotected openings between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured. (See A-3.2.3.1.(4) in Appendix A.)
For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.5.A to determine the required type of construction, cladding and fire-resistance rating for an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall,9.10.14.3. Limiting Distance and Fire Department Response
as provided in Sentence (2) and except
for the purpose of applying Sentences 9.10.14.4.(2)
, (3), (8) and (9), and Sentences 9.10.14.5.(3), (8) and (12)
, a limiting distance equal to half the actual limiting distance shall be used as input to the requirements of this Subsection, where
the time from receipt of notification of a fire by the fire department until the first fire department vehicle arrives at the building exceeds 10 min in 10% or more of all calls to the building,
and
(See A-3.2.3. and A-3.2.3.1.(8) in Appendix A.)

Except for the purpose of applying Sentences 9.10.14.4.(2), Sentence (3), Sentence (8) and Sentence (9) and Sentences 9.10.14.5.(3), Sentence (8) and Sentence (12), a limiting distance equal to half the actual limiting distance shall be used as input to the requirements of this Subsection, where9.10.14.4. Openings in Exposing Building Face
Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (10), the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face shall
where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m,
be equal to or less than| Table 9.10.14.4.A Maximum Aggregate Area of Unprotected Openings in Exterior Walls(1) Forming part of Sentence 9.10.14.4.(1) | |||||||||||||
|
Maximum Total Area of Exposing Building Face, m2 |
Maximum Aggregate Area of Unprotected Openings, |
||||||||||||
| Less than 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 10.0 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 | 25.0 | ||
|
Residential, business and personal services, and low-hazard industrial |
30 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 39 | 88 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 40 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 32 | 69 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 50 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 28 | 57 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 100 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 18 | 34 | 56 | 84 | 100 | — | — | — | |
| Over 100 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 19 | 28 | 40 | 55 | 92 | 100 | — | |
| 30 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 20 | 44 | 80 | 100 | — | — | — | — | |
| 40 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 16 | 34 | 61 | 97 | 100 | — | — | — | |
| 50 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 29 | 50 | 79 | 100 | — | — | — | |
| 100 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 17 | 28 | 42 | 60 | 100 | — | — | |
| Over 100 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 27 | 46 | 70 | 100 | |
| Notes to Table 9.10.14.4.A: | |
|
|
|
| (1) | See also Sentences (6) and (7) to calculate the maximum permitted area of unprotected openings in sprinklered buildings or where wired glass or glass blocks are used. |
Openings in a wall having a limiting distance of less than 1.2 m shall be protected
by closures, of other than wired glass or glass block, whose fire-protection rating is in conformance with the fire-resistance rating required for the wall. (See Table 9.10.13.1.) 
Except for buildings that are sprinklered and for openable windows having an unobstructed opening equal to 0.35 m2 installed in accordance with Sentences 9.9.10.1.(1) and (2), where the limiting distance is 2 m or less, individual unprotected openings shall be no greater than
| Table 9.10.14.4.B Maximum Concentrated Area of Unprotected Openings Forming part of Sentence 9.10.14.4.(3) | |
| Limiting Distance, m | Maximum Area of Individual Unprotected Openings, m2 |
| 1.2 | 0.35 |
| 1.5 | 0.78 |
| 2.0 | 1.88 |
The spacing between individual unprotected openings described in Sentence (3) that serve a single room or space described in Sentence (5) shall be not less than
For the purpose of Sentence (4), “single room or space” shall mean
The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings shall be not more than twice the area determined according to Sentence (1), where the unprotected openings are glazed with
Where the building is sprinklered, the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings shall be not more than twice the area determined according to Sentence (1), provided all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, that are adjacent to the exposing building face and that have unprotected openings are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.
The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face of a storage garage need not comply with Sentence (1), where
The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face of a storey that faces a street and is at the same level as the street need not comply with Sentence (1), where the limiting distance is not less than 9 m.
Except as provided in Sentence (11), for garages or accessory buildings that serve a single dwelling unit only and are detached from any building, the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings shall comply with the requirements for unprotected openings.
The limits on the area of glazed openings stated in Sentence (10) need not apply to the exposing building face of a detached garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where9.10.14.5. Construction of Exposing Building Face and Walls above Exposing Building Face
Except as permitted in Sentences (3) to (13), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Table 9.10.14.5.A.
(See Appendix A.)
(See also Subsection 9.10.8.)| Table 9.10.14.5.A Minimum Construction Requirements for Exposing Building Faces Forming part of Sentence 9.10.14.5.(1) | ||||
|
Occupancy |
Maximum Area of Unprotected Openings Permitted, % of Exposing Building Face Area |
Minimum Required Fire-Resistance Rating | Type of Construction Required | Type of Cladding Required |
|
Residential, business and personal services, and low-hazard industrial |
0 to 10 |
1 h |
||
> 10 to 25 |
1 h |
|||
> 25 to 50![]() | 45 min![]() | Combustible or noncombustible![]() | Noncombustible![]() | |
> 50 to < 100![]() |
45 min |
|||
| 0 to 10 |
2 h |
|||
> 10 to 25 |
2 h |
|||
> 25 to 50![]() | 1 h![]() | Combustible or noncombustible![]() | Noncombustible![]() | |
> 50 to < 100![]() |
1 h |
|||

Except as provided in Sentences (3) to (8), cladding on exposing building faces and exterior walls located above exposing building faces that enclose an attic or roof space, for buildings or fire compartments where the maximum permitted area of unprotected openings is more than 10% of the exposing building face, need not be noncombustible where the wall assembly complies with the requirements of Sentences 3.1.5.5.(3) and (4) when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S134, “Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies.”
Except as provided in Sentences (4) to (8) and permitted by Sentence (9),
cladding on exposing building faces and on exterior walls located above exposing building faces
of buildings or fire compartments where the maximum permitted area of unprotected openings is more than 25% but not more than 50% of the exposing building face need not be noncombustible
, where
greater than 2.5 m where the area and width-to-height ratio of the exposing building face conform to Table 9.10.14.5.B,
the cladding
conforms to Subsections 9.27.6., 9.27.7., 9.27.8. or 9.27.9.
,
is installed without furring members, or on furring not more than 25 mm thick, over gypsum sheathing at least
12.7 mm thick or over masonry, and
after conditioning in conformance with ASTM D 2898, “Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing,” has a flame-spread rating not greater than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), or
Subsection 9.27.12.
,
with or
without furring members over a
gypsum sheathing
at least 12.7 mm thick or over masonry,
Table 9.10.14.5.B Maximum Allowable Area and Ratio of Width to Height of Exposing Building FaceForming part of Sentence 9.10.14.5.(3) | |
| Maximum Ratio of Width to Height of Exposing Building Face | Maximum Area of Exposing Building Face, m2 |
| 1:1 | 88 |
| 2:1 | 102 |
| 3:1 | 129 |
| 4:1 | 161 |
| 5:1 | 195![]() |
Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a garage or accessory building serves one dwelling unit only and is detached from any building, the exposing building face
The requirements regarding fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of cladding need not apply to the exposing building face of a detached garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where
Except
as provided in Sentence (7),
combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 m above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted within
Except as provided in Sentences (9) to (11), Sentence (6) shall not apply to
Where combustible projections on an exposing building face are permitted by Sentence (7), are totally enclosed and constructed with solid faces, such as for fireplaces and chimneys, and extend within 1.2 m of a property line,
Where the exposing building face has a limiting distance of not more than 0.45 m, projecting roof soffits shall not be constructed
above the exposing building face. (See A-3.2.3.6.(2) in Appendix A.)
Where the exposing building face has a limiting distance of more than 0.45 m, the face of roof soffits above the exposing building face shall not project to less than 0.45 m from the property line. (See A-3.2.3.6.(2) in Appendix A.)
Where roof soffits project to less than 1.2 m from the property line, the centre line of a lane or public thoroughfare,
or an imaginary line between 2 buildings or fire compartments on the same property, they shall
Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1), provided the limiting distance is not less than 3 m.
Non-loadbearing wall components need not have a minimum fire-resistance rating, where the building9.10.15. Spatial Separation Between Houses
9.10.15.1. Application
This Subsection applies to
9.10.15.2. Area and Location of Exposing Building Face
The area of an exposing building face shall be
except as provided in Sentence (2),
where Table 9.10.15.4. is used to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings, the area of any number of individual vertical portions of
the wall measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling.
(See A-9.10.15.4.(2) in Appendix A.)
Where the exposing building face of any section of an exterior wall enclosing a single room or space, or combination room and space, has a limiting distance of 2 m or less, that section of the exposing building face serving the room or space shall not be divided into portions for the purpose of calculating
area of exposing building face. (See Sentence 9.10.15.4.(5) and A-9.10.15.4.(2) in Appendix A.)
For the purpose of using Table 9.10.15.4. to determine the maximum permitted area of glazed openings in an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall,
the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that there are no glazed openings between the
vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured. (See A-3.2.3.1.(4) in Appendix A.)

In determining the required cladding-sheathing assembly
and fire-resistance rating for an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that no portion of the actual exposing building face is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured. (See
Article 9.10.15.5.
and A-3.2.3.1.(4) in Appendix A.) 9.10.15.3. Limiting Distance
and Fire Department Response
as provided in Sentence 9.10.15.3.(2) and except
for the purpose of applying
Sentences 9.10.15.2.(2), 9.10.15.4.(3) and 9.10.15.5.(12),
a limiting distance equal to half the actual limiting distance shall be used as input to the requirements of this Subsection, where
the time from receipt of notification of a fire by the fire department until the first fire department vehicle arrives at the building exceeds 10 min in 10% or more of all calls to the building,
and
(See A-3.2.3. and A-3.2.3.1.(8) in Appendix A.)

Except for the purpose of applying Sentences 9.10.15.2.(2), Sentence 9.10.15.4.(3) and 9.10.15.5.(12), a limiting distance equal to half the actual limiting distance shall be used as input to the requirements of this Subsection, where

9.10.15.4. Glazed Openings in Exposing Building Face
Except as provided in Sentence (6), the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an exposing building face shall
where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m,
be equal to or less than the limiting distance squared.
Where the limits on the area of glazed openings are determined for individual portions of the exterior wall, as described in Subclause 9.10.15.2. (1)(b)(iii), the maximum aggregate area of glazed
openings for any portion shall conform to the values in the row of Table 9.10.15.4. corresponding to the maximum total area of exposing building face (see column 1 of the Table) that is equal to the sum of all portions of the exposing building face. (See Appendix A.) 
Except for buildings that are sprinklered and for openable windows having an unobstructed opening equal to 0.35 m2 installed in accordance with Sentences 9.9.10.1.(1) and (2), where the limiting distance is 2 m or less, individual glazed openings or a group of glazed openings in an exposing building face shall not exceed 50% of the maximum allowable aggregate area of glazed openings determined in Sentence (1).
The spacing between individual glazed openings described in Sentence (3) serving a single room or space described in Sentence (5) shall be not less than
For the purpose of Sentence (4), “single room or space” shall mean
The limits on the area of glazed openings shall not apply to the exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory building, where| Table 9.10.15.4. Maximum Area of Glazed Openings in Exterior Walls of Houses![]() Forming part of Sentences 9.10.15.4.(1) and (2) | ||||||||||||
|
Maximum Total Area of Exposing Building Face, m2 |
Maximum Aggregate Area of Glazed Openings, % of Exposing Building Face Area |
|||||||||||
| Less than 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 10.0 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 | 25.0 | |
| 30 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 39 | 88 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 40 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 32 | 69 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 50 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 28 | 57 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 100 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 18 | 34 | 56 | 84 | 100 | — | — | — |
| Over 100 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 19 | 28 | 40 | 55 | 92 | 100 | — |
9.10.15.5. Construction of Exposing Building Face of Houses
Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (12), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with
Sentences (2) and (3)
(See also Subsection 9.10.8.)
Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5),
where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, the exposing building face and exterior walls located above the exposing building face that enclose an attic or roof space
shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and
the cladding shall be metal or noncombustible cladding installed in accordance with Section 9.20., 9.27. or 9.28. (see A-9.10.14.5.(1) in Appendix A),
the cladding shall
Subsection 9.27.12.
,
the wall assembly shall comply with Sentences 3.1.5.5.(3) and (4) when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S134, “Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies.”

Except as provided in Sentence (4), where the limiting distance is equal to or greater than 0.6 m and less than 1.2 m, the exposing building face and any exterior wall located above the exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and
9.27.
or 9.28. (See A-9.10.14.5.(1) in Appendix A), 

The requirements regarding fire-resistance rating and type of cladding
-sheathing assembly
shall not apply to the exposing building face
or projections from an exposing building face
of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory building
, or a garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit,
where
Except as provided in
Sentence (6)
, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 m above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted within
Except as provided in Sentences (8) to (10), Sentence (5) shall not apply to
Where combustible projections on an exposing building face are permitted by Sentence (6), are totally enclosed and constructed with solid faces, such as for fireplaces and chimneys, and extend within 1.2 m of a property line,
Where the exposing building face has a limiting distance of not more than 0.45 m, projecting roof soffits shall not be constructed
above the exposing building face. (See A-3.2.3.6.(2) in Appendix A.)
Where the exposing building face has a limiting distance of more than 0.45 m, the face of roof soffits above the exposing building face shall not project to less than 0.45 m from the property line. (See A-3.2.3.6.(2) in Appendix A.)
Where roof soffits project to less than 1.2 m from the property line, the centre line of a lane or public thoroughfare or an imaginary line between two
buildings or fire compartments on the same property, they shall
For buildings of combustible construction, materials installed to provide the required protection for soffits may be covered with a combustible or noncombustible finish material.
Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1), provided the limiting distance is not less than 3 m.
9.10.16. Fire
Blocks
9.10.16.1. Required Fire
Blocks
in Concealed Spaces
Vertical concealed spaces in interior walls and exterior walls shall be separated by
fire blocks
Horizontal concealed spaces in attics, roof spaces, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces shall be separated by
fire blocks

Fire blocks
shall be provided at all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces in interior coved ceilings, drop ceilings and soffits where
the exposed construction materials within the concealed spaces have a surface flame-spread rating greater than 25. 
Fire blocks
shall be provided at the top and bottom of each run of stairs where they pass through a floor containing concealed space in which the exposed
construction materials within the space have a surface flame-spread rating greater than 25.
In unsprinklered buildings of combustible construction, every concealed space created by a ceiling, roof space or unoccupied attic space shall be separated by
fire blocks
into compartments
No dimension of the concealed space described in Clause (5)(b) shall
exceed 20 m.
Concealed spaces in mansard or gambrel style roofs, exterior cornices, balconies and canopies of combustible construction in which the exposed construction materials within the space have a surface flame-spread rating exceeding 25 shall have vertical
fire blocks
at intervals of not more than 20 m and at points where such concealed spaces extend across the ends of required vertical fire separations. 9.10.16.2. Required Fire
Blocks
in Wall Assemblies
Except as permitted in Sentence (2),
fire blocks
shall be provided to block off concealed spaces within wall assemblies, including spaces created by furring,
Fire blocks described in Sentence (1) are not required, provided
the insulated wall assembly contains not more than one concealed air space whose horizontal thickness is not more than
25 mm, 9.10.16.3. Fire
Block
Materials

Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), fire blocks shall be constructed of materials that will remain in place and prevent the passage of
flames for not less than 15 min when subjected to the
standard fire exposure in CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials.”

Fire blocks are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if they are
constructed of not less than
In a building permitted to be of combustible construction, semi-rigid fibre insulation board produced from glass, rock or slag is permitted to
be used to block the vertical space in a double-frame wall assembly
formed at the intersection of the floor assembly and the walls, provided
the width of the vertical space does not exceed 25 mm and the insulation board9.10.16.4. Penetration of Fire
Blocks
Where
fire blocks
are pierced by pipes, ducts or other elements, the effectiveness of the fire blocks shall be maintained around such elements.
9.10.17. Flame Spread Limits
9.10.17.1. Flame Spread Rating of Interior Surfaces
Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the exposed surface of every interior wall and ceiling, including skylights and
glazing, shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150.
Except as permitted in Sentence (3), doors need not conform to Sentence (1) provided they have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 200.
9.10.17.2. Ceilings in Exits or Public Corridors
At least 90% of the exposed surface of every ceiling in an exit or unsprinklered ceiling in a public corridor shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25. (See Article 9.10.17.6.) 9.10.17.3. Walls in Exits
Except as provided in Sentence (2), at least 90% of the exposed surfaces of every wall in an exit shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25. (See Article 9.10.17.6.)
At least 75% of the wall surface of a lobby used as an exit in Article 9.9.8.5. shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25. (See Article 9.10.17.6.) 9.10.17.4. Exterior Exit Passageways
Where an exterior exit passageway provides the only means of egress from the rooms or suites it serves, the wall and ceiling finishes of that passageway, including the soffit beneath and the guard on the passageway, shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25, except that up to 10% of the total wall area and 10% of the
total ceiling area is permitted to have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150. 9.10.17.5. Walls in Public Corridors
At least 90% of the total wall surface in any unsprinklered public corridor shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 75, or at least 90% of the upper half of such
walls shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25. (See Article 9.10.17.6.) 9.10.17.6. Calculation of Wall and Ceiling Areas
Skylights, glazing, combustible doors, and combustible light diffusers and lenses shall not be considered in the calculation of wall and ceiling areas
in this Subsection.
9.10.17.7. Corridors Containing an Occupancy
Where a public corridor or a corridor used by the public contains an occupancy, the interior finish materials used on the walls or ceiling of such occupancy, shall have a surface flame-spread rating in conformance with that required for public corridors. 9.10.17.8. Light Diffusers and Lenses
Light diffusers and lenses having flame-spread ratings that exceed those permitted for the ceiling finish,
shall conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.13.4.(1). 9.10.17.9. Combustible Skylights
Individual combustible skylights in corridors required to be separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations shall not exceed 1 m2 in area and shall be spaced not less than 1.2 m apart.
9.10.17.10. Protection of Foamed Plastics
Except as provided in Sentence (2), foamed plastics which form part of a wall or ceiling assembly in combustible construction shall be protected from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within attic or roof spaces, crawl spaces, and wall assemblies, by
Thermosetting foamed plastic insulation having a flame-spread rating of not more than 200 is permitted to be used in factory-assembled doors in storage garages serving single dwelling units provided that9.10.17.11. Walls and Ceilings in Bathrooms
The interior finish of walls and ceilings in bathrooms within suites of residential occupancy shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 200. 9.10.17.12. Coverings or Linings of Ducts
Where a covering or a lining is used with a duct, such lining or covering shall have a flame-spread rating conforming to Article 3.6.5.4. or 9.33.6.4.9.10.18. Alarm and Detection Systems
9.10.18.1. Access Provided through a Firewall
Where access is provided through a firewall, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply to the floor areas on both sides of the firewall as if they were in the same building. 9.10.18.2. Fire Alarm System Required
Except as permitted in Sentences (3) and (4), a fire alarm system shall be installed in buildings in which a sprinkler system is required by this Part. (See Appendix.)

Except as provided in Sentence (5), a fire alarm system shall be installed| Table 9.10.18.2. Maximum Occupant Load for Buildings without Fire Alarm Systems Forming part of Sentence 9.10.18.2.(2) | |
|
Major Occupancy Classification |
Occupant Load Above which a Fire Alarm System is Required |
| 10 (sleeping accommodation) | |
|
150 above or below the first storey |
|
|
75 above or below the first storey |
|

In buildings in which a sprinkler system has been installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and
Manufactured Homes,” a fire alarm system need not be installed.
In buildings that contain fewer than 9 sprinklers conforming to Sentence 3.2.5.12.(4), a fire alarm system need not be installed.
A fire alarm system is not required in a residential occupancy where an exit or public corridor serves not more than 4 suites or where each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level. 9.10.18.3. Design and Installation Requirements
Except
as stated in Sentence (2) and
as required by this Subsection, where fire alarm, fire detection and smoke detection devices and systems
are installed, these devices and systems and their installation shall
conform to Subsection 3.2.4.
The following Articles in Subsection 3.2.4. regarding
fire alarm systems do not apply to Part 9 buildings: Articles 3.2.4.1., 3.2.4.11., 3.2.4.12., 3.2.4.13., 3.2.4.14., 3.2.4.21., and 3.2.4.22.
9.10.18.4. Rooms and Spaces Requiring Heat Detectors or Smoke Detectors
Where a fire alarm system is required, every public corridor in buildings of residential occupancy and every exit stair shaft shall be provided with smoke detectors. 
Except as provided in Sentence (3), if a fire alarm system is required in a building that is not sprinklered, fire detectors shall be installed in the following spaces:
Heat detectors and smoke detectors described in Sentence (2) are not required in dwelling units or in sprinklered buildings in which the sprinkler system is electrically supervised and equipped with a water flow
alarm.
9.10.18.5. Smoke Detectors in Recirculating Air-Handling Systems
Except for a recirculating air system serving not more than one dwelling unit, where a fire alarm system is required to be installed, every recirculating air-handling
system shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon
a signal from a duct-type smoke detector where such system supplies more than one suite on the same floor or serves more than 1 storey. 9.10.18.6. Portions of Buildings Considered as Separate Buildings
Except as provided in Sentence (2), where a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h separates a portion of a building from the remainder of the building and there are no openings through the fire separation other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and
conduit, the requirements for fire alarm and detection systems may
be applied to each portion so separated as if it were a separate building.
The permission in Sentence (1) to consider separated portions of a building as separate buildings does not apply to service rooms and storage rooms. 9.10.18.7. Central Vacuum Systems
Central vacuum cleaning systems
serving more than one suite or storey
in buildings equipped with a fire alarm system shall be designed to shut down upon activation
of the fire alarm system.
9.10.18.8. Open-Air Storage Garages
A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.88. provided there are no other occupancies in the building. 9.10.19. Smoke Alarms
9.10.19.1. Required Smoke Alarms
CAN/ULC-S531, “Standard for Smoke Alarms,”
shall be installed in
9.10.19.2.
Sound Patterns of Smoke Alarms
The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall
9.10.19.3. Location of Smoke Alarms
Within dwelling units, sufficient smoke alarms shall be installed so that
on any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a smoke alarm is installed
in each sleeping room, and
in a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway.

A smoke alarm required by Sentence (1) shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S553, “Installation of Smoke-Alarms.”
Smoke alarms required in Article 9.10.19.1. and Sentence (1) shall be installed on or near the ceiling.
9.10.19.4. Power Supply

Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3),
smoke alarms
described in Sentence 9.10.19.1.(1)
shall
(see A-3.2.4.21.(6)(a) in Appendix A),
in case the regular power supply to the smoke alarm is interrupted, be provided with a battery as an alternative power source that can continue to provide
power to the smoke alarm for a period of no less than 7 days in the normal condition, followed
by 4 minutes of alarm.
Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, smoke alarms are permitted to be battery-operated.

Suites of residential occupancy are permitted to be equipped with smoke detectors in lieu of smoke alarms, provided the smoke detectors
Smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as stated in Sentence (3) are permitted to sound localized alarms within individual suites, and need not sound an alarm throughout the rest of the building.
9.10.19.5. Interconnection of Smoke Alarms
Where more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be wired so that the activation of one alarm will cause all
alarms within the dwelling unit to sound. 
9.10.19.6.
Silencing of Smoke Alarms
Except as permitted in Sentence (2), a manually operated device shall be incorporated within the circuitry of a smoke alarm installed in a dwelling unit so that the signal emitted by the smoke alarm can be silenced for a period of not more than 10 min, after which the smoke alarm will reset and sound again if the level of smoke in the vicinity is sufficient to re-actuate it.
Suites of residential occupancy equipped with smoke detectors installed to CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” which are part of the fire alarm system in lieu of smoke alarms as permitted in Sentence 9.10.19.4.(3), need not incorporate the manually operated device required in Sentence (1).
9.10.19.7. Instructions for Maintenance and Care
Where instructions are necessary to describe the maintenance and care required for smoke alarms to ensure continuing satisfactory performance, they shall be posted in
a location where they will be readily available to the occupants for
reference.
9.10.20. Firefighting
9.10.20.1. Windows or Access Panels Required
Except as provided in Sentence (3), a window or access panel providing an opening not less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide and having a sill height of not more than 900 mm above the floor shall
be provided on the second and third storeys of every building in at least one wall facing on a street if such storeys are not sprinklered.
Access panels required in Sentence (1) shall be readily openable from both inside and outside or be glazed with plain glass.

9.10.20.2. Access to Basements

Access required in Sentence (1) may be provided by a door, window or other means that provides an opening
not less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide,
the sill height of which shall not be more than 900 mm above the floor.
Access required in Sentence (1) may also be provided by an interior stair accessible from the outdoors.
9.10.20.3. Fire Department Access to Buildings
Access for fire department equipment shall be provided to each building by means of a street, private roadway or yard. (See Appendix A and A-3.2.5.6.(1) in Appendix A.)
Where access to a building as required in Sentence (1) is provided by means of a roadway or yard, the design and location of such roadway or yard
shall take into account connection with public thoroughfares, weight
of firefighting equipment, width of roadway, radius of curves, overhead
clearance, location of fire hydrants, location of fire department
connections and vehicular parking.
9.10.20.4. Portable Extinguishers

9.10.20.5. Freeze Protection of Fire Protection Systems
Equipment forming part of a fire protection system that may be adversely affected by freezing temperatures and that is located
in an unheated area shall be protected from freezing.
9.10.21. Fire Protection for Construction Camps
9.10.21.1. Requirements for Construction Camps
Except as provided in Articles 9.10.21.2. to 9.10.21.9., construction camps shall conform to Subsections 9.10.1. to 9.10.20.9.10.21.2. Separation of Sleeping Rooms
Except for sleeping rooms within dwelling units, sleeping rooms in construction camps shall be separated from each other and from the
remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 30 min fire-resistance rating. 9.10.21.3. Floor Assemblies between the First and Second Storey
Except in a dwelling unit, a floor assembly in a construction camp building separating the first storey and the second storey shall be constructed as a fire separation having not less than a 30 min fire-resistance rating.
9.10.21.4. Walkways Connecting Buildings
Walkways of combustible construction connecting buildings shall be separated from each connected building by a fire separation having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating.
9.10.21.5. Spatial Separations
Construction camp buildings shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 10 m except as otherwise
permitted in Subsections 9.10.14. and 9.10.15.9.10.21.6. Flame-Spread Ratings
Except in dwelling units and except as provided in Sentence (2), the surface flame-spread rating of wall and ceiling surfaces in corridors and walkways, exclusive of doors, shall not exceed 25 over not less than 90% of the exposed surface area and not more than 150
over the remaining surface area.
Except within dwelling units, corridors that provide access to exit from sleeping rooms and that have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min shall have a flame-spread rating conforming to the appropriate requirements in Subsection 9.10.17.9.10.21.7. Smoke Detectors
Except in dwelling units, corridors providing access to exit from sleeping rooms in construction camp buildings with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons shall be provided with a smoke detector connected to the building alarm system. 9.10.21.8. Portable Fire Extinguishers

9.10.21.9. Hose Stations
Every construction camp building providing sleeping accommodation for more than 30 persons shall be provided with a hose station that
is
protected from freezing and is equipped with a hose of sufficient length so that
every portion of the building is within reach of a hose stream.
Hoses referred to in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 19 mm inside diam and shall be connected to a central water supply or to a storage tank having
a capacity of not less than 4 500 L with a pumping system
capable of supplying a flow of not less than 5 L/s at
a gauge pressure of 300 kPa.
9.10.22. Fire Protection for Gas, Propane and Electric
Cooktops and Ovens
(See Appendix A.)9.10.22.1. Installation of
Cooktops and Ovens
cooktops and ovens
shall be installed in accordance with the British Columbia Gas Safety Regulation pursuant to the British Columbia Safety Standards Act. (See also
Article 9.34.1.1.) 
Clearances for and protection around gas, propane and electric ranges shall be not less than those provided in Articles 9.10.22.2. and 9.10.22.3.9.10.22.2. Vertical Clearances above
Cooktops
Except as provided in Sentence (2), framing, finishes and cabinetry installed directly above the location of the
cooktop
shall be not less than 750 mm above the level of
cooktop
burners or elements.
The vertical clearance described in Sentence (1) for framing, finishes and cabinets located directly above the location of the
cooktop
may be reduced to 600 mm above the level of the elements or burners, provided the framing, finishes and cabinets9.10.22.3. Protection around
Cooktops
Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), combustible wall framing, finishes or cabinets within 450 mm of the area where the
cooktop
is to be located shall be protected above the level of the heating elements or burners
by material providing fire resistance at least equivalent to that
provided by a 9.5 mm thickness of gypsum board.
Counter-top splash boards or back plates that extend above the level of heating elements or burners need not be protected as described
in Sentence (1).
Except for cabinetry described in Article 9.10.22.2., cabinetry located not less than 450 mm above the level of the heating elements or burners need not be protected as
described in Sentence (1). 