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New Smoke Alarm Regulations

Important New Changes
smoke alarmAs of May 1, the B.C. Fire Code requires all homes, hotel and motel rooms to be installed with either a battery-operated or hard-wired smoke alarm. Previously, the Fire Code required smoke alarms only in buildings constructed after 1979; the change aims to reduce the safety risks and damage caused by fires in older buildings.

According to statistics, there are 36 fire deaths a year in B.C., and 80-90% of the deaths occur in homes. Smoke alarms increase the chance of surviving a fire by almost 50%.

The smoke alarm regulation is now part of the City’s fire protection bylaw, which includes all provisions of the Fire Code. In addition, City inspectors will now look for smoke alarms while conducting building inspections related to renovations or other work that requires permits.

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Contact
Residents can contact the Fire and Emergency Services Department at fire@portcoquitlam.ca or 604.927.5466 for more information.