Fire Safety Compliance in 2025: How to Prepare for Your Next Fire Inspection

Keeping your business fire-code compliant isn’t just about passing inspections, it’s about protecting your employees, customers, and property. Fire regulations evolve every year, and failing to keep up with maintenance can lead to costly fines, safety risks, and operational disruptions.

At Radius Fire Protection, we work with businesses across Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Fraser Valley to ensure their fire protection systems meet the latest standards. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fire inspections in 2025 - including the top mistakes businesses make, what inspectors look for, and how to stay compliant year-round.

Why Fire Inspections Matter More Than Ever

Fire protection regulations are becoming stricter than ever, especially in fast-growing cities like Vancouver. Inspectors are conducting more thorough reviews, and businesses that fall behind on maintenance are at risk of receiving violation notices or costly fines.

According to Michael Chambers, Senior Fire Protection Technician at Radius Fire, many property owners concentrate on setting up their fire protection systems but often overlook the critical need for regular maintenance:

“Installation is just the first step. Without ongoing servicing, fire protection systems may not work properly when they’re needed most. We see it all the time - businesses assume their systems are fine, only to find out during an inspection that they’re not up to code.”

The good news? Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated, it just requires proactive maintenance and routine inspections.

What Do Fire Inspectors Look For? (Fire Safety Checklist)

Fire inspectors assess whether your fire protection systems are fully operational, compliant with local codes, and ready to perform in an emergency. Use this 10-point checklist to ensure your business is prepared:

Fire Protection System Checklist:

1. Fire Alarms – Ensure smoke and heat detectors are installed correctly and functioning.

2. Sprinkler Systems – Check for blockages, corrosion, or leaks and verify adequate water pressure.

3. Fire Extinguishers – Confirm they are fully charged, mounted, and appropriate for your business’s fire risks.

4. Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs – Test that they turn on during power outages and provide clear escape routes.

5. Fire Suppression Systems – Inspect systems in commercial kitchens or server rooms to ensure they function properly.

6. Backflow Prevention – Perform annual testing to prevent water contamination from the fire protection system.

7. Fire Doors & Fire-Resistant Materials – Ensure doors close properly and escape routes are unobstructed.

8. Electrical Safety – Check for exposed wiring or overloaded circuits.

9. Evacuation Plans & Staff Training – Verify that employees are trained on fire safety protocols.

10. Fire Drills – Conduct regular drills to ensure staff knows how to respond in an emergency.

Common Fire Inspection Mistakes Businesses Make:

Skipping maintenance on your fire protection system can lead to serious consequences, including system failures, fines, and non-compliance orders. Here are some of the most common mistakes that businesses make:

Top 3 Fire Safety Mistakes:

1. Forgetting to Schedule Annual Inspections – Many businesses only check fire systems when something goes wrong, instead of keeping up with required annual maintenance.

2. Blocked or Non-Functioning Fire Equipment – Fire extinguishers behind furniture, sprinkler heads covered in dust, or dead batteries in smoke detectors can lead to system failures.

3. Not Keeping Records for Inspectors – Fire inspectors will ask for documentation of past maintenance and inspections. If you don’t have these records, you could face compliance issues.

Solution: Radius Fire offers scheduled maintenance programs to ensure businesses stay compliant without the hassle of remembering deadlines.

How Often Should Fire Protection Systems Be Inspected?

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly surprises during inspections. Here’s how often different fire systems should be checked:

Fire Protection System Inspection Frequency

· Fire Alarms Annually (with monthly visual checks)

· Sprinkler Systems Annually (check for blockages monthly)

· Fire Extinguishers Monthly (with annual professional inspection)

· Fire Suppression Systems Semi-annual or annual, depending on system type

· Emergency Lighting Monthly tests + full annual inspection

· Backflow Prevention Annually

Did you know? If fire inspectors find expired inspections, you may receive a compliance order with only two weeks to fix the issue before facing fines.

Top 5 Documents to Have Ready for Fire Inspectors

Fire inspectors will ask for specific records during an inspection. Be prepared by keeping these five key documents on file:

1. Fire Protection System Plans – Layouts of fire alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems.

2. Inspection Records – Past reports for all fire protection systems.

3. Maintenance Logs – Records of servicing, including repairs and upgrades.

4. Backflow Testing Reports – Annual test results confirming compliance.

5. Employee Fire Safety Training Logs – Proof of fire drills and staff training.

How Radius Fire Keeps Businesses Compliant

At Radius Fire, we specialize in ongoing service and maintenance plans designed to keep your fire protection systems fully operational and up to code.

Why Businesses Trust Us:

· Proactive Service Reminders – We schedule your inspections so you never miss a deadline.

· Detailed Reports – Every service includes a comprehensive compliance report.

· Expert Team – Our specialists stay up to date on evolving fire codes so you don’t have to.

Case Study: How We Helped a Business Avoid Fines

A property manager in Vancouver recently failed a routine fire inspection due to outdated fire alarm components. They had no idea there were issues until the fire department flagged them. Our team quickly assessed the problem, upgraded their system, and got them back in compliance - avoiding thousands of dollars in potential fines.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for an Emergency

Fire protection is not a one-time investment, it’s an ongoing commitment to safety. The best way to protect your business is by staying ahead of inspections and ensuring all systems are properly maintained.

“Waiting until something goes wrong is far more costly and risky than staying ahead with routine checks and servicing.” – Michael Chambers, Senior Fire Protection Technician

Let Radius Fire handle your inspections & maintenance - so you can focus on running your business.

Need to schedule a fire safety inspection? Contact Radius Fire Protection today!

Call Now: (604) 232.3473