Understanding the fire code of the Philippines

Republic act no.9514

Pd 1185

Significant features:

 Assist and support fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organizations, provided that
during firefighting operations, fire volunteer organizations shall be under the direct operational
control of the fire ground commanders of the BFP. (SECTION 5 PARA C.)
 Must issue certificate of competency before the volunteer organization will be recognized,
however during operation they must follow the order of the ground commander of BPF, if they
don’t they can be penalize to 1day to 30day imprisonment and a fine not more than 5000 pesos.
 Fire safety practitioner must secure their certificate of competency from the chief BFP no longer
regional director.
 Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local government units to render
necessary assistance in the enforcement of the code (section 5 para f.) (CALL ON POWERS)
 Mandatory inspection of every building or structure at least once a year. (Section 5 para g).
However, exemption for the ordinary house or home.
 Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications, and other pertinent
documents of said building to ensure compliance with applicable codes standards. (Section 5
para j)
 Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work on portion of any work due
to absence, or in violation of approved plans and specifications, permit and/or clearance or
certification as approved by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative. (Section 5
para k)
 10 to 15 days period for compliance for violations of the code (Section 9)
 The BFP may put up a sign in front of the building or structure declared as fire hazard. The notice
shall bear the words “”WARNING: THIS BUILDING/STRUCTURE IS A FIRE HAZARD”. (Section 9)
 Authority of the BFP to close any building structure or facility not withstanding any permit,
clearance or certificate earlier issued by local authorities (Section 9)
 Six (6) months to six (6) years imprisonment or a fine of not more than P 100,000.00 for both the
private individual and public officer/employee for violations of the code. (Section 11)
 Administrative fine of maximum amount of P 50,000.00 (Section 13)
 Collection by the BFP of all fees, fines and taxes imposed by the Code. (Section 13)
 The assessment of fire code taxes , fees and fines is vested upon BFP. (Section 13-A)
 Use the income generated under the Fire Code for procurement of fire protection and fire
fighting investigation, rescue, paramedics, supplies and materials and related technical services
necessary for the fire service and the improvement of facilities of the BFP. (Section 13-C)
REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF RA 9514 KNOWN AS THE FIRE CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES OF 2008

RULE 1: INTERPRETATION

RULE 2: COVERAGE

RULE 3: DEFINITION OF TERMS

RULE 4: AUTHORITY OF THE CHIRF, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION

RULE 5: FIRE CODE TECHNICAL STAFF

RULE 6: FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS AND FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONES

RULE 7: ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE BFP

RULE 8: FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS

RULE 9: ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

RULE 10: FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

RULE 11: PROHIBITED ACTS

RULE 12: FIRE CODES TAXES, FEES/CHARGES AND FINES

RULE 13: ADMINISTRATIVE COURSES OF ACTION

RULE 14: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

RULE 1 INTERPRETARION

This RIRR shall be interpreted in light of the Declaration of Policy found in Section 2 of this Code:

“It is the policy of the State to ensure safety, promote economic development through the prevention
and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the Fire Service
as a profession. Towards this end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure
adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire
protection and prevention service”.

RULE 2 COVERAGE

A. All persons, either natural or juridical (referred to entity created by law, corporations,
organizations etc)
B. All buildings facilities or structures and their premises, erected or constructed before and after
the effective hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics and electrical systems relative to fire
protection;
 D. Manufacturing, storage handling, and/or use, and transportation of explosives and/or
combustible, flammable liquids and gases, toxic and other hazardous materials and operations,
and their waste;
E. Fire safety planning, design construction, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or system;
G. All land transportation vehicles and equipment, and ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves
or anchored in seaports; and
(there is no fire safety measure pagdating sa land transportation vehicles or ships, so it cannot
implement because there are no equivalent or complimenting provisions under rule 10)
H. Petroleum industry installations.

Rule 3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Aerodrome. Any place where flight operations (takeoff, landing and maintenance of civil aircraft) tske
place.

Aircraft. Any machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity
by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil.

Airfoil. The basic form of the wings, fins, and horizontal stabilizer of most aircraft.

Airport. A complex of runways and buildings for the takeoff, landing and maintenance of civil aircraft
with facilities for passengers.

Apartment Building. A building containing three or more living units with independent cooking and
bathroom facilities, whether designated as condominium, roe house, apartment house, tenement or by
any other name.

Approved Supervised Sprinkler System (ASSS). An integrated network of hydraulic designed piping
system installed in a building, structure or facility with outlets arranged in a systematic pattern. It
automatically discharges water when activated by heat or combustion products of fire.

Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An integrated system of underground or overhead piping
connected to a source of extinguishing agent or medium, designed in accordance with fire protection
engineering standards to include, but not limited to Automatic Fire Sprinkler System which when
actuated by jts automatic detecting device suppresses fire within the area protected even without
human intervention.

Fire Detection and Alarm System. A system that detects fire at the easiest stage, and gives an alarm to
alert the occupants so that appropriate action can be taken.

Boiling Point. The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the pressure surrounding
the liquid and the liquid changes into a vapor.

RULE 4 AUTHORITY OF CHIEF BFP (BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION) (Basis is section 5 of basic law)

Section 4.0.0.1 GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE RA. 9514 AND ITS IRR
  Administration and enforcement of the Fire Code and its IRR shall be under the direct
supervision and control of the CHIEF BFP through RA 6975 (THE DILG REORGANIZATION ACT OF
1990) and RA 9263 ( THE BFP AND BJMP PROFESSIONALIZATION ACT OF 2004)

Section 2 under 4.0.0.2

A. Issue IRR, and prescribe standards, schedules of fees/ fire service charges and administrative
penalties thereof as provided in the pertinent provision of the RA 9514 and its RIRR;
B. Reorganize the BFP;
C. Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or negotiations in accordance
with RA 9184 (Gov’t Procurement Reform Act of 2003);
D. Enter into MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT with other departments, bureaus, agencies, offices
and corporations of the government, as well as private institutions

Section 3 (4.0.0.3)

The chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative, in accordance organizational hierarchy, is
hereby specifically authorized to;

1. Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organizations in the country.
2. Enter into external party agreements for the conduct of trainings, education and evaluation of
fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organizations.
3. Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local government to render necessary
assistance.
4. Design Fire Safety Inspectors (FSI) who shall conduct inspection at every building or structure
within their area of responsibility at least once a year and every time the owner, administrator
or occupant shall renew his/her Business Permit or Permit to Operate.
5. Issue FSIC
6. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or premises for dangerous kr
hazardous conditions or materials as set forth in the RA 9514 and its RIRR, provided that in case
of single family dwelling, an inspection must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon
lawful order from the proper court.
7. Order the owner/occupant to summarily abate and remove hazardous materials and/or stop
hazardous operations/process in accordance with the standards set by RA 9514 and its RIRR or
other pertinent laws;
8. Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications;
9. Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work on any portion of any work
due to the absence, or in violation of, approved plans and specifications.

B. However, the authority granted under this Section shall not in any way diminish the power of the SILG
to change, alter, modify revise or amend the actions of the CHIEF, BFP
RULE 5 FIRE CODE TECHNICAL STAFF

DIVISION 1. TECHNICAL STAFF

SECTION 5.0.1.1 CONSTITUTION AND QUALIFICATION

THE Chief BFP, shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified persons who are knowledgeable on
fire prevention, fire safety, and fire suppression.

The technical staff may be drawn from the following:

A. Organic members of the BFP;

B. Other government officer and agencies;
C. Other sources

In the case of para”B” and/or “C” above, members may either be appointed in to the service hired as
consultants in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations

The technical staff shall:

A. Study, review and evaluate latest developments and standard on fire safety, prevention and
Occup;
B. Prepare plans/programs on fire safety, prevention and suppression and evaluate
implementation thereof;
C. Develop programs on the professionalization of the Fire Service;
D. Coordinate with appropriate government and private institutions for the offering of college
courses on fire technology and fire protection engineering;
E. Propose amendments in the RA 9514 and its RIRR:
F. Advise the Chief, BFP on any matter brought to his/her attention and;
G. Perform such other functions as directed by the Chief, BFP.

RULE 6 FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEERS AND FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS

DIVISION 1. SCOPE

This Rule shall govern the organization, equipage, operation, and proficiency training of company and
community fire brigades as well as continuous training and competency evaluation of fire volunteers
and fire volunteer organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire prevention, fire
suppression, rescue, emergency medical services and other related emergency response training
programs and competency evaluations to be conducted.

DIVISION 2. ORGANIZATION OF FIRE BRIGADES

SECTION 6.0.2.1 REQUIREMENTS

A. All business establishments that can accommodate at least fifty (50) persons shall, xxx, establish
and maintain an organization of fire brigade to deal with fire and other related emergencies.
 E. All fire volunteer organizations, barangay fire brigades, and company and industrial fire
brigades may be incorporated in the Bureau of fire Protection Auxiliary (BFPA) subject to tge
form and function established by the BFP.

Division 3. Training of fire brigades, fire safety practitioners and fire volunteers organizations

Section 6.0.3. Certificate of Competency

A. Certificate of Competency shall be issued to fire volunteers, fire volunteer organizations, and fire
safety practitioners, except company fire brigades, after completion lf the mandatory training
and competency evaluation conducted by the BFPP and upon submission of the following;
1. Certificate of completion of training;
2. Personal profile;
3. Certificate of employment, in the case of fire safety practitioners; and
4. Other documents the BFP may require.
B. The certificate of Competency for Fire safety practitioners shall be issued by the Chief, BFP. The
certificate of competency for fire volunteers and fire volunteer organizations shall be issued by
the REGIONAL DIRECTORS pursuant to the guidelines issued by CHIEF, BFP.

Section 6.0.3.2 Training design

A training design shall be developed by the BFP for fire volunteers, fire volunteer organizations, fire
brigades and fire safety practitioners. Members shall be required to complete the specified program of
institution.

Section 6.0.3.3 scope of training

A. All members of the fire brigade, fire volunteer and fire volunteer organizations shall undergo
training on fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue, emergency, medical services and related
emergency response. The training program shall be adopted to the purpose of the particular
brigade. It shall include fire suppression strategies, tactics, techniques and the use of portable
fire extinguishes and other equipment, devices and tools.

Section 6.0.4.2 Operation of equipment

In practice drills, all available fire and life safety equipment, devices and tools for fire suppression and
medical and rescue operation must be operated

Section 6.0.4.5 Command at the fire scene

During firefighting operations, the fire brigades and fire volunteer organizations shall be under the direct
operational control of the fire ground commanders subject to existing guidelines of the BFP.
RULE 7 ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE BFP

SECTION 7.0.1.1 FRKM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

Upon request, the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall render necessary assistance to the Chief BFP or
his/her duly authorized representative on the following actions;

F. Laboratory/physical examinations of the pieces of evidence gathered in the fire scene and
submit the result thereof to the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative, as the case
may be; and

Section 7.0.1.2 FROMM OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Other law enforcement agencies, such as but not limited to, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) shall,
upon request, accommodate and render necessary assistance on the following functions of the BFP:

A. Investigation and prosecution of arson cases;

B. Appearance as expert witness;
C. Such other duties and functions of the BFP which require their expertise.

Section 7.0.2.1 FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Local Government Units (LGU) shall render necessary assistance on the following duties of the BFP;

A. Strict observance of the requirement of fire safety measures for the issuance of Fire Safety
Inspection Certificate (FSIC) as a prerequisite in the grant of and renewal of business, occupancy
and other related permits/licenses. For this purpose, the LGU and/or other government
agencies concerned shall refrain from issuing such licenses and/or permits without the applicant
first securing an FSIC from the BFP;.
B. Organization and training of fire brigades in all barangays in partnership with BFP to serve as
first responders;
C. Summary statement and closure of buildings/structures or portions thereof; and
D. Such other duties and functions of the BFP which would require their assistance.

Section 7.0.2.2 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

To institutionalized the areas of cooperation and coordination of the BFP with other departments,
bureaus, agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as private institutions, the BFP
may enter into Memoranda of Agreement with, but not limited to the following:

 Department of Transportation (DOTr)

 Department of Education (DepEd)
 Commission on Higher Education (CHED,)
 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
 Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)
Rule 8 FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS

SECTION 8.1.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS

A. Uniformed Personnel
1. Shall be licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and
Electronics) with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
2. Shall be architect with at least (1) year in the BFP service; or
3. Shall be graduate of any baccalaureate degree course with at least (3) years in the BFP
service.
B. Non-uniformed Personnel Appointed as Engineers with at least one (1) year in the BFP service.
C. Must have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety enforcement and other
relevant fire safety training.

Section 8.1.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS

A. Must be licensed architect or engineer; and

B. Shall have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety enforcement and other
relevant fire safety training
C. In cases where there is no licensed engineer or architect in a specific jurisdiction, a graduate of
any baccalaureate degree with relevant fire safety building plan evaluation training shall be
designated as plan evaluator.

Section 8.1.1.3 CHIEF, FIRE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT SECTION/UNIT

A. The chief of the fire safety enforcement section/unit (FSES/U) to be designated shall possess the
following minimum requirements:

RULE 9 ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

DIVISION 1 GENERAL

A. Inspection of all buildings, structures, facilities and premises, hazardous operations, storage
facilities and transportation vehicles of hazardous materials and the determination of
compliance with RA9514 and its RIRR shall be done by C/MFM (CITY OR MUNICIPAL FIRE
MARSHAL) having jurisdiction.
B. Fire safety inspection shall be conducted as a pre-requisite to grants of permits and/or licenses
by local governments or other government agencies. No certificate of Occupancy, Business
Permit or Permit to Operate shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
(FSIC) from the C/MFM having jurisdiction.
C. The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall review, evaluate and asses plans, design calculations and
specifications, and issue the necessary building Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC) as a
prerequisite for the issuance of Building Permit by the Office of the Building Official, upon
determination that design and specification is in accordance with RA 9514 and its RIRR.

DIVISION 2. FIRE SAFETY EVALUATION AND INSPECTION

Building plan review, inspection during and after construction, and business routine inspection shall be
in accordance with the Citizen’s Charter
Section 9.0.2.1 BUILDING PLAN REVIEW

A. Screenshot

FLOW CHART

 Plan evaluator (Initial review of Building plans with fire safety compliance report. Fire safety
Checklist -used to facilitate the checking of fire plans
 Chief, FSES/U (Review and Recommendation)
 City/Municipal Fire Marshall (ISSUE FSEC OR NOD upon payment for Fire Code Fees)

Section 9.0.2.2 INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION

During construction, renovation, modification or alteration, the C/MFM having jurisdiction, on the basis
of issued FSEC, shall inspect the premises to determine whether the plans, and specifications are being
followed and fire safety precautions are being observed. He/she shall cause the correction of any
defects/deficiencies noted when necessary.

Section 9.0.2.3 INSPECTION AFTER COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION (for Occupancy Permit)

 C/MFM : Designate Fire Safety Inspector

 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION: Inspect and witness testing and commissioning of fire protective and
warning system
 Fire Safety Inspector: prepare the after Inspection Report (AIR) and recommend issuance of FSIC
 C, FSEU//U: review report of FSI and recommend to the C/MFM
 C/MFM: issue FSIC or NOD (Upon payment of Fire Code Fees and submission of Fire safety
Compliance and Commissioning Report

Section 9.0.2.4 business and Routine/Annual Inspection

A. Business/mayor’s Permit and other Permits or Licenses

1. C/MFM: Designate Fire Safety Inspector
2. Fire Safety Inspector: Inspect, prepare the After Inspection Report (AIR) and recommend
issuance of FSIC
3. C,FSES/U :review report of FSI and recommend to the C/MFM
4. C/MFM: Issue FSIC or NTC (Upon Payment of Fire Code Fees and submission of Fire
Safety and Maintenance Report)
B. Routine/Annual Fire Safety Inspection On existing Buildings, Structures and Facilities other than
for Business Mayor’s Permit and other Permits or Licenses Application
 Routine or periodic fire safety inspection, re-inspection, or inspection arising from
complaint
 Inspection Order (IO) shall be issued by the C/MFM having jurisdiction.
 Copies of all plans, design calculations and specifications and FSMR,
 FSI shall prepare an AIR and recommend to the C/MFM having jurisdiction appropriate
administrative courses of action, if necessary
DIVISION 3. FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE REPORT (FSCR), FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE AND COMMISSIONING
REPORT (FSCCR), AND FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE REPORT (FSMR)

Section 9.0.3.1 APPLICABILITY

A. All private and public buildings, facilities and structures to be constructed, altered or modified,
which by reason of their use, size and height are required to install any or combination of the
following 1.) Wet standpipe system 2.) Automatic fire suppression system; and 3.) Automatic fire
detection and alarm system, pursuant to RA 9514 and its RIRR

FSCR FOR FSEC AND FSCCR FOR FSIC FOR OCCUPANCY

All private and public buildings, facilities and structures required to;

1. Wet standpipe system;

2. Automatic fire suppression system; and
3. Automatic fire detection and alarm system

B . All existing private and public buildings, facilities or structures covered by para “A” hereof, shall
be required to submit Fire Safety Maintenance Report ( FSMR) annually to the C/MFM having
jurisdiction when securing FSIC for business permit, certificate of annual inspection for PEZA registered
enterprise, DOH License to Operate and other permits and licenses where FSIC is a prerequisite.

Section 9.0.3.2 FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE REPORT (FSCR)

Section 9.0.3.3 FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE AND COMMISSIONING REPORT (FSCCR)

SECTION 9.0.3.4 FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE REPORT (FSMR)

SECTION 9.0.3.5 FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS

Only fire safety practitioners issued with Certificate of competency (COC) shall be allowed to prepare,
sign and certify the FSCR, FSCCR and FSMR. The issuance of COC shall be pursuant to the duly issued
guidelines

FSCR SHALL COINTAIN AMONG OTHERS THE FOLLOWING:

A. OBJECTIVES
B. SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION
C. STATEMENT OF WHO IS ENFORCING AUTHORITY FOR NATIONAL BUILDING CODE AND FIRE
CODE.
D. STATEMENT OF THE CODES AND STANDARDS USED IN THE DESIGN.
E. DISCUSSION OF FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY ISSUES
1. Building classification and construction
2. Hazards of contents and combustible loading including fire scenarios adopted if
designed is performed based (for repair and renovation requirement)
3. Occupancy Classification
4. Structural Requirements/separation of Building Spaces
5. Exit and egree description
a. Basis of design
 b. No. Of exits
c. Travel distance
d. Exit calculations (may be included in appendices)
e. Timed-exit calculations (for equivalencies and variances)
6. Fire Suppression description
7. Fire detection, alarm communication and evaluation system
8. Smoke control management
9. Exit light and emergency lightning systems
10. Emergency power supply
11. Fire department acess
12. Other issues