Table of Content

UNIT M
I. R.A. 9514, with emphasis on Sections 1 to 9 of the law.

II. Organization and Training of Fire Brigades, Fire Safety Practitioners, and
Volunteers.

III. The Fire Safety Enforcement Functions.

IV. The Fire Safety Measures on selected division

V. The Fire Fighting Operations on Selected Installation /Facility/Building/Structure

UNIT M3
III. The Fire Safety Enforcement Functions.
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 RA 9514 and its RIRR shall be done by C/MFM having
jurisdiction.
B. Fire safety inspection shall be conducted as a prerequisite 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 assess 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.

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SECTION 9.0.2.1 BUILDING PLAN REVIEW A. The Plan Evaluator shall undertake the
necessary evaluation and review of the plans in accordance with the guidelines issued by
the Chief, BFP for this purpose, indicating whether or not such plans conform to the fire
safety and life safety requirements of RA 9514 and its RIRR. For this purpose, a Fire
Safety Checklist shall be used to facilitate the checking of building plan. The evaluated
plans and the corresponding Fire Safety Checklist shall then be submitted to the Chief,
FSES/U for review and recommendation to the C/MFM having jurisdiction.
B. The C/MFM having jurisdiction upon evaluation of the recommendation will either issue
FSEC or Notice of Disapproval (NOD), as the case may be, and upon payment by the
owner/authorized representative of Fire Code Construction Tax and other appropriate Fire
Code Fees.
C. No building plan shall be evaluated without the submission of Fire Safety Compliance
Report (FSCR) in accordance with Division 3 of this Rule and the pertinent documents
required under the BFP Citizen’s Charter.
D. The procedure for securing FSEC shall be in accordance with the BFP Citizen’s Charter.
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
A. After construction/renovation/modification or alteration and prior to the issuance of
the Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official, the C/MFM having jurisdiction shall
designate a Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) who shall inspect the building, structure or facility.
The FSI shall recommend in his/her After Inspection Report (AIR) the issuance of
necessary Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) upon determination that the required
fire safety construction is in place, and fire protective and/or warning systems are
properly installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
B. The C, FSES/U shall review the findings of the FSI and recommend to the C/MFM
having jurisdiction the issuance of FSIC for Occupancy or NOD. The C/MFM having
jurisdiction will either issue the FSIC or NOD, as the case may be, upon payment of
appropriate Fire Code Fees. However, if it appears during inspection that the subject
establishment is already occupied or operating, a Notice to Comply (NTC) shall be issued
to the owner/administrator/ occupant and the procedure under Rule 13 of this Code shall
be observed.

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C. Testing and commissioning of fire protective and warning system of the building shall
be conducted by the installer/contractor during inspection to be witnessed by the FSI. No
FSIC for Occupancy shall be issued without submission of Fire Safety Compliance and
Commissioning Report (FSCCR) in accordance with Division 3 of this Rule and other
pertinent documents required under the BFP Citizen’s Charter.
D. The procedure for securing FSIC for Occupancy shall be in accordance with the BFP
Citizen’s Charter.
SECTION 9.0.2.4 BUSINESS AND ROUTINE/ANNUAL INSPECTION
A. Inspection for the purpose of Business/Mayor’s Permit and other Permits or Licenses
Application
1. The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall cause the inspection of premises of any
industrial, commercial or business operations, and issue the necessary FSIC, as a
prerequisite for the grant of Business/Mayor’s Permit or Certificate of Annual Inspection
from Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), upon determination that fire safety
measures for use, handling, or storage of explosives or combustible, flammable,
toxic and other hazardous 25 materials, as well as hazardous operations or
processes, have been complied, and upon payment of appropriate Fire Code Fees.
2. The designated FSI shall conduct final inspection in the establishment; prepare
an After Inspection Report (AIR) using the prescribed format; and recommend the
issuance of either FSIC or appropriate Notice in accordance with Rule 13. The Chief,
FSES/U reviews the findings and recommends to the C/MFM having jurisdiction for
approval or disapproval. The C/MFM having jurisdiction will either issue FSIC or NTC
in accordance with Rule 13 of this Code.
3. No FSIC shall be issued without the submission of Fire Safety and Maintenance
Report (FSMR), if applicable, in accordance with Division 3 of this Rule and payment
of appropriate Fire Code Fees.
4. The procedure for securing FSIC shall be in accordance with the BFP Citizen’s
Charter. 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 1. The C/MFM having jurisdiction, shall cause the conduct of routine or
periodic fire safety inspection, re-inspection, or inspection arising from complaint,
of any building, structure, facility or premises not falling under para “A” of this
Section, for the purpose of determining compliance with RA 9514 and its RIRR. For
this purpose, Inspection Order (IO) shall be issued by the C/MFM having jurisdiction. The
building owner or administrator shall make available to the FSI, if necessary, copies
of all plans, design calculations and specifications of the building as it was actually
built/constructed, or in the absence of the same, copies of all plans, design

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calculations and specifications of the building as it is at the time of the inspection
and FSMR, if applicable, in accordance with Division 3 of this Rule. The FSI shall
prepare an AIR and recommend to the C/MFM having jurisdiction appropriate
administrative courses of action provided under Rule 13 of this Code in case of any
violation of RA 9514 and its RIRR. 2. Inspection procedure shall be in accordance
with the BFP Citizen’s Charter.
DIVISION 3. FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE REPORT (FSCR), FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE
AND COMMISSIONING REPORT (FSCCR), AND FIRE SAFETYMAINTENANCE 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, shall be required to submit FSCR for application of FSEC for Building Permit and
Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning Report (FSCCR) for application of FSIC for
Occupancy.
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 enterprises, DOH License to Operate and other
permits and licenses where FSIC is a prerequisite.

SECTION 9.0.3.2 FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE REPORT (FSCR)

A. One (1) set of FSCR shall be submitted to the C/MFM having jurisdiction by the building
owner duly signed by the Engineer/Architect-of-Record and his/her Fire Safety
Practitioner duly accredited by the BFP. It shall contain a detailed design analysis of all
fire safety features to be installed in the proposed building together with three (3) sets
of plans and specifications. The FSCR is a prerequisite in granting FSEC.
B. The Engineer/Architect-of-Record and Fire Safety Practitioner shall ensure and certify
that the design, criteria and specifications of all fire safety features are appropriate to the
proposed project and compliant with the provisions of RA 9514 and its RIRR and other
applicable laws.
C. The FSCR shall contain among others the following:
1. Short Project Description

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2. Statement of the Codes and Standards used in the design
3. Discussion of Fire Protection and Life Safety Issues
a. Building Classification and Construction Materials Used
b. Hazards of contents and combustible loading including fire scenarios adopted if design
is performance based
c. Occupancy Classification
d. Structural Requirements/Separation of Building Spaces
e. Exit and Egress Description
1) Basis of design
2) Number of exits
3) Travel distances
4) Exit calculations (may be included in appendices)
5) Time-exit analysis
f. Fire Suppression Description
g. Design Criteria Used for Sprinkler System/Standpipe
1) Other suppression systems
2) Water supplies, fire pumps, capacities
3) Portable extinguishers
4) Hydraulic and other calculations (may be placed in appendices)
5) Riser diagrams (may be placed in appendices)
h. Fire Detection, Alarm, Communication and Evacuation Systems
1) Description of each system including features and controls
2) Sound pressure calculations (for equivalencies and variances)
i. Smoke Control Management (if applicable)
1) Description of smoke control strategies
2) Design criteria used
3) Calculations (may be included in appendices)
4) Equipment capacities and description

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j. Exit Light and Emergency Lighting Systems
1) Description
2) Typical location of exit lights and emergency lighting systems
3) Design criteria
4) Calculations (equivalencies and variances)
k. Emergency Power Supply
1) Description
2) Capacities
3) Calculations (may be included in appendices)
l. Fire Department Access Description and location of street hydrant and BFP
station
m. Other issues not discussed above including elevator recall and use of elevators
for evacuation
SECTION 9.0.3.3 FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE AND COMMISSIONING REPORT (FSCCR)
A. Prior to the beneficial occupancy of the newly constructed, altered, or modified
buildings, one (1) set of FSCCR together with Certificate of Completion of Construction
duly signed by the Contractor/Construction Manager and his/her Fire Safety Practitioner
shall be submitted to the C/MFM having jurisdiction by the building owner. The FSCCR
shall contain a certification that the plans and specifications prescribed in the FSCR for
Building Permit was duly implemented. For modifications made, a detailed compilation of
plans, specifications 27 and design analysis of the implemented changes shall be reflected
in the “as-built” plans. The FSCCR is a prerequisite for granting of FSIC for Occupancy.
B. The contractor, construction manager or person in charge of the construction and
his/her fire safety practitioner shall certify that all fire protection and life safety features
indicated in FSCR for Building Permit, including amendments thereto which must be
approved by concerned authorities, have been properly installed and implemented. They
shall also certify that the building complies with the fire safety requirements of RA 9514
and its RIRR.
C. The FSCCR shall contain among others the following;
1. Short Description of the Project
2. Statement and Description of the Changes made in the design, plans and
specifications (if applicable).

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 3. Standards Used for Authorized Changes
4. Certification that fire safety features included in FSCR for Building Permit have
been implemented, including approved amendments thereto and that the completed
building complies with RA 9514 and its RIRR.
5. Testing and Commissioning Certificates for all systems.
6. Close-out documents (shall be signed by Installing Contractor Professional
Engineer or Architect)
a. “As-built” Plan
b. Calculations
c. Specifications
d. Test Report e. Product Data Sheet and Material Test Certificate
SECTION 9.0.3.4 FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE REPORT (FSMR)
A. The building owner shall submit to the C/MFM having jurisdiction, one (1) set
of FSMR duly signed by the Building Administrator and his/her Fire Safety Practitioner
during the regular annual fire safety inspection. FSMR is a prerequisite for the issuance
of FSIC for Business or Mayor’s Permit renewal, Certificate of Annual Inspection, Permit
to Operate, PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License to Operate and other
permits or licenses being issued by other government agencies. The FSMR shall contain
among others:
1. The detailed report on conducted annual maintenance of all installed fire safety
and protection systems duly certified by the building fire safety practitioner/safety
officer or a third-party consultant specializing in said installation.
2. Fire safety lectures, drills and preparedness activities conducted within the year.
B. The building owner or his/her authorized representative, registered business owner
(tenant) or his/her authorized representative, or their building administrator and his/her
fire safety practitioner shall certify that all fire safety issues are addressed and that all
required fire safety systems are installed and maintained as prescribed in RA 9514 and
its RIRR and other applicable laws. They shall also keep an updated record of regular
inspection, scheduled testing and/or regular preventive maintenance to ensure proper
operational condition.
C. The FSMR shall contain among others the following:
1. Short Description of Building or Facilities
2. Statement of Testing and Maintenance Standards Used

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 3. Discussions of Fire Protection and Life Safety Issues
a. Exit and Egress
1) Number of active exits
2) Maintenance records done on egress component such as doors
and enclosed stairways
b. Fire Suppression
1) Maintenance and testing records done on fire pumps, sprinkler
system, portable extinguishers, standpipes and other fire
suppression systems
2) Results of annual fire pump flow tests, annual main drain tests,
and water flow tests for standpipe; submit other test results as
appropriate
c. Fire Detection, Alarm Communication and Evaluation System Testing and
maintenance records done on the components of the detection and alarm
system including the fire alarm control panel.
d. Smoke Control Management (if applicable) Maintenance and testing
records of the various component of the smoke management system.
Include test records for pressurization fans for flows and fan controls.
e. Emergency Power Supply Maintenance and testing records of the system
components of the emergency power supply.
f. other testing and maintenance records, including test results of the
elevator recall system.
g. Other applicable systems
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.
DIVISION 4. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE SECTION
9.0.4.1 FSIC AS A PREREQUISITE FOR ISSUANCE OF PERMIT/LICENSE Upon compliance
of the fire safety requirements under Rule 10 of this RIRR, a Fire Safety Inspection
Certificate (FSIC) shall be issued by the C/MFM having jurisdiction as a prerequisite for
the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, Business Permits or Permit to Operate, licenses
and other permits issued by the following:

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 A. Local Government Units (LGUs);
B. Office of The Building Official (OBO);
C. PhilHealth Accreditation for Hospitals;
D. Department of Health (DOH);
E. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and other similar entities; and
F. Other government agencies
SECTION 9.0.4.2 DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
The documents required for the processing of FSEC, FSIC and other clearances being
issued by the BFP shall be in accordance with its Citizen’s Charter.
DIVISION 5. FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE Fire Safety Clearance (FSC) for stand-alone
applications shall be required for the storage, handling and transportation of hazardous
materials, and hazardous operations and processes, as may be prescribed in other
provisions of this RIRR. Likewise, installation clearance shall be required for the
installation of fire safety and warning systems and building services equipment. All issued
FSC, except installation clearance, to business establishments shall be renewed before
the issuance of FSIC for Business Permit.
DIVISION 6. FIRE INSURANCE DATA REQUIRED
All persons having fire insurance coverage on their properties and/or business shall
submit a certified true copy of all coverages currently in effect, including subsequent
and/or additional policies to the C/MFM having jurisdiction not later than ten (10) days
after receipt of the document from any insurance company. Exempted from this
requirement are owners of detached single or two -family dwellings actually being used
for residential occupancy.

UNIT M4. The Fire Safety Measures on selected division

CHAPTER 2. FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES DIVISION
1. SCOPE
A. This Chapter deals with life safety from fire and like emergencies in buildings,
structures and facilities. It covers construction, protection and occupancy features to
minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes before buildings are vacated.
It also discusses procedures and guidelines in fire drills required for all types of
occupancies to prevent panic in times of emergencies. It specifies the number, size, and
arrangement of means of egress sufficient to permit prompt and safe escape of occupants

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from buildings, or structures or facilities in case of fire or other conditions dangerous to
life and property.
B. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prohibit a better type of design, building
construction, more exits, or otherwise safer conditions than the requirements specified in
this Chapter.
C. Nothing in this Rule is intended to prevent the use of new methods or devices, provided
sufficient technical data are submitted to demonstrate that the new method or device is
equivalent in quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to that
prescribed by this Rule.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy shall be
provided with exits sufficient to permit the fast and safe escape of occupants in case of
fire or other emergencies. The design of exits and other fire safety construction shall be
such that reliance for safety of life in case of fire or other emergencies will not depend
solely on any single fire safety construction. Additional safeguards shall be provided for
life safety in case any single safeguard is ineffective due to some human or mechanical
failure.
B. Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed, equipped, maintained and
operated to avoid danger to lives and ensure safety of its occupants from fire, smoke,
vapor and fumes, during the period of escape from the building or structure.
C. Every building or structure shall be provided with exits of kind, number, location and
capacity appropriate to the individual building or structure, with due regard for the
character of the occupancy, the number of persons exposed, the fire protection available
and the height and type of construction of the building or structure, to afford all occupants
convenient facilities for escape.
D. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be arranged and maintained to provide free
and unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all times. No lock or fastening device
that would prevent escape from the inside of any building shall be installed except in
mental, penal, or correctional institutions where personnel are continually on duty and
effective provisions are made to evacuate occupants in case of fire or other emergencies.
E. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the exit shall be conspicuously marked
in such a manner that every occupant of a building or structure will readily know the
direction of escape. Each route of escape, in its entirety, shall be so arranged or marked
that the way to a place of safety outside is unmistakable. Any doorway not constituting
an exit shall be marked to minimize its possible confusion as an exit. Likewise, passage
constituting a way to reach an exit shall be marked to minimize confusion.

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F. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate and reliable illumination.
G. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in every building or structure of such
size, arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate warning to occupants.
H. Every building or structure, section, or area thereof of such size, occupancy and
arrangement such that the reasonable safety of a number of occupants may be
endangered by the blocking of any single means of egress due to fire or smoke, shall
have at least two means of egress remote from each other, so arranged as to minimize
any possibility that both may be blocked by any one fire or other emergency conditions.
I. Every vertical way of exit and other vertical openings between floors of a building shall
be suitably enclosed or protected to afford reasonable safety of occupants while using
exits and to prevent spread of fire, smoke, or fumes through vertical openings from floor
to floor before occupants have entered exits.
J. Required Fire Safety Programs/Measures In addition to the requirements, lessees or
occupants of buildings, structures or facilities shall observe all pertinent fire safety
measures.
1. All occupants or lessees of buildings, structures or facilities shall organize themselves,
and develop and implement fire safety programs to include among others, fire prevention
in the premises, notification of the BFP on the existence of fire, evacuation of persons
and initial firefighting. The building owner shall take the initiative of formulating the fire
safety program for his/her building and of organizing the occupants to implement the
programs.
2. In buildings, leased to and used by one (1) or several companies or persons, the
management of each company or each person shall be responsible for fire safety
measures within the leased or occupied areas. The building owner shall be responsible
for the common areas in the building such as the means of egress, utilities and building
services equipment or systems.
3. In building structures or facilities, such as condominium and the like, where some units
of the building are not yet sold, the provisions of para 2 above shall apply. When all
condominium units have been sold, responsibility for fire safety measures in the common
areas such as the means of egress, utilities, building equipment/system and the building
as a whole, shall devolve jointly upon all individual unit owners, occupants and building
administrators.
K. Compliance with this Chapter shall not be construed as eliminating or reducing the
necessity of complying with other provisions for safety of persons using a structure under
normal occupancy conditions. Also, no provision of RA 9514 and its RIRR shall be
construed as requiring or permitting any condition that might be hazardous under normal
occupancy conditions.

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L. Construction and Repair Operations
1. New Construction
a. No building or structure under construction shall be occupied in whole
or in part until all required means of egress required for the part to be occupied are
completed, inspected and approved for occupancy.
b. Adequate escape facilities shall be maintained at all times in buildings
under construction for the use of construction workers. These facilities shall consist of
doors, walkways, stairs, ramps, fire escapes, or other arrangements in accordance with
the general guidelines of RA 9514 and its RIRR in so far as they can be reasonably applied
to buildings under construction.
2. Repairs or Alterations
a. Existing buildings may be occupied during repairs or alterations provided
that all existing fire protection systems/devices are continuously maintained or, in lieu
thereof, other measures are taken to provide equivalent safety.
b. Flammable or explosive substances or equipment necessary for the
repair or alteration of a building or structure may be introduced therein while it is
occupied, only if the conditions of use and the safeguards provided will not create any
additional danger or impair the use of the means of egress.
M. Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic kitchen hood fire suppression in
accordance with internationally recognized standards.
DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY
A. A building or structure, or portion of buildings or structure, shall be classified as
follows:
1. Assembly
a. Assembly occupancies include, but are not limited to, all buildings or portions
of buildings 1) used for gathering fifty (50) or more persons for such purposes as
deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting
transportation, or similar uses; and 2) used as special amusement buildings.
b. Assembly occupancies include theaters; assembly halls; auditoriums; exhibition
halls; museums; restaurants; drinking establishments; places of worship; classrooms of
fifty (50)persons and over capacity; libraries; Internet shops of over fifty (50) persons
capacity; dance halls; clubrooms; skating rinks; gymnasiums; cockpit arenas; bowling
facilities; pool rooms; passenger stations and terminals of air, surface, underground, and
marine public transportation facilities; recreational facilities; piers; courtrooms;
conference rooms; mortuary chapels or funeral homes; and special amusement buildings.

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 c. Restaurants and drinking establishments with an occupant load of less than
fifty (50) persons shall be classified as mercantile occupancies.
d. Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes by less than fifty (50)
persons in a building of other occupancy and incidental to such other occupancy shall be
classified as part of the other occupancy and subject to the provisions applicable thereto.
2. Educational
a. Educational occupancies include all buildings or portions thereof used for
gathering of six (6) or more persons for purposes of instruction.
b. Educational occupancies include schools, universities, colleges, academies, and
kindergartens.
c. Other occupancies associated with educational institutions shall be in
accordance with the appropriate parts of this Chapter.
d. In case where instruction is incidental to some other occupancy, the Section of
the Chapter governing such other occupancy shall apply.
3. Day Care
a. Day care occupancies include buildings, or portions thereof, in which four (4)
or more clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision, by other than their relatives
or legal guardians, for less than twenty-four (24) hours per day.
b. Day care occupancies include adult day care centers, except where part of
health care occupancies; child day care centers; day care homes; kindergarten classes
that are incidental to a child day care occupancy; and nursery schools.
4. Health Care
a. Health care facilities are those used for purposes of medical or other treatment
or care of persons, where such occupants are mostly incapable of self-preservation
because of age, physical or mental disability, or because of security measures not under
the occupants’ control.
b. Health care facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, and birth centers.
5. Residential Board and Care
a. Residential board and care buildings are those used for lodging and boarding of
four (4) or more residents, not related by blood or marriage to the owners or operators,
for the purpose of providing personal care services.
b. Residential Board and Care include:

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 1) Group housing arrangement for physically or mentally handicapped
persons who normally attend school in the community, attend worship in the
community, or otherwise use community facilities.
2) Group housing arrangement for physically or mentally handicapped
persons who are undergoing training in preparation for independent living, for paid
employment, or for other normal community activities.
3) Group housing arrangement for the elderly that provides personal care
services but that does not provide nursing care.
4) Facilities for social rehabilitation, alcoholism, drug abuse, or mental
health problems that contain a group housing arrangement and that provide
personal care services but do not provide acute care.
5) Assisted living facilities.
6) Other group housing arrangements that provide personal care services
but not nursing care.
6. Detention and Correctional
a. Detention and correctional buildings are those used to house one (1) or more
persons under varied degrees of restraint or security where such occupants are mostly
incapable of self-preservation because of security measures not under the occupants’
control.
b. Detention and correctional occupancies shall include those used for purposes
such as adult correctional institutions, adult or youth detention facilities, adult community
residential centers, adult work camps, youth rehabilitation center, and adult and juvenile
substance abuse centers, and other similar facilities where occupants are confined or
housed under some degree of restraint or security.
7. Residential
a. Residential occupancies are those occupancies in which sleeping
accommodations are provided for normal residential purposes and include all buildings
designed to provide sleeping accommodation.
b. Residential buildings, structures or facilities are treated separately in this Rule
in the following groups: hotels, motels, apartelles, pension houses, inns, apartments,
condominiums, dormitories, lodging or rooming houses, and single and two -family
dwellings, and the likes.
8. Mercantile

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 a. Mercantile occupancies include stores, markets, and other rooms, buildings, or
structures for the display and/or sale of merchandise.
b. Mercantile occupancies include malls, supermarkets, department stores,
shopping centers, flea markets, restaurants of less than fifty (50) persons capacity,
public/private dry and wet markets, water refilling stations, drugstores,
hardware/construction supplies, showrooms, and auction rooms.
c. Minor merchandising operation in building predominantly of other occupancies,
such as newsstand in an office building, shall be subject to the exit requirements of the
predominant occupancy.
d. Office, storage, and service facilities incidental to the sale of merchandise and
located in the same building should be considered part of the mercantile occupancy
classification.
9. Business
a. Business buildings are those used for the transaction of business other than that
covered under Mercantile, for the keeping of accounts and records, and similar purposes.
b. Included in this occupancy group are offices for lawyers, doctors, dentists and
other professionals, general offices, city/municipal halls, business process outsourcing
(BPO), call centers, Internet shops, massage parlors, beauty parlors, barbershops of less
than fifty (50) occupants, and court houses.
c. Minor office occupancy incidental to operations in other occupancy shall be
considered as a part of the dominant occupancy and shall be subject to the provisions of
the Chapter applying to the dominant occupancy.
10. Industrial
Industrial occupancies include factories that make products of all kinds and
properties which shall include but not be limited to product processing, assembling and
disassembling, mixing, packaging, finishing or decorating, repairing, and material
recovery, including factories of all kinds, laboratories, dry cleaning plants, power plants,
pumping stations, smokehouses, gas plants, refineries, sawmills, laundries, and
creameries.
11. Storage
a. Storage occupancy includes all buildings or structures utilized primarily for the
storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, or animals. Included in
this occupancy group are warehouses, cold storages, freight terminals, truck and marine
terminals, bulk oil storage, LPG storage, parking garages, hangars, grain elevators, barns,
and stables.

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 b. Minor storage incidental to other occupancy shall be treated as part of the other
occupancy.
12. Mixed Occupancies
a. Refers to two (2) or more classes of occupancies occurring, located, situated,
existing in the same building and/or structures so intermingled that separate safeguards
are impracticable.
b. The means of egress shall be sufficient to meet exit requirements for the
occupants of each individual room or section, and for the maximum occupant load of the
entire building. Fire safety construction, protective and warning systems, and other
safeguards shall meet the most stringent requirements of the occupancy involved.
13. Special Structures
This class of occupancy includes buildings or structures which cannot be properly
classified in any of the preceding occupancy groups. Such special buildings and structures
shall conform to the fundamental guidelines provided for in Division 2 and to any specific
provisions applicable thereto in Division 19 both of this Chapter.
B. In case of conflict as to the type or classification of occupancy, the same shall be
determined by the C/MFM having jurisdiction.
DIVISION 4. HAZARD OF BUILDINGS
SECTION 10.2.4.1 GENERAL
A. For purposes of this Chapter, the degree of hazard shall be the relative danger of the
start and spread of fire, the generation of smoke or gases, and the danger of explosion
or other occurrences potentially endangering the lives and safety of the occupants of the
building or structure due to the nature of the contents or processes/operations therein.
B. The degree of fire hazard shall be determined by the C/MFM having jurisdiction on the
basis of the nature, character of the contents, and the process or operations being
conducted in the building or structure: Provided, however, that where the flame spread
rating of the interior finish or other features of the building or structure are such as to
involve a fire hazard greater than the hazard of contents, the greater degree of fire hazard
shall govern, except if such hazardous areas are segregated or protected as specified in
Section 10.2.6.10 of this RIRR and the applicable Sections of Divisions 8 through 20 of
this Chapter.
SECTION 10.2.4.2 CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD OF CONTENTS
The hazard of contents of any building or structure shall be classified as follows:

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A. Low Hazard Those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein can
occur and that, consequently, the only probable danger requiring the use of emergency
exits will be from panic, fumes or smoke or fire from some external source.
B. Moderate Hazard Those which are liable to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off
a considerable volume of smoke but from which neither poisonous fumes nor explosions
are to be expected in the event of fire.
C. High Hazard Those which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from which
poisonous gases or explosions are to be expected in the event of fire.
DIVISION 5. MEANS OF EGRESS SECTION
10.2.5.1 APPLICATION
A. Means of egress for both new and existing buildings shall comply with this Division
except as may be modified for individual occupancies by Divisions 8 through 20 of this
Chapter.
B. Any change, alteration or addition that would reduce the means of egress below the
requirements for new buildings is prohibited.
SECTION 10.2.5.2 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Permissible Exit Components An exit shall consist of the approved components that
are described, regulated, and limited as to use by Sections 10.2.5.3 through 10.2.5.13 of
this RIRR. Exit components shall be constructed as an integral part of the building or shall
be permanently affixed thereto.
B. Protective Enclosure of Exit
1. When an exit is required to be protected by separation from other parts of the
building by some requirements of this RIRR, the construction of the separation shall meet
the following requirements:
a. The separation shall have at least one (1) hour fire resistance rating when
the exit connects three (3) storeys or less, regardless of whether the storeys connected
are above or below the storey at which the exit discharge begins.
b. The separation shall have at least two (2) hours fire resistance rating
when the exit connects four (4) or more storeys, whether above or below the floor of
discharge. It shall be constructed of noncombustible materials and shall be supported by
construction having at least a two-hour (2-hr) fire resistance rating.
c. Any opening in the separation wall/construction shall be protected by an
approved self-closing fire resistive door.

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 d. Openings in exit enclosure shall be confined to those necessary for access
to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the enclosure.
2. No exit enclosure shall be used for any purpose other than for means of egress.
C. Capacity of Means of Egress
1. The egress capacity for approved components of means of egress shall be based on
the capacity factors shown in Table 1A, Capacity Factors.

V. The Fire Fighting Operations on Selected Installation /Facility/Building/Structure

Firefighting has been and always be main objectives of fire protection. A well manned,
well equipped and well-trained fire department provides a solid based upon which
effective firefighting depends. The strategy and tactics used to suppress fire evolved from
this manner.
The strategy used in firefighting operation:
1. Initial Procedures:
a. Sounding the alarm – the crew member who receive the fire alarm must sound
the alarm promptly.
b. The crewman who sounds the alarm must be sure to give the exact location of
the fire, information regarding the type of fire. The exact location may indicate the need
of fast and immediate response.
2. Firefighting procedures/strategy:
A. Size-up the evaluation and observation of the fire scene on the following:
a1. Class of fire – combustible materials are burning.
a2. The appropriate extinguishing agent to be used
a3. The appropriate methods of attack
a4. How to prevent the extension of fire
a5. The required manpower, assignment and equipment.
B. Attack – the method of action to gain immediate control to prevent or minimize
the extension of fire to exposures.
Methods of attack:
b1. Direct Method

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 b2. Indirect Method
C. Ventilation – a method used for clearing the building of smoke and gases,
localize the fire and reduce smoke and forcible entry damage.
Methods of Ventilations:
c1. Vertical Ventilation – the method used to establish an opening on the
highest point of the affected area of the building.
c2. Cross or Horizontal Ventilation – a method used to clear the building
one floor at a time. An opening should begin at the leeward side of the building. Windows
are the easiest and generally most available for the common types of building, but the
indiscriminate opening of windows and doors can defeat the purpose of ventilation.
C3. Mechanical or Forced Ventilation – a process or method using a device
such as smoke ejector to remove faster excessive heat and dense smoke in a confined
building.
D. Extinguishment – an action/method performed by firefighters in putting off the
fire by means of extinguishing agent, such as; water, chemical and foam.
E. Rescue – any action taken by the firefighters to remove occupants/persons from
a building, hazard area to a safe place.
F. Overhaul – a complete and detailed check of the structures and materials
involved in the fire to make sure that every spark and ember has been extinguished and
there is no possibility of re-ignition.
G. Salvage – a method used in preventing excessive damage caused by fire, smoke
and water.
Additional BASIC TACTICS used in Firefighting Operation:
1. Locate the Fire – locating the fire sounds like a simple matter. In an open lumber
yard where flames are reaching for the sky, it is a simple matter. But finding or locating
fire in a room in cellar of a three-storey dormitory or building which is filled with dense
some is not an easy task.
2. Confine the Fire – confining the fire is the next step in strategy. The judgement,
skill and experience must be used to the utmost to determine whether or not the fire is
to be routine or a disaster. Confining the fire simply means to restrict its spread to its
point of origin or at least to the area involved.
3. Extinguish the fire – Extinguishing the fire may take as little water as that use
in a booster line, or it may take thousands of gallons played through heavy appliance.

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The decision rest upon the judgement, skill, training and experience of the officer-in-
charge.
Factors to be considered in Extinguishment:
1. Time of Day
a. the hour of the day can have a direct bearing on the life and fire hazards
involved.
b. Time also has direct bearing on the speed of the respo0nse of firefighting and
rescue vehicles.
c. During hours of darkness, special lighting equipment may be needed. Night
operations may require auxiliary firefighting personnel.
2. Weather
Some of the weather factors that must be considered:
a. Temperature
b. Humidity
c. Wind and precipitation
The direction of wind determines where the greatest exposure dangers are
located. High humidity means a smokey fire and difficulty in operating in the building
without thorough ventilation. In a situation where pungent fumes are encountered, more
additional hardship and danger for the firefighters operating and fighting fire in the street
and particularly in narrow alleys at the rear or sides of the building on fire.
In this type of fire situation, it is frequently impossible to get in close enough to
do inside work, and it is necessary to operate from the outside of the building unless
suitable respiratory protection is provided.
There are also other factors such as excavation or other obstruction in the street
in the immediate neighborhood of the fire that may have a direct bearing upon the
operation of the fire department, as well as the amount of apparatus and personnel that
will be needed.
The Fire
Factors to be evaluated at the fire scene:
a. Extent of fire
b. Location in the building
c. Type of contents involved

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 d. Life hazard
e. Fire conditions
f. Type of construction
3. Occupancy
Determine the number of people that that occupy the building, including the
materials that are found in it. Also note the nature of the units occupying the building.
H. Exposures – an action perf
Type of Exposures
1. Fire Exposures – refers to then property exposed to the fire, such as property
directly across alleys or besides the fire building.
2. Life Exposures – refers to the danger to the lives of the occupants of any building
that is in line with the travel of dangerous fumes or gases thrown off by the fire as well
as to the occupants of any building that is seriously exposed to the fire from the building
on fire. All firefighting actions (tactics) stem from this basic strategy.

TEXBOOK AND REFERENCES/ SUGGESTED READING/ PRINTED LEARNING MATERIALS:

1. R.A. 9514, The New Fire Code of the Philippines, Rev 2019
2. Leonardo A. Bustria, Fire Behavior and Arson Investigation, Third Edition 2021
3. Joner C Villaluz RCrim Ph.D, FINSP RODOLFO ALOCELJA, RCrim CSP

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