Fire Code of the Philippines RULE 1-8

1. The Implementing
Rules and
Regulations of
Republic Act 9514

2. Rule 1. Interpretation
“It is the policy of the State to ensure public
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.”

3. Rule 2. Coverage
A. All persons;
B. All private and public buildings, facilities or
structures and their premises erected or
constructed before and after the effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical,
electronics and electrical system relative to fire
protection;

4. D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use, and
transportation of explosives, combustible, flammable liquids
and gases, toxics and other hazardous materials and
operations, and their wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair,
maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or
vessels docked at piers or wharves or anchored in seaports;
and
H. Petroleum industry installations.

5. Rule 3. Definition of Terms
1. The Administration and Enforcement of the Fire
Code and it’s IRR shall be under the direct supervision and
control of the Chief, BFP, through the hierarchy of
organization as provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act
No. 6975, the DILG Reorganization Act of 1990 as
amended by Republic Act No. 9263, the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP) Professionalization Act of 2004;
Rule 4. Authority of the Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection

6. 2. The Authority of the Chief, BFP subject to
approval of SILG includes the following:
A. Issue implementing rules and regulations;
B. Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and
appropriate;
C. Enter into long term agreement;
D. Enter into Memorandum of Agreement.

7. 3. The Specific Authority of the Chief, BFP, includes:
A. To support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire
volunteer organizations in the country;
B. Enter into external party agreements for the conduct of
trainings, education and evaluation of fire volunteers, practitioners and fire
volunteer organizations;
C. Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies;
D. Designate Fire Safety Inspectors (FSI) through his/her duly
authorized representative:
E. Issue Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) as a pre-requisite
to the grants of permits and/or licences by the local government and other
governments and other government agencies concerned;

8. F. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure,
installation or premises for dangerous or hazardous conditions or
materials as set forth in the Fire Code and this IRR, 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.
The Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative shall order
the owner/occupant to remove hazardous operations/processes in
accordance with the standards set by the Fire Code and this IRR or
other pertinent laws;
G. Order the owner/occupant of any building or structure to
summarily abate conditions that are deemed hazardous to life and
property;

9. H. Require the building owner/occupant to submit
plans and specifications, and other pertinent documents
of said building to ensure compliance with applicable
codes and standards; and
I. 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, permits and/or clearances or certifications
as approved by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized
representative. The notices shall state the nature of the
violation and no work shall be continued on that portion
until the violation has been corrected.

10. This Rules speaks of the authority of the Chief, BFP, to
reorganize the BFP and the establishment of the BFP technical staff
of highly qualified persons who are knowledgeable on the fire
prevention, fire safety and fire suppression. This Technical Staff may
be drawn from the following:
A. Organic members of the BFP;
B. Other government offices and agencies; and
C. Other sources.
In case of paragraph “B” and/or “C” above, members may
either be appointed into the service or hire as consultants in
accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
Rule 5. BFP Reorganization and Professionalization

11. Rule 6 of the IRR provides for the provisions on Fire
Brigades, Fire Volunteer Organizations and Fire Safety
Practitioners. What is new here is the provision which
provides that during fire operations, the fire volunteer is
under the direct control and supervision of he Fire Ground
Commander of the BFP.
Rule 7 is a new provision of the Fire Code which
provides for the authority of the BFP to call on the Police
and Other Law Enforcement Agency to render assistance;

12. For the PNP:
A. During actual fire fighting operations and fire scene
investigations;
B. Business closure and summary abatement proceedings;
C. Installation of signs that the building/structure is a fire hazard
and or/fire trap
D. Obstruction of designated fire lanes and fire hydrants;
E. Apprehension of violators/persons removing, destroying,
tampering or obliterating warning signs and similar abatement
appurtenances; and
F. Such other duties and functions of the BFP which would
essentially require police assistance.

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

14. Other Law Enforcement Agencies:
Such as but limited to, National Bureau of Investigation and
Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory shall, upon request,
accommodate and render necessary assistance on the following
function of the BFP:
A. Laboratory /physical examinations of the pieces of
evidence gathered in the fire scene and submit the result thereof to
the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized representative, as the case
maybe;
B. In the Investigation, and prosecution of arson cases,
appear as expert witness thereof;
C. Such other duties and functions of the BFP which require
their expertise.