The In's and Outs of Commercial Fire Regulations
If you own or manage a commercial building in Whangārei, fire safety is one responsibility you can’t afford to ignore. It’s not just about ticking boxes for compliance, but about protecting lives, property, and your business’s future.
According to Fire and Emergency NZ, building owners and landlords are legally required to take proactive steps to prevent fires and ensure occupants can respond safely if one occurs. Here’s what that means in practice.
Fire Detection and Suppression
Every commercial property must be equipped with working fire detection and suppression systems. This includes smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, hose reels, and in some cases, sprinkler systems.
These systems need to be regularly serviced and maintained by qualified professionals. If they fail during an emergency, the consequences can be devastating. It’s also good practice to ensure staff or tenants understand how to use fire extinguishers correctly.
Evacuation Procedures
Having a clear, easy-to-follow evacuation plan is essential. The plan should outline how people will safely exit the building in the event of a fire. Certain types of buildings, such as early childhood centres, rest homes, and health facilities, require trained staff on-site to assist in evacuations. Even in standard commercial properties, evacuation drills should be carried out regularly, and plans reviewed to ensure they remain practical and up to date.
Clear Escape Routes
Blocked exits are one of the most common and preventable fire safety risks. Escape routes should always be kept clear of obstacles, and flammable materials must be stored well away from exit paths. This includes not storing items in hallways or placing rubbish bins near emergency exits.
Safe Storage of Flammables
If your building handles or stores flammable substances like solvents, fuels, or cleaning chemicals, these must be stored in appropriate containers and well away from ignition sources. Waste should also be managed carefully. Rubbish bins should be stored at a safe distance from the building and never allowed to block access to detection systems or exits.
Appliance Safety
All electrical and gas appliances in the building must be regularly maintained. Faulty appliances are a leading cause of fires in commercial spaces. Make sure appliances are fit for purpose, safe to use, and inspected at recommended intervals. Don’t ignore signs of damage or wear, because early intervention can prevent disaster.
Open Flames and Heating
If your property uses open flames, fireplaces, or heating systems, these must be operated with care. Flames should always be kept well away from anything combustible and never left unattended. Fireplaces and similar features must meet current safety standards and be professionally maintained.
Legal Compliance
As a building owner or landlord, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring your property complies with New Zealand’s fire safety laws. This includes having the right systems in place, up-to-date evacuation plans, and meeting any Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) requirements your property may fall under.
If you’re unsure whether your building is fully compliant, Fireco can help. Our experienced team provides IQP inspections, BWOF support, equipment servicing, and complete fire safety assessments tailored to the needs of Northland businesses.
A Safer Building Starts With You
Fire safety is an ongoing responsibility, and staying on top of your obligations creates a safer environment for everyone who enters your building.
If it’s time for a fire safety review, or if you need help understanding your responsibilities, get in touch with Fireco. We work with commercial property owners across Whangārei and Northland to make compliance easy and peace of mind part of the package. Get in touch with the Fireco team to make your commercial fire safety simple.
