RA 9514 Fire Code IRR, 2019 revision
The file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf is the Bureau of Fire Protection's Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Fire Code of the Philippines. Download it from the BFP. This page says what is in it.
Written for the Philippines. Every rule below is quoted from the 2019 IRR with its section and printed page.
Get the IRR from bfp.gov.ph What the 14 Rules cover
The BFP's file is 448 pages and about 24 MB, so it is slow on mobile data. The BFP website sometimes asks a visitor to pass a check before it loads. This site does not host a copy: the cover says the book is published and distributed by the BFP alone, and the BFP's page is where any later revision will appear.
What RA 9514 is
RA 9514 is the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008. It replaced Presidential Decree No. 1185. The IRR is the BFP's rulebook for enforcing it, and the 2019 edition is the revised one. The IRR opens with the policy it is read by:
"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." (Rule 1, quoting Section 2 of RA 9514, page 1)
It covers, in its own words (Rule 2, Coverage, page 1):
- All persons, either natural or juridical
- All buildings, facilities or structures and their premises, erected or constructed before and after the effectivity hereof
- Design and installation of mechanical, electronics and electrical systems relative to fire protection
- 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 wastes
- Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition
- Fire protective and warning equipment or systems
- All land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves or anchored in seaports
- Petroleum industry installations
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
The papers every building needs: FSEC and FSIC
For most readers this is the part of the Fire Code that matters. A building cannot be occupied and a business cannot open without a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate:
"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." (Rule 9, Division 1 B, page 23)
C/MFM is the IRR's short form for the city or municipal fire marshal.
| Paper | When | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| FSEC Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance | Before the building permit | "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." Rule 9, Division 1 C, page 23. |
| FSIC Fire Safety Inspection Certificate for Occupancy | Before the certificate of occupancy | "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." Section 9.0.2.3 A, page 24. |
| FSIC Fire Safety Inspection Certificate for a business | Before the business or mayor's permit | "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)." Section 9.0.2.4 A.1, page 24. |
The IRR does not list the documents to bring. It sends you to the BFP's Citizen's Charter: "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." (Section 9.0.4.2, page 28). Ask at the fire station for your city or municipality, which is the office that issues both papers.
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
What the Fire Code asks of a house
Most of the IRR is about larger buildings. Detached single and two-family houses get one short section of their own, Section 10.2.14.6, page 115 and page 116. Where a house is only a house, the IRR says these are the only requirements that apply. The headings are ours; the quoted rules are the IRR's.
- Two ways out of the main rooms "In any dwelling of more than two (2) rooms, every room used for sleeping, living or dining purposes shall have at least two (2) means of escape, at least one (1) of which shall be a door or stairway providing a means of unobstructed travel to the outside of the building at street or ground level." (page 115)
- No bedroom reached only by a ladder "No room or space shall be occupied for living or sleeping purposes which is accessible only by a ladder, folding stairs or through a trap door." (page 115)
- A window that opens in each bedroom "Every sleeping room shall have at least one (1) outside window. Such window could be opened from the inside, without the use of tools, keys or special effort or knowledge to provide a clear opening of not less than five hundred sixty millimeters (560 mm) in width and eight hundred millimeters (800 mm) in height." (page 115)
- Bathroom locks that open from outside "Every bathroom door lock shall be designed to permit the opening of the locked door from the outside in an emergency." (page 115)
- Closets a child can open from inside "Every closet door latch shall be such that children can open the door from inside the closet." (page 115)
- No stove blocking the way out "No heating equipment such as stove or combustion heater shall be so located as to block escape in case of fire arising from malfunctioning of the stove or heater." (page 115)
- A smoke or heat detector "Each living unit or sleeping room shall be installed with single-station smoke or heat detectors." (page 116)
- A fire extinguisher "Each single and two-family dwelling shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers in accordance with Section 10.2.6.9 of this RIRR." (page 116)
Which extinguisher, how to check it and how to use it are on their own pages: types and classes of fire, inspection, tags and mounting height and how to use one.
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
The 13 prohibited acts
Rule 11 lists thirteen acts and omissions, lettered A to M (Section 11.0.0.1, page 331 and page 332). Several are things that happen in ordinary homes and shops, not only in factories: a padlocked exit, a jumper on the meter, a gate that blocks a fire truck.
- A. Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly marked for fire safety purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms, any part of stairways, hallways, corridors, vestibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any kind, or tolerating or allowing said violations
- B. Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components and yards, and temporary or permanent structures on public ways, which obstruct the orderly and easy passage of firefighting vehicles and equipment
- C. Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the Fire Service, or of duly organized and authorized fire brigades
- D. Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants
- E. Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in movie houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except in other assembly areas on the ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient to provide safe exits
- F. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building
- G. Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke partitions or dampers
- H. Use of fire protective of firefighting equipment of the Fire Service other than for firefighting except in other emergencies where their use are justified
- I. Giving false or malicious fire alarms
- J. Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by Fire Service, or throwing of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire
- K. Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner without appropriate safety measures
- L. Removing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark, seal, sign or tag posted or required by the Fire Service for fire safety in any building, structure or processing equipment
- M. Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical system beyond its designated capacity or such other practices that would tend to undermine the fire safety features of the electrical system
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
What happens after a failed inspection
A fine comes only after a chance to fix the problem. The IRR says the violator "shall first be informed of his/her violation/s and ordered to correct the same" and that a re-inspection decides whether a fine follows (Section 13.0.0.1 A, page 343). If the problem is still there, the fire marshal moves up one step at a time:
From a failed inspection to a closed building
Section 13.0.0.4 of the IRR, pages 344 and 345. After the first, each step follows a re-inspection that finds the last order not complied with. The order is the IRR's; the short names are ours.
- 1 Notice to Comply
- "Such Notice shall include, among others, a citation of the specific provision/s of RA 9514 and its RIRR violated and the specific actions/corrections that should be complied for period of not exceeding fifteen (15) days." Section 13.0.0.4 A, page 344.
- 2 Notice to Correct Violation
- "Put up a sign in front of the building or structure that it is a fire hazard ... Impose the corresponding administrative fines; and Issue the Notice to Correct Violation." Section 13.0.0.4 B, page 344.
- 3 Abatement Order
- "Impose the administrative fine for the violation; and Issue abatement order to the owner, administrator or occupant of the building, structure and their premises or facilities for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days." Section 13.0.0.4 C, page 345.
- 4 Closure Order
- "Implement Closure Order after its service to the owner/responsible person in the building/establishment. Copy of the order shall also be sent to the Office of the Mayor and Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) for the revocation of the business permit. Any existing FSIC shall be revoked." Section 13.0.0.4 D, page 345.
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 30 September 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
From the second step, a sign goes up in front of the building reading "WARNING: THIS BUILDING/STRUCTURE IS A FIRE HAZARD" (Section 13.0.0.4 B, page 344). A building bad enough to be called a fire trap is handled under a separate, faster section and declared a public nuisance: "Any building or structure assessed as a fire trap on account of the gravity or palpability of the violation, or is causing clear and present imminent danger to adjoining establishments and habitations shall be declared as public nuisance by the C/MFM having jurisdiction." (Section 13.0.0.5 A, page 345). Its sign reads "FIRETRAP" (page 346).
How long you get to fix it
The time allowed depends on the violation (Section 13.0.0.6, page 346 and page 347). The IRR allows "immediately or within twenty-four (24) hours" for these:
- Blocked exit ways, stairways, hallways and corridors
- Blocked fire lanes or access to a fire hydrant
- Overcrowding beyond the authorized capacity of a public assembly building
- Fire exits locked while people are inside
- Jumpers, tampered wiring or an overloaded electrical system
- False or malicious fire alarms
And "within three (3) days" for these:
- Gates, entrances and walkways that block firefighting vehicles
- A building left by its occupant or owner without appropriate safety measures
- Failure to submit a copy of the fire insurance policy in time
Those are short forms of the IRR's list, which is longer and also covers hazardous materials and hot work. Protesting an order does not pause the clock: "The filing of a protest or an appeal shall in no way stay the running of the period of correction indicated in the Notice to Comply/Correct Violation or Abatement/Closure Order, unless otherwise ordered by the higher authorities to where the protest or appeal is filed." (Section 14.0.0.3, page 351)
The fines themselves are set out in the schedule of fees and fines, Section 12.0.0.4, Schedule of fees and fines, page 333 to page 342. This page does not reprint the amounts. Read them in the PDF, or ask the fire station.
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
How to tell a real fire safety inspector
"Inspection of buildings, structures, facilities and their premises shall be done by duly designated Fire Safety Inspectors (FSI) in distinctive uniform, with proper identification cards and Inspection Orders (IO)." (Section 14.0.0.4 A, page 351)
So a real inspection comes with three things: the BFP uniform, an ID card, and a written Inspection Order. If someone at the door has none of them, call the fire station for your area and ask. The numbers are on the emergency hotlines page.
The same section asks something of everyone else:
"All persons are encouraged to inspect their own premises and to abate any fire hazard therein, as well as take the necessary fire safety precautions." (Section 14.0.0.4 B, page 351)
For a house, the fire safety tips are a place to start.
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
What the 14 Rules cover, and where
Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page, which is what you will find in the paper copy. In the PDF, the main text sits sixty pages later: printed page 1 is PDF page 61. Rule 10 runs to more than 300 pages and holds the technical detail, from exits and stairs to sprinklers, LPG and fireworks. It sorts every building into one of thirteen occupancy types (Rule 10, Division 3, page 31 to page 33): Assembly, Educational, Day care, Health care, Residential board and care, Detention and correctional, Residential, Mercantile, Business, Industrial, Storage, Mixed occupancies, Special structures.
| Rule | Title | Starts on page |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interpretation | 1 |
| 2 | Coverage | 1 |
| 3 | Definition of terms | 1 |
| 4 | Authority of the Chief, BFP | 16 |
| 5 | Fire Code technical staff | 17 |
| 6 | Fire brigades, fire volunteer organizations and fire safety practitioners | 17 |
| 7 | Assistance and support to the BFP | 20 |
| 8 | Fire safety enforcers | 22 |
| 9 | Enforcement and administration of fire safety measures | 23 |
| 10 | Fire safety measures (most of the document) | 29 |
| 11 | Prohibited acts | 331 |
| 12 | Fire Code taxes, fees/charges and fines | 332 |
| 13 | Administrative courses of action | 343 |
| 14 | Miscellaneous provisions | 350 |
This page quotes the 2019 revision as the BFP published it. It has not checked whether the BFP has issued later memoranda that change any of these rules. For an application or a dispute, the BFP's current text and your local fire marshal are the authority. This site is not affiliated with the BFP.
Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines, revised 2019. Read 12 October 2026. Read from the BFP file RA9514-RIRR-rev-2019.pdf. bfp.gov.ph blocks automated readers, so the page may ask a person to pass a check. Page numbers are the ones printed at the foot of each page.
The Fire Code, applied
Four pages on this site quote the same IRR on one subject each.
Fire drill procedure Extinguisher types Extinguisher inspection Extinguisher colour code