RA 9514 — Fire Code of the Philippines - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for the Fire Code of the Philippines — essential laws, requirements, and penalties every BFP candidate must know
Basic Information
Formulas
Fire Code Fee = 0.10% of assessed property value OR 0.10% of capital invested
Meaning
Annual fee collected to fund BFP operations
Watch out
Remember it's 0.10% (one-tenth of one percent), not 1%
When to use
When calculating fees for business permits or property assessments
Common values
Value
0.10%
Symbol
Annual collection rate
Quantity
Fire Code Fee Rate
Value
March
Symbol
Annual observance
Quantity
Fire Prevention Month
Important facts
- Approved: December 19, 2008
- IRR issued in 2009, updated periodically
- Applies to ALL persons, buildings, vehicles in Philippines
- Replaced old Fire Code PD 1185 of 1977
- Strengthened fire prevention mandates and penalties
Key definitions
RA 9514
Example
Current law governing fire prevention and protection
Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, replacing PD 1185 of 1977
FSIC
Example
Mall must get FSIC before opening to public
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate required before business operation or building occupancy
BFP
Example
BFP conducts fire inspections and issues FSIC
Bureau of Fire Protection, primary enforcement agency under DILG
FCIO
Example
FCIO ensures uniform Fire Code enforcement nationwide
Fire Code Implementation Office that coordinates national implementation
Building Classifications
Important facts
- Each classification has specific fire safety requirements
- Exit requirements vary by occupancy type
- Sprinkler systems mandatory for high-risk classifications
- Fire-rated construction required for certain types
Key definitions
Assembly
Example
Movie theater, gymnasium
Buildings for gathering people: theaters, churches, schools
Mercantile
Example
Shopping center, retail store
Commercial buildings for selling goods: stores, malls
Industrial
Example
Factory, manufacturing plant
Manufacturing and processing facilities
Hazardous
Example
Chemical plant, fuel depot
Buildings storing or using dangerous materials
Diagrams to know
- Building classification chart
- Occupancy load calculations
Fire Protection Systems
Important facts
- Portable extinguishers required at specific intervals
- Exit signs must be illuminated with backup power
- Emergency lighting mandatory
- Special suppression (CO2, FM-200) for server rooms
- Fire doors must have self-closing mechanisms
Key definitions
Smoke Detectors
Example
Office buildings, residential units
Required in most occupied spaces for early fire detection
Standpipe System
Example
High-rise building fire fighting system
Vertical pipes with hose connections in tall buildings
Automatic Sprinkler
Example
Mall ceiling sprinkler heads
Water suppression system activated by heat
Fire Alarm Panel
Example
Security guard station monitoring system
Central monitoring system for fire detection devices
Diagrams to know
- Fire protection system layout
- Sprinkler system schematic
Inspections and Compliance
Important facts
- Annual inspections required for FSIC renewal
- Spot inspections based on complaints or risk
- 7-30 days typically given to comply with violations
- Re-inspection required to verify compliance
- Closure orders for serious violations
Key definitions
Pre-construction Review
Example
Architect submits plans to BFP for approval
BFP review of building plans before construction
Pre-occupancy Inspection
Example
New hotel inspection before opening
Final BFP inspection before building occupancy
Notice of Violation
Example
Restaurant blocking fire exit receives NOV
Official document citing Fire Code violations
Diagrams to know
- Inspection process flowchart
- Compliance timeline
Penalties and Violations
Common values
Value
₱50,000
Symbol
Base penalty amount
Quantity
Maximum Administrative Fine
Value
6 months+
Symbol
Criminal violation penalty
Quantity
Maximum Imprisonment
Important facts
- Fines up to ₱50,000 or higher per IRR
- Suspension or revocation of permits possible
- Imprisonment up to 6 months or longer
- Repeated violations escalate penalties
- Arson penalties: reclusion temporal to perpetua
Key definitions
Administrative Fine
Example
Restaurant fined for blocked fire exit
Monetary penalty up to ₱50,000 for Fire Code violations
Criminal Prosecution
Example
Building owner prosecuted for repeated violations
Court case for grave Fire Code violations
Arson
Example
Person deliberately setting building on fire
Intentional fire-setting criminalized under PD 1613
Fire Emergency Authority
Important facts
- Authority to order evacuation
- Can cut electric power to involved areas
- May demolish structures to stop fire spread
- Can direct traffic around fire scene
- Authority to detain persons interfering with operations
- May use any property reasonably necessary
Key definitions
Fire Officer-in-Charge
Example
Senior fire officer commanding fire scene
BFP officer with emergency authority during fire incidents
Evacuation Order
Example
Fire officer orders mall evacuation
Official command to clear buildings or areas during fire emergency
Diagrams to know
- Emergency response chain of command
- Fire scene authority structure
Must remember
- RA 9514 approved December 19, 2008
- FSIC required before business operation/building occupancy
- Fire Code Fee = 0.10% of property value or capital invested
- BFP is primary enforcement agency under DILG
- Administrative fines up to ₱50,000
- Arson covered by PD 1613, not RA 9514
- Fire Prevention Month is March
- Annual FSIC renewal required
- Fire Officer-in-Charge has emergency authority
- Replaced PD 1185 of 1977
Last minute tips
- Remember the date: December 19, 2008 - commonly asked
- Don't confuse Fire Code violations (RA 9514) with arson (PD 1613)
- FSIC is required BEFORE operation, not after
- 0.10% fee calculation often appears in math problems
- Know the building classifications - frequently tested
Comparison tables
Fire Code vs Arson Laws
| Fire Code (RA 9514) | Arson (PD 1613) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fire prevention and safety | Criminal prosecution |
| Violations | Safety violations, non-compliance | Intentional fire-setting |
| Penalties | Fines, closure, imprisonment up to 6 months | Reclusion temporal to perpetua |
| Enforcement | BFP administrative | Courts criminal |
Old vs New Fire Code
| PD 1185 (1977) | RA 9514 (2008) | |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement | Weaker penalties | Stronger penalties |
| Standards | Outdated technical standards | Modern fire safety practices |
| Authority | Limited BFP powers | Clearer enforcement authority |
| Coverage | Basic requirements | Comprehensive systems |
Diagrams
RA 9514 Fire Code Overview
Complete overview of RA 9514 key components and structure
Fire Code Compliance Process
Step-by-step process from building plan to FSIC issuance and renewal
Fire Code Development Timeline
Historical development of Philippine fire safety legislation