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The series consists of records dating from 1937 to 2000, relating to the approval of building plans, as required by the Fire Services Act and pursuant regulations.

The records document the functions and activities of the Fire Commissioner’s office, including fire prevention measures and practices of the time. The plans and related correspondence also document the history of buildings which have played a significant role in the life of communities throughout the province.

Prior to 16 October 1992 plans were required for a wide array of building types. After that date, submission of plans to the Fire Commissioner was only required for licensed beverage establishments and bulk plants. Plans include those for proposed all-new construction and for proposed alterations and additions to structures.

Records include various types of architectural and technical drawings, including blueprints, and the correspondence and other textual records related to the building in question (a “case file).” The drawings include site plans, floor plans, and technical drawings such as those of alarm systems and emergency lighting. Typically, the files contain the plan(s), correspondence from the architect that has submitted plans, and a copy of outgoing correspondence, typically a letter granting approval.

Most of the records were ordered according to a classification system which included a number and a letter, with the letter signifying a type of structure, as follows:

A = Public halls
B = Recreational buildings
C = Schools and colleges
D = Bulk fuel plants
E = Theatres
F = Hospitals and seniors care facilities
G = Buildings (various types, including apartment buildings)
H = Miscellaneous
I = Indian schools
J = Alarm and emergency systems

The majority of the records date from prior to the name change in 1979 from Fire Marshall to Fire Commissioner. Creator offices of the records include five different regional offices: Vancouver Island, Vancouver/Fraser, Northern, Interior, and Kootenay.