6.0 Fire safety

6.1 Smoke-free residential housing units – Instruction

6.1.1 Application

To support safe and healthy residential housing, promote consistency across installations and preserve Crown assets, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) has implemented a smoke-free instruction as a condition of occupancy for residential housing units (RHUs).

The smoke-free condition applies:

• To all new offers for RHUs newly added to the portfolio (including but not limited to construction, acquisition, or lease) on or after June 11, 2026. This includes acquisitions that were completed prior to that date: 574 Cumberland Road, Courtenay, BC and 171 Pleasant Street, Halifax, NS; and
• As of 1 May 2027, to all RHU occupancies across the portfolio.

The condition applies to the Occupant, all household members, guests, visitors, and any other person permitted to access the residential premises.  

Section 6.1.8 Application ro current occupants remains in effect where the smoke-free condition does not apply in accordance with section 6.1.1.

6.1.2 Prohibition

Smoking is prohibited at all times within RHUs, common spaces, and common areas, including all indoor spaces and outdoor areas of the premises, except as set out in section 6.1.3 Outdoor smoking.

This prohibition includes the smoking or vaping of cannabis. Please Refer to the definitions section of the Occupant Handbook. The use of non-combustible forms remains subject to applicable legislation and must not result in a nuisance.

6.1.3 Outdoor smoking

Smoking is permitted in outdoor areas only in accordance with the following conditions:

• Where designated areas are provided by CFHA or other managing authority, smoking shall be restricted to those designated areas;
• In the absence of designated areas, smoking shall occur no less than 5 metres from all building entrances, doors, windows, and air intakes; and
• Smoking shall comply with all applicable fire safety requirements, base or wing orders, and federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal laws, regulations, and by-laws, including restrictions related to smoking in public places and in proximity to schools, school grounds, playgrounds, and other areas frequented by persons under the legal smoking age.

Where any applicable orders, instructions, directives, or federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal laws, regulations, or by-laws impose conditions on smoking that are stricter than the conditions outlined above, the stricter conditions shall prevail.

6.1.4 Occupant responsibility

The Occupant is responsible for ensuring compliance with this instruction, including any smoking conducted by household members, guests, visitors, and any other person permitted to access the residential premisses.

The Occupant shall be held accountable for all damages resulting from smoking and may be held financially liable for associated repairs or remediation costs, including, but not limited to:

• Cleaning;
• Interior finishes and components (e.g., paint, flooring, cabinetry);
• Structural and building envelope assemblies (e.g., walls, floors, windows); and
• Building systems and utilities (e.g., ventilation, heating, and cooling ductwork).

6.1.5 Enforcement

This smoke-free instruction supports a healthy, safe, and comfortable living environment for all occupants, including vulnerable individuals such as children, pregnant persons, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Compliance with this instruction shall be monitored through complaints and inspections, supported by reasonable and objective indicators, such as observed smoking, persistent or recurring smoke odour, smoking-related residue, staining or damage, and impacts on neighbouring occupants.

Violations will be addressed in accordance with CFHA violation management processes, including the Licence to Occupy, the Occupant Handbook, and the Living Accommodations Instruction. Failure to comply may result in administrative action under the Licence to Occupy.

6.1.6 Accommodations

The smoke-free requirements set out in this instruction do not apply where an approved accommodation has been granted.

Requests for accommodation may be made for cultural, ceremonial, religious, spiritual, or medical purposes, including, but not limited to:

• Indigenous cultural or ceremonial practices, including the use or lighting of sacred medicines or elements (e.g., tobacco, sage, sweetgrass) for traditional purposes such as smudging, qulliq lighting, or other recognized practices;
• Religious or spiritual practices requiring the use of lit materials or smoke as part of observance; and
• Medically authorized cannabis use, where supported by appropriate medical documentation in accordance with applicable Department of National Defence policies and directives.

All accommodation requests shall be submitted with sufficient detail to allow for proper assessment, including the nature of the accommodation(s) requested and proposed location:

• Requests for religious or spiritual accommodation shall be submitted to the applicable housing services centre (HSC).
• Requests related to a medical accommodation, including medically authorized cannabis use, are submitted to the local HSC for review and shall be supported by medical documentation from a healthcare provider that outlines the specific accommodation(s) needed.

All requests shall be assessed by the appropriate authority.

Where an accommodation is approved, reasonable measures to accommodate the occupant’s disability will be provided up to the point of undue hardship which may include, but is not limited to:

• Ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of other occupants;
• The minimization of disruptions or impacts on neighbouring units; and
• The compliance with applicable fire safety requirements, building systems, and operational procedures as communicated by the local HSC.

6.1.7 General safety 

Where smoking is permitted in accordance with this instruction, occupants are encouraged to follow safe smoking practices to help reduce fire risk, including:

• Dispose of smoking materials in a non-combustible container with water or sand.
• Smoke only in areas clear of combustible materials, such as plants, vegetation, planters, recycling bins, or waste containers.
• Do not place smoking materials directly in garbage or recycling bins.
• Keep ashtrays or metal containers at a safe distance from combustible items.
• Watch for unusual smoke odours and investigate them promptly.
• Keep matches, lighters, and smoking materials out of reach of children.
• Do not smoke near anyone using home oxygen or similar medical equipment.

Extra caution should be taken during hot, dry, or windy conditions, when fire risk is higher.

6.1.8 Application to current occupants

The provisions set out in this section remain in effect where the smoke-free condition does not apply in accordance with section 6.1.1 Application.

Occupants, and/or guest(s) are permitted to smoke on the premises, including the front, back and side yards, as well as any additional buildings such as garages and sheds on site.

Smoking is prohibited in shared spaces (e.g., row garages, shared garages apartment building hallways, storage rooms, etc.).

Smoking recommendations:

• Safely dispose of cigarette butts in a non-combustible container filled with water or sand.
• Smoke in areas away from items that burn, such as potted plants, combustible vegetation, planters, and recycle bins.
• Never empty smoking material directly into a trash can.
• Place ashtrays or metal cans away from items that can burn.
• Provide designated smoking areas and suitable disposal containers in, or around RHUs.
• Be alert and investigate unusual smoke smells.
• Take an active role in ensuring smoking safety, whether you smoke or not.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Remind those who use home oxygen to not smoke.

Precautionary measures should be taken during the summer months as hot and dry conditions can lead to increased fire hazards.

The Occupant will be held legally and financially responsible for all costs incurred for damages caused by smoking (including cannabis). The costs related to damage include, but are not limited to:

• Cleaning;
• Interior assemblies (i.e.: paint, flooring, cabinetry);
• Structural and envelope assemblies (i.e: walls, floors , windows);
• System and utility assemblies (i.e.: ventilation, heating and cooling duct work).

6.2 Fire pits

As per the DND Fire Protection Program (PDF, 447 KB) (accessible only on the DWAN network), fire pits and all solid fuel burning appliances are prohibited on the premises, however, propane or natural gas-fired appliances approved by an organization recognized by the Standards Council of Canada may be permitted subject to municipal and/or provincial regulations and policies.

6.3 Flammable liquids

As directed by the CF Fire Marshal, no more than 30L of flammable and combustible liquids (of which no more than 10L can be flammable liquids) are permitted to be stored on the premises. All flammable liquids are to be stored in approved containers.

Flammable liquids include but are not limited to gasoline, kerosene and camping fuel (naphtha).

Combustible liquids include but are not limited to diesel fuel, automotive oil, and paint thinner.

6.4 Barbeque equipment

Barbeque equipment, including gas or electric barbeques, smokers, or fryers, are designed for outdoor use only. Propane tanks cannot be stored inside the RHU. When in use, barbeques must be kept at least three (3) metres away from any structures, including, but not limited to, buildings, sheds, decks, fences, railings, etc. Barbeques are prohibited on all apartment balconies, however, may be permitted at designated outdoor recreational areas, where available.

6.5 Deep fat fryers

These appliances are a major cause of fires and must be used with extreme caution. Only fryers approved by a certified testing laboratory, such as Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada may be used in the RHU.

6.6 Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed throughout your RHU. CFHA assumes third-party maintenance and inspection of installed devices on an annual basis including cleaning, battery replacement, and testing.

Occupants are responsible for conducting weekly inspections to ensure the light on each device is operational. Occupants must also test alarms monthly by pressing the front-facing button on each device to verify its proper function.

Occupants are encouraged to recognize alarm communications and are responsible to replace defective device batteries between inspections.

Not all CFHA-installed alarms require battery replacement as many devices include built-in batteries for the life of the device. If unsure, contact your HSC.

If you hear an alarm while not inspecting or testing the device:

• Immediately move all occupants outdoors to safety.
• Call the local emergency service or fire department (911).

Automatic sprinklers have been installed in select RHUs. They are provided for safety and property protection. They may be exposed in the basement or concealed in the living areas. The following should be observed:

• Never suspend anything from the sprinklers as this may inadvertently activate the sprinkler.
• Never store items within 45 cm (18 in) of an automatic sprinkler as this will impair its ability to effectively control a fire.
• Do not adjust any of the sprinkler system components found near the water supply entrance in the basement. Notify the HSC immediately if you notice anything unusual, such as a change in RHU water pressure or leaking pipes.

6.8 Residential housing units fire and life safety visits

A National Defence Fire Service representative will visit and brief new RHU occupants on fire and life safety:

• Common causes of fire in the home.
• Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors inspection.
• Safety measures.
• A home fire escape plan.
• Fire reporting procedures
• For apartment complex, participation in fire drills is mandatory.

6.9 Escape planning

Occupants are strongly encouraged to create and practice an escape plan as soon as they move into an RHU. Negative consequences of fire, such as injury or death, can be avoided with a properly practised and executed escape plan. Contact the local fire hall for more information on fire safety.

6.10 Lithium-ion battery safety

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode. Please follow the recommendations below:

• Purchase and use devices that have one of the recognized Canadian Certification marks, such as CSA, cUL or cETL.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
• Store batteries away from flammable items.

Stop using the battery if you notice these problems:

• A strange odor.
• A change in color.
• Overheating.
• A change in shape.
• Any leaking or odd noises.

If you experience any of these issues, call 911, and if safe to do so, move the device away from any flammable items.

Battery disposal

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your local municipality for disposal instructions.
• Do not put discarded batteries in piles.

For more information, CFHA occupants are encouraged to visit Health Canada’s guidance on Lithium-ion battery safety.

More information

• Home fire prevention booklet