FIRE MARSHAL BULLETIN
2026-001
City Water Supply Emergency LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS January 2, 2026 Purpose: This document clarifies the expectations of Calgary Fire Department (CFD) regarding the ability to perform maintenance or repairs to life safety systems during the water supply emergency. Communication Update: Under the current Emergency Water Restrictions and limited city-wide water supply capacity, building life safety systems may be impacted, more specifically, water-based suppression systems (fire sprinklers) and fire alarms connected to sprinkler systems. We require that water-based suppression systems be maintained and online wherever possible. It is understood that systems may be experiencing fluctuating water pressure and this may cause false water flow alarms and subsequent fire alarm activation. If a building is experiencing false alarms due to water pressure changes we are recommending that the fire alarm system be taken off-line or the specific devices bypassed, then Fire Watch must be implemented to monitor system conditions. If any system has impairments that affect the operation of that system, whether that be in the form of alarm, supervisory and trouble signals, these system impairments should be prioritized to ensured they are functioning as designed. Priority should be given to those systems that need to be repaired to ensure operability. All activities related to the installation, testing, repair, maintenance, and replacement of all Cross Connection Control assemblies continue to be required and allowed in accordance with Bylaw 40M2006. Public health and safety are our top priority, and Cross Connection Control assemblies need to be installed, tested, repaired, maintained, and replaced in a timely manner to protect public health and safety. All non-emergency flushing of hydrants or sprinkler systems is suspended until further notice. Repairs or modifications to bring systems online or filling of systems to provide fire protection of new or existing systems is permitted. Routine repairs or maintenance of systems is permitted to ensure reliable operation of life safety systems. Where possible, filling of systems should be completed during non-peak times (between 6:30 pm and 7:00 am or between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm)
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