Fire

When it comes to fire safety, every second counts. Whether you're responding to the fire alarm or discovering a fire yourself, it's important to act quickly and calmly.

What to do if you hear the fire alarm

Leave the building using the nearest safe exit.
Once outside, move away from the building.
Go to your Building Emergency Assembly Point(s).

What not to do

Do not re-enter the building until directed by emergency personnel.
Do not use elevators.
Do not block stairwells or exits.

Evacuations are supported by your Building Emergency Team—people you may already know from your building. Team members sweep their assigned areas (e.g., hallways, stairwells) and encourage people to exit the building. They share information with arriving emergency responders and usually wear safety vests. Follow their instructions: they are there to help guide a safe evacuation.

If you cannot evacuate

If a Building Emergency Team member encounters someone having difficulty evacuating during their sweep, they will stop to check in, confirm what assistance is needed and then report that person’s location and status to arriving emergency responders.

What to do

Stay in place when safe to do so.
Move to a safer location if needed. Go to a designated Area of Refuge if your floor has one, or to a nearby enclosed room (close the door to reduce risk from smoke and fire), preferably with an exterior window.
Ask someone nearby (classmate, coworker, bystander) to report your location to emergency responders. You don't need to wait for an emergency team member to reach you. Having more than one person report your location and status is helpful.
If conditions change (e.g., smoke/fire nearby) or you feel unsafe call 911.

For more information about accessibility, see the Evacuations page.

What to do if you see fire

Pull the fire alarm to alert others
Call 911, then Campus Security at 250-721-7599.
If safe and the fire is small, use a fire extinguisher to put out flames.
Evacuate safely and go to your Building Emergency Assembly Point(s).

Fire extinguisher training is available. Check UVic Learning Central [Filter by Provider: Emergency Planning] for upcoming dates.

What to do if you are on fire or in smoke

If caught in smoke:

Stay low and crawl to safety.
Breathe through a damp cloth if available.

If your clothing catches fire:

Stop where you are.
Drop to the floor.
Roll around on the floor.

If someone else's clothing catches fire: Wrap them in a blanket, rug or coat to smother the flames.

Fire safety tips

Keep exits clear

Fire egress routes are the continuous path of travel—including hallways, stairwells and exits—that allow people to safely leave a building during an emergency. Never block these routes.

Cook safely

Stay with your food when cooking, even if just using the microwave.
Keep a pot or pan lid nearby. If food catches fire, carefully place the lid on top of the pot/pan to smother the flames.
Never use water on a grease fire—it can make the fire spread.

Electrical safety

Do not connect electrical power bars together or overload electrical outlets.
Use cords and plugs safely; replace damaged ones.

No smoking or open flames indoors

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside campus buildings.
- See the Map for Designated Smoking Areas.
Do not use candles or other open flames indoors.

Know your building

Know where the fire pull stations and fire extinguishers are in each building you visit. They are usually located near the main exits, which you should also take note of.