The latest Provincial Health Orders, when it comes to national fire codes and occupant loads, isn’t applicable to all buildings in Saskatoon…according to the Saskatoon Fire Department.

The local fire crew says a clause in the National Fire Code referenced in the province’s December 14 updated Health Orders isn’t applicable to all buildings in the city. In addition, Building Standards uses the National Building Code for determining occupant load in their building permit process…which is different from the National Fire Code. The Saskatoon Fire Department says the occupant load determined by the National Building Code isn’t applicable to the provincial restrictions. Clarification of the occupant load for critical public services and allowable business services will be determined in consultations between the Saskatoon Fire Department, Building Services and the provincial government with additional information to be provided as soon as possible.