London, Ontario: Flammable Materials Storage Bylaw

Public Safety Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, sites that store, handle or use flammable liquids and gases must follow municipal enforcement and provincial fire code requirements. This guide explains who enforces storage rules, typical compliance steps, reporting and appeals so property owners and managers can reduce risk and avoid orders or charges.

Overview

Storage and handling of flammable materials in London are regulated through provincially adopted standards in the Ontario Fire Code and enforced locally by London Fire Services and By-law Enforcement. See the provincial regulation and local fire prevention guidance for technical storage limits, separation distances and signage requirements Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)[2] and local fire prevention resources City of London Fire Services[1].

Always confirm which classification of flammable material applies before planning storage.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by London Fire Services (Fire Prevention Officers) and municipal By-law Enforcement officers; serious matters may be prosecuted in court. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties are not listed on the cited municipal pages and should be confirmed with the enforcing office or the provincial regulation Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)[2] and the City enforcement contact City of London By-law Enforcement[3].

  • Enforcer: London Fire Services - Fire Prevention Officers and City By-law Enforcement.
  • Inspections: routine, complaint-driven, and post-incident inspections to verify storage, labeling and spill controls.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcing department for current penalties.
  • Escalation: orders to remedy, stop-use orders, seizure of unsafe materials, and prosecution where hazards persist.
  • Appeals: follow the review or appeal process set out by the issuing authority; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the issuing office.
If you receive an order, act quickly to document corrections and contact the issuing officer.

Applications & Forms

Forms and permit names for storage of flammable materials are not listed on the cited municipal pages; applicants should consult London Fire Services and By-law Enforcement for any required permits or plan submissions City of London Fire Services[1][3].

If a written permit or plan is required, submit it before storing regulated quantities on site.

Common Violations

  • Improper container or tank labeling and signage.
  • Storing flammable liquids above allowable quantities without approved cabinets or separation.
  • Blocked access to fire suppression or insufficient spill containment.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to store flammable liquids at my London site?
Possibly; permit requirements depend on type and quantity of material and the Ontario Fire Code standards—contact London Fire Services to confirm.
What penalties apply for non-compliance?
Monetary fines and orders may apply; exact amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited municipal pages and must be confirmed with the issuing authority.
How do I report unsafe storage?
Report to London Fire Services or By-law Enforcement via the City reporting contacts; emergency hazards should be reported by calling emergency services immediately.

How-To

  1. Identify the hazardous class and quantities of the materials you store and compare them to Ontario Fire Code thresholds.
  2. Review the Ontario Fire Code and local fire prevention guidance to determine required controls Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)[2].
  3. Contact London Fire Services or By-law Enforcement early to ask about permits, plan review and inspection scheduling City of London Fire Services[1][3].
  4. Prepare a written storage plan: containers, secondary containment, ventilation, signage and emergency procedures.
  5. Submit any required permits or plans and schedule an inspection before placing regulated quantities into service.
  6. Maintain records of training, inspections and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for inspectors and future compliance reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • London enforces provincial fire code standards through local Fire Services and By-law Enforcement.
  • Permit and plan requirements depend on material type and quantity—confirm early with authorities.
  • Document controls and corrective actions to reduce the risk of orders or prosecution.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London Fire Services - Fire safety and prevention
  2. [2] Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)
  3. [3] City of London By-law Enforcement

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