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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.14 — TENTS AND AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

What flame resistance standard must tent fabric meet in Ontario?

Tent and air-supported structure fabric must be flame resistant, conforming to CAN/ULC-S109, Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films. Permit applications typically require the manufacturer's certificate showing the fabric meets the standard.

Code reference
Section 3.14 requires that materials used in the envelope of tents and air-supported structures be flame resistant, demonstrated by conformance with the CAN/ULC-S109 flame test standard for flame-resistant fabrics and films, so that the fabric resists ignition and does not sustain flaming when exposed to a fire source.
OBC Division B, Section 3.14 (Tents and Air-Supported Structures)

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Flame-resistant does not mean fireproof; tent fabric can still fail in a fire, which is why 3.14 pairs the material requirement with siting clearances, egress and restrictions on open flames and heating equipment near fabric. In practice, building officials want the CAN/ULC-S109 certification label sewn into the tent or a manufacturer's certificate in the permit package; rented commercial tents usually carry it, but imported or homemade fabric structures often cannot document compliance and get rejected. Ground cover and decorative materials inside large tents also draw scrutiny for combustibility.

Plain language

The fabric on permitted tents must pass a recognized Canadian flame test so it will not catch fire easily or keep burning. Reputable tent rental companies supply certified fabric with a label or certificate to prove it, ask before you rent.

Related questions

When does a tent need a building permit in Ontario?What clearance and exit requirements apply to tents in Ontario?How is the occupant limit for an event tent determined in Ontario?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.