The National Building Code (NBC) and National Fire Code (NFC) each contain provisions that deal with the safety of persons in buildings in the event of a fire and the protection of buildings from the effects of fire. ^[2] These two National Model Codes are developed as complementary and coordinated documents to minimize the possibility of their containing conflicting provisions. It is expected that buildings comply with both the NBC and the NFC. The NBC generally applies at the time of construction and reconstruction while the NFC applies to the operation and maintenance of the fire-related features of buildings in use.

The scope of each of these Codes with respect to fire safety and fire protection can be summarized as follows:

The National Building Code covers the fire safety and fire protection features that are required to be incorporated in a building at the time of its original construction. Building codes typically no longer apply once a building is occupied, unless the building is undergoing alteration or change of use, or being demolished.

The National Fire Code includes provisions for:
- the ongoing maintenance and use of the fire safety and fire protection features incorporated in buildings
- the conduct of activities that might cause fire hazards in and around buildings
- limitations on hazardous contents in and around buildings
- the establishment of fire safety plans
- fire safety at construction and demolition sites

In addition, the NFC contains provisions regarding fire safety and fire protection features that must be added to existing buildings when certain hazardous activities or processes are introduced in these buildings.

Some of the NFC's provisions are not duplicated directly in the NBC but are in fact adopted through cross-references to the NFC. Thus, some NFC provisions may apply to original construction, alterations, or changes in use.