Building a 'Fire Safe' India

Building a 'Fire Safe' India 

Fire in building is major threaten for now a days in India. Each year, several people killed, injured and huge losses of property due to building fire accident. To ensure adequate Safety Control measure to avoid fire accident in building is most essential components occupants and owner of building. In past few decade in India, fire Accident occurred time to time in Commercial building, multistoried building, Hospital, shopping mall, Factory warehouse and residential like building and resulted of huge losses of property and lives. Objective to Publish this paper is identify potential risk of fire in building, causes of fire and to ensure adequate fire safety measure to save people lives and protect to property. In this paper, few case studies included to know cause of fire and ensure adequate safety control measure to prevent similar future fire accident.

Objective

• Identify Potential risk of fire and minimize or control to building related fire risk.
• Ensure adequate Safety control measure to avoid fire accident in building.
• To save people lives and property.
• To prevent fire to economic growth of society and country.
• Identify and Installation of firefighting system including Fire Fighting, detection and suppression system.
• To ensure engineering measure to use fire resistance Barriers such as walls, partition and floors.
• To create Fire safety awareness among occupants of building.
• To Check and ensure existing control measure is adequate or not to prevent building fire.
• To Ensure Fire related parameter to identify fire related source and control them.

Recent Major Fire Incidents (2025–2026)

• Palam Building, Delhi (March 18, 2026): A massive fire broke out in a building, resulting in 9 deaths, including children. 
• Gulzar House, Hyderabad (May 18, 2025): A devastating fire near the Charminar claimed the lives of 17 family members, including 8 children. The tragedy was attributed to a single narrow entrance and closed windows that trapped victims in toxic smoke. 
• Mechua Market Hotel, Kolkata (April 29, 2025): A six-storey hotel fire caused 14 deaths. The building's single staircase was cut off by the blaze, leading to asphyxiation for many victims. 
• Diggi Bazaar Hotel, Ajmer (May 1, 2025): A fire in a five-storey hotel resulted in 4 deaths, with guests attempting to escape by jumping from windows

Major Industrial and Factory Fires in April 2026

• Thrissur Fireworks Explosion, Kerala (April 21, 2026): A massive explosion occurred at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode. The unit was preparing materials for the Thrissur Pooram festival.
• Casualties: At least 14 people were killed and over 40 injured.
• Details: The blast triggered secondary explosions that hampered rescue efforts. The Kerala government declared it a "State-specific disaster". 
• Virudhunagar Fireworks Blast, Tamil Nadu (April 19, 2026): A devastating fire at a licensed firecracker factory claimed the lives of 23 people and injured six others. 
• Bharuch Chemical Factory, Gujarat (April 23, 2026): An explosion at Metropolitan Eximchem Pvt Ltd in the Jhagadia GIDC area injured at least 16 workers. 
• HPCL Refinery, Rajasthan (April 20, 2026): A major fire broke out at the Pachpadra refinery just 24 hours before its scheduled inauguration by the Prime Minister. No casualties were reported. 

Residential and Commercial Building Fires in April 2026

• Nandini Layout PG Fire, Bengaluru (April 27, 2026): A midnight blaze at an LED signage warehouse spread to an adjacent four-storey Ladies' PG accommodation.
• Rescue: Roughly 50 women residents were forced to jump from the upper floors or use ladders to escape. Miraculously, no fatalities were reported. 
• Anandalok Hospital, Kolkata (April 21, 2026): A fire on the second floor of the hospital in Salt Lake led to the emergency evacuation of 70 patients; no injuries were reported. 
• Heritage Market, Kasauli (April 13, 2026): Multiple LPG cylinder explosions gutted eight shops in the historic market, causing widespread panic but no reported deaths

1. Introduction

Fire accident in building is major threatening for developing country. Developed countries have less building fire risk respect to building of developing countries. In Developed Country, Fire Safety rules, regulation, guidelines and codes is strictly enforced, therefore building owner ensure all Fire Safety related compliance, during building design, construction and later to control building fire risk. India is developing country and here are major threaten of fire accident in building. Fire accident results huge losses of lives and property damage. In India, each year fire accident occurs in several building due to negligence and not follow safety rules of building owner or occupant people. Risk, related to fire accident depends on nature of building (such as Commercial building, multistoried building, Hospital, shopping mall, Factory warehouse), existing fire detection & fire fighting system, material used in building and fire safety awareness among occupants of building.

Fig. 1, Sources

According to NCRB, India in year 2015 total of 18,450 cases of fire accidents were reported in which 17700 people were killed and 1,193 injured. 42.1% deaths were occured in residential building due to fire accidents. Such Fire accident occurred in different state of India and majority of fire accident occurred in Maharashtra that was 22% of Total fire accident of India.

As per The National Crime Records Bureau Data, Total 113961 People lost their lives due to fire accident during 2010 to 2014. Major death occurred in Maharashtra state and it is approx. 24293. During 2010-14, percentage of women victims are more than man, the number of women victims was 75039 or 65.8% of all the deaths. The number of male victims on the other hand was 38917 or 34.2% of all the deaths. In year 2014, Fire accident reported was 26025 and in year, 2014 it was reported 19513 there this data shows percentage of accident decrease. The temple fire in Kollam that claimed more than 100 lives has renewed focus on fire accidents. The data available with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates that fire accidents of all types caused more than 1.13 lakh deaths from 2010 to 2014, at a staggering average of 62 deaths per day. Fig. (2), Shows Total numbers of Fire Accident and death during 2010 to 2014.

Fig. 2, Sources NCRB

As per NRCB, Electric short circuit, by fireworks, Gas cylinder and stove bursting are major cause of fire accident and apart from this smoking, use of heater etc. are cause of fire accident. Maharashtra is first state where fire accident occurred more respect to other state of India. Few Indian states name are given in figure (3) that shows total No. of fire accident occurred during 2010-2014 in different state.

Fig. 3, Sources NCRB

2. Causes of Fire Accident in Building

In building, there may be several cause of fire accident such as electrical Short circuit, Sparking due to loose electrical connection, Over Load electrical equipment, due to cooking appliances, Smoking, use of heater etc. Probability of fire Incident depends on nature of building such commercial, residential, warehouse, public building and presence of potential sources (Flammable materials), that results fire. Commercial building, multistory building, warehouse, hotel like building have potential of high risk of fire due to not follow safety laws and procedures and its results major harm in term of Death and property damage. Causes of Fire in building are:

• Inadequate storage of Combustible material in room of building.
• Cooking and cooking appliances, Heater, Oven used in building,
• Short circuit, loose electrical connection or overload electrical equipments and systems, Static electricity.
• Use of Candles and lighting, Smoking in building
• Flammable material storage or Fuel (LPG) gas cylinder storage near heat sources or live electrical equipment in building area.

Apart from this Fire Crackers, bursting of stove like factor also responsible to cause of fire.

In building, poor fire safety Parameter consideration during design such as fire exit, adequate height of building, ventilation, un-availability of fire fighting and detection system increases risk of fire. Poor method of flammable material storage and unawareness of Safety among people always also create risk and potential of fire accident occurring.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the most common causes of fires in commercial buildings are cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical equipment and system, Smoking cigrates. Common cause of building fire are given in Figures 4.

Fig. 4, Common causes of building fire

As per case study carried out by Institution of safety Engineers (India) in month Dec. 2019, To collect data from different sources such as newspaper, Internet of past decade occurred fire accident and found that major numbers of fire accident were occurred, due to malfunction of electrical equipment and system including short circuit, sparking due to loose electrical connection, overload electrical equipment, electrical heater and second cause of fire accident are cooking and cooking appliances. Third cause is intentional fire such as misuse of heat source e.g child playing with lighter, matches, use of fire crackers, criminal activities etc. Apart from this flammable material storage near heat source, use of candles and incense stick, smoking were also cause of building fire in few cases.

Fig. 5, Sources: As per ISEI Case Studies

2.1 How Fire Occur in Building

Fire is chemical reaction in which Combustible material combine with oxygen when external source of heat is applied. Combustion occurs continuously when oxygen, heat and a fuel source present (Fig.).In environment of building area, Oxygen is already available and combustible material come in contact with heat sources then fire take place. During fire, heat, smoke and light release and rapidly increases producing flammable vapors.

Fuel + oxygen (presence in air) = combustion of materials (mainly CO₂) + Heat Energy and light.

Fig. 6, Fire Triangle

Heat sources may be in the form of malfunction of electrical equipments, sparking due to loose electrical connection, cooking, smoking, misuse of lighter, use of heater etc. Flammable material may be in form of used material in building (wood), home appliances including cooking gas cylinder etc.

3. Commercial Building Fire (Categories wise) As per NFPA

Fig. 7, Sources, NFPA, Fire due to cooking equipment

 

Fig. 8, Sources, NFPA, Electrical & Lighting Equipment

Fig.9, Sources, NFPA, Fire due to Heating Equipment

Fig. 10, Sources NFPA, Intentional Fire

Fig. 11, Sources, NFPA, Smoking material

4. Consequence of Fire and Causes of Death in Fire Accident

The most obvious consequence of fire accident is damage to building, Property and loss of lives. In details, if analyze the impacts of fire accident, then found unexpected losses occurred that can’t recover easily or within short time period. Fire accidents lead to cause of Personnel death, injury and huge economic loss of society and country. Major fire fully burnt to building property It results poor country reputation as well as owner of building. Steel lost their Two-third strength, if temperature is increased 600 ⁰ C therefore building strength also reduced. Timber and other material their nature is flammable can completely burn.

Most common cause of death during fire is suffocation due to inhalation of smoke, it include carbon mono-oxide (poising) and other toxic gas such as hydrogen cyanide due to burning plastic. Inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic gases that generates during burning, effect to human respiratory system, personnel unable to breathe and maintain required level of oxygen in body parts and its results Death.  Carbon monoxide (CO) remove oxygen from blood stream rapidly enters all parts of the human body, including blood, brain, heart, and muscles.  As per OSHA  limits long-term workplace exposure levels to less than 50 ppm averaged over an 8-hour period. On average, exposures at 100ppm or greater is dangerous to human health. Other Toxic gases such as phosgene can cause itchy eyes and sore in throat; at higher levels it can cause pulmonary edema and death. Released Smoke during fire are made of components, Particles, Vapours and toxic gases and effects to CNS, Heart, Kidney and such organ failure of human body results death.

Oxygen Level in atmosphere and Personnel health

O2 Level in Atmosphere	Description
21 percent	Normal outside air (Good for human health)
17 percent	Impaired judgment and coordination
12 percent	Headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue
9 percent	Unconsciousness
6 percent	Respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, death

Table 1, Sources NFPA

In building Fire, hot steam, hot gases releases and material become hot due to burning and when Personnel come in contact with hot steam or Hot material, it lead to cause of burn injury and injury depend on Temperature value of hot material, hot steam or temperature of nearby place.  Temperature above 50 degree are dangerous and may lead to cause of burn if temperature increases. Death occurring after a fire is effect of burns, infection, respiratory system failure, organ failure such as Kidney or heart failure, Abnormal clotting etc. is caused of major burn and most death occurred due to fire is within one days.

5. How can minimize the losses during Fire

Effective Fire safety control measure including emergency response plan (ERP), help to control risk related building fire. Losses depend upon Type of Fire, Nature and availability of material in building, Occupants in building and existing fire safety control measure. Effective existing Fire Safety control measure reduce the severity of harm of fire event. Fire Safety Control measure may be in form of presence of Fire Fighting System, effective implementation of Govt. rules and guidelines, Fire Safety Awareness among people, Evacuation plan, availability of emergency exit, emergency lighting, Avoid loose electrical connection and use of standard electrical equipment including power cable, distribution board etc. Immediate Rescue operation and presence of firefighting team can take needful action on time to prevent spread to fire and save lives.  Avoid to use lift during fire accident. Incipient stage, shouldering stage and flame are stage of fire, if we control in initial stage then less probability of harm.

6. How to prevent Fire in Building

Fire accident in building can be control by to ensure adequate fire safety control measure parameter. Safety Control measure parameter may be in the form of passive or Active (Fig.12).

During design and construction, need to consider all parameter that are helpful to reduce risk up to acceptable level. Main objective to consider fire safety parameter is to minimize risk to prevent death, injury or building property or others who will be involve controlling fire and rescuing services during case of fire. During building design consider adequate ventilation, design large area into small area to provide effective fire barrier which is known as separation wall or compartments, Provide adequate exist including emergency escape route/exist for safe evacuation during fire.

Building material selection and construction such as use of non-combustible materials, fire resistant coating with building wall or structure, use less smoke emitting materials. Avoid using quick fire spread or flammable material for decoration in escape routes and kitchen room. Escape route must be constructed with high fire rating materials. Provide emergency lighting and signage in exist and access, it help to evacuate to occupants of building easily during fire. Room height should be adequate. Ensure Minimum two staircase with adequate hand railing and width of stair. The maximum travel distance from inside of the building to outside should be not more than 30 meters. Ensure Assembly point nearby building. Depute fire watchman to monitoring building time to time and take needful action to minimise fire related risk. Impart training time to time of occupants of building to create fire safety awareness. Display emergency contact no. including fire Station contact no. Ensure adequate fire prevention& Control system in building (Fig.12). Underground wiring, standard cable and power supply through adequate rating of circuit breaker, avoid to overload to electrical equipments help to reduce of potential risk of fire. Avoid to misuse of heat source such as lighter, matches and store to fuel gas cylinder such as LPG gas in suitable and safe place and check leakage time to time through soap bubble. Avoid smoking near wood furniture items or other flammable materials. Always ensure fire prevention system including detection, fighting& suppression system. Ensure all applicable compliance during design, construction and after using to building as per guideline of National building code (NBC) of India, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and respective state government guidelines and codes.

 

Fig. 12, Fire Prevention &Control system

7. Few major Fire Accident in India

• Fire Accident in Hotel Arpit place, Located in Karol Bagh Delhi

On Date 12 Feb. 2019, early morning Fire Occurred in Hotel Arpit place, Located in Karol Bagh Delhi. In this Fire Accident at Least 17 People Killed, several injured and Approx. 35 People were rescued. As per local media the caused of deaths occur due to suffocation during fire. Video recorded by eyewitness were showing many people jumping from building to save their lives and it results injury and death also. As per ,” firefighter statements published in Hindustan Times newspaper, Corridor was paneling with wooden and fire spread in corridor rapidly, so, people couldn’t use the corridor to leave the hotel during fire.

As per information received from witness, cause of fire was electrical short circuit. Structure was not fireproof, old wooden was used in door and building for decoration, Non-availability of fire exit and lack of firefighting system availability was caused of huge loss as per witness. Sources (BBC News) & other news sources.

• Surat Fire: 22 Person Killed in Coaching Center Blaze

On date May 26, 2019, Time 3:45–4:00 p.m. Fire broken out in Fourth stories building and coaching classes were running on top of building that was shade build. Fire Started from ground floor and spread rapidly and resulted at least 22 People killed in which 21were students and 1 was teacher. Television footage showed, many students were trying to escape by Jumping off from building top and its also resulted injury and death due to fall.

As per Information received from witness, the cause of fire was short circuit and poor fire safety measure availability of building resulted huge loss. (Sources: Newspaper)

• New Delhi Building Fire on 8 December 2019

In early morning, fire broken out when factory workers were slipping and at least 43 people were killed, most of them were factory workers, sleeping on various floors inside a building.  This six-story building was using as small factory for making paper products and purses.

Main cause of huge loss was poor fire protection devices, Non-availability of emergency exits and outdated electrical systems. Inadequate ventilation was also cause of people death due to asphyxia Sources. As per government sources, this building was no fire NOC. (Sources: Newspaper)

8. Conclusion

Fire in building creates major threat of loss of lives and damage to property.  It totally effect to society and country economy. Fire Safety Management is major parameter used to control fire. In initial, during building construction, consider safety parameter such as Fire resistance Material, Emergency exit and underground wiring including suitable earth leakage circuit breaker. Effective enforcement of Govt. rules related Fire Safety, Ensuring Compliance as per NBC, NFPA help to Prevent Fire related risk.  People should know how to operate Extinguisher and hydrant system and it should be in good working condition. Fuel gas cylinder such as LPG should keep away from electrical source, heat sources and well ventilated space. During Cooking, Take all precautionary measure to prevent fire. Time to Time, need to check gas leakage through soap bubble and as per recommendation of manufacturer follow all guidelines. Keep emergency contact no. and immediate report to local govt. authoring for needful action, if any fire accident occur. Small fire can be control through Fire extinguisher. Always consider engineering factor such as adequate height of building, adequate access including emergency exit and ventilation system in building. Avoid loose electrical wiring and use of defective electrical tools.

References

·        National Building Code – Bureau of Indian Standards
·        National Fire Protection Association code book
·        Institution of Safety Engineers (India), Safety Manuals
·        National Crime Records Bureau. (2014). Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, 2013. India: NCRB.
·        News sources, BBC and others
·        NCRB, India
 

NOC & Fire License in West Bengal

 NOC & Fire Licence in West Bengal

Between 2001 and 2014, close to 3 lakh deaths were reported because of fire accidents in India, an average of 59 deaths a day. Maharashtra alone accounted for 24% of all the deaths.

35 Indians die in a fire incident daily, says the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) based on the 12,748 lives in 2018. 56% of the deaths were caused by home fires. As many as 7,208 fire accidents were reported from residences that year. Of the fire fatalities in 2018, as many as 4,290 were in the 18-30 age group and 3,860 in the 30-45 age group.

As per the NCRB ADSI-2019 report, there were 11,037 fire accidents reported across the country in 2019. The number of such reported fire accidents fell by around 16% compared to 2018. The decline was more steeped compared to the year earlier, which was around 2%.

The data on fire accidents in India reveals that close to 3 lakh people lost their lives in fire accidents between 2001 and 2014, averaging to 59 deaths a day.

The data on fire accidents is maintained by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The data is reported in NCRB’s yearly publication, ‘Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India’. In the NCRB report, fire accidents are categorized under the following sub heads

·        Electrical Short Circuit

·        Riot/Agitation

·        Fireworks

·        Cooking Gas Cylinder/Stove Burst

·        Other Causes

Prevention is always better than cure. Thereby, it is best to avoid Fire in the first place. Although, fire emergencies and disasters can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. We can, at least, work towards minimizing the risks of fire occurrences. Also, prevent damage.

Where is NOC:

Fire NOC means No Objection Certificate regarding Fire Safety Equipments installation in Building as per National Building Code (NBC) norms. Fire rules are different for all types buildings, means different rules as per types, height, area of constructed building. Building NOC is permission given to a person or a company to proceed with the purchase or construction of a property. While constructing a building, an applicant must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the appropriate government authorities. As per a government notification from 2011, an NOC from the fire and emergency services is mandatory for the local municipal authority to approve building plans.

Provisional No Objection Certificate: The Provisional No Objection Certificate is to be obtained to ensure that the new constructions meet the fire safety compliant norms. ... The Occupancy Certificate is to be obtained before occupying the building and after the construction of the building is complete.

Establishments are categorized as A, B and C depending on the operational areas of the high-risk building, among other aspects. The classification is herewith specified for your reference:

Class A – refers to buildings above the height of 14.5 meters or more than 5000 cubic meters.

Class B – refers to high-risk buildings with a minimum height of seven meters and a maximum of 14.5 meters, with a coverage area spanning between 5000-2000 cubic meters.

Class C – refers to buildings below the height of seven meters or below 2000 cubic meters.

Where is Fire License 

On 23.09.19 The Mamata Banerjee government decided to slash fire-licence fees across categories by 92% after complaints emerged that the fees fixed in 2017 were too high for small traders and institutions.

“The chief minister was receiving complaints regarding the fire-licence fee during district review meetings. She had set up a committee to look into the issue. The fee is being cut down by 92%. The chief minister had promised and she delivered,” said Amit Mitra, state finance minister, at Nabanna.

Fire licence for the first category — which includes residential buildings and schools and other educational institutions up to the height of 14.5m — was fixed at Rs 4.35 per square metre and there will be no minimum amount for obtaining the licence.

Similarly, the fire licence for the second category —which covers hospitals, nursing homes and guest houses — has been cut down to Rs 6.52 per square metre

The fee for the third category — which includes ports, airports, offices and shopping complexes — was fixed at Rs 8.70 per square metre

The government decided to cut down the licence fee for the fourth category, under which licences are given to hazardous units such as fire-cracker units, to Rs 13.05 per square metre.

Fire license is obtained for forming new establishments, where the purpose of the formation is to pursue the manufacture and storage of dangerous and hazardous inflammable items. An applicant from the Northern part of Bengal must apply for availing the license at the Office of the Director-General of Fire Services, located in Siliguri. At the same time, the application for the districts of South Bengal must be filed at the office of the Collector in the License Section of Fire Brigade Department, located at Mirza Galib Street in Kolkata. The issuance and renewal of fire license will take place at the place of receipt of application. Before heading with the other aspects of registration, here’s the address for both the locations specified above:

North Zone

Dy. Director, Fire Services,

Siliguri Fire Station Complex,

Station Feeder Road, Siliguri,

Ph.: 0353 2502222/1867

South Zone

13D, Mirza Galib Street, Kolkata – 700 016,

Ph.: 033 22252222-8

The following documents must be attached with the application:

·                Two copies of the Site Plan of warehouse/workshop drawn to a scale of 1 cm: 1 meter.

·        A statement depicting the name and maximum quantity of hazardous materials to be maintained and/or processed in the premises.

·        A statement depicting particulars of fire services, which includes the number of full-time fire personnel and their qualifications, names of fire prevention and fire safety appliances in the building.

·              A statement providing the structure and nature of occupancy within the proposed warehouse/workshop.

·                   Fire Safety Certificate (if the building norms mandate this requirement).

The applicant has to submit the following documents while applying for the fire safety certificate:

·        Two copies of the architectural layout signed by the owner/occupier and the architect. The sketch must comprise of a site plan, key plan, floor-wise plan, section plan, proof plan and floor wise area statement.

·        Plan of the building with its occupancy and use.

·        Structural Plan.

·        Ownership/tenancy documents.

Fire Safety certificates are issued to ensure that the buildings are built and maintained with essential safeguards, so that fire accident of any kind is abated. This includes all high rise buildings greater than the height of 14.5 meters.

·        The application for fire certificate (for North Bengal and South Bengal applicants) must be made to the same address as that of fire license.

The fire safety certificate must be renewed upon expiry. Renewal of certificate prompts the requirement of the following documents:

·        Copy of Checklist against FSR (Fire Safety Registration) issued by the concerned personnel.

·        Copy of the endorsed Fire Safety Certificate (FSC).

To renew a fire certificate visit the official government website rendering these services. The procedure for the same is as follows:

Step 1: First things First

The applicant must first visit the concerned website; here is the link for the same https://eservices.wb.gov.in/portal/web/guest/application-for-granting/renewal-of-fire-license

Step 2: The Renewal Option

Select the option “Application for renewal of fire safety certificate” from the e-services tab on the left-hand side of the page.

Step 3: Log in

Login into the portal by providing the username and password of the user.

Step 4: Save/submitted FSR

The applicant must now choose the option “Work on Saved/Submitted FSR.”

Step 5: Mode of Submission

Choose the option “Submitted in online mode,” to work on the applications submitted online.

Step 6: Apply Online

From the “View details” option, select the option “Apply online” to open the form of “Application for Renewal of Fire Safety Certificate.”

Step 7: Edit

The page will direct to a form which is auto-filled based on the data previously entered by the applicant. The applicant can start editing by clicking the “Edit” button. After doing so, click the “Save and Next” option to proceed to the next stage.

Step 8: The Final Act

The following page, which includes a mere verification of the documents and the data uploaded by the applicant, will effectively conclude the proceedings. Click the “Save and Submit” option to save the e-form. The applicant may choose to take a print of the submitted application.

After the applicant submits the e-form, it will be automatically addressed to the concerned Department/Directorate, who in-turn will get on with the renewal process. The applicant will receive the Unique Identification Number (UIN) for future references.

The renewed certificate will be valid for a year from the date of renewal.

Tracking of Applications

To track the application status, follow the below procedure:

Step 1: Website

All major statutory processes are processed through the website, which is the same in this case. The applicant may initiate the process of status-check by visiting the same website as specified above.

Step 2: Saved/Submitted FSR

As a three-fold procedure, click on “Work on Saved/Submitted FSR,” and choose the option “Submitted Application.” Now, choose the option “Submitted in online mode” among the options provided.

Step 3: View Submitted

Now, click on the option “View Submitted Application”. Track the status by selecting the option “View Detailed Status.”

How does it get processed?

Here’s an overview of the procedures pursued by the department.

Step 1: Address to DFO

The application, upon its submission, will reach the respective DFO.

Step 2: Passing it on

The DFO will in-turn forward the same to the Head Assistant after assigning an inspecting officer.

Step 3: Preparation of Manual File

The Head Assistant formulates a manual file and addresses the application to the respective inspecting officer.

Step 4: Inspection and Reporting

The Inspecting Officer receiving the application will inspect the building after intimating the applicant of the date of inspection. Based on the inspection, the concerned officer will prepare a report.

Step 5: Recommendation  

The inspector will then state his/her views and recommend the renewal on finding that the building has adopted fire and life safety measures on par with the National Building Code and applicable building by-laws stated by the local municipal authorities.

Step 6: Back to the DFO

The concerned inspecting officer will forward the report to the DFO.

Step 7: Issue of Certificate

The DFO will issue the renewal certificate on finding that the safety measures found by the inspecting officer are concurrent with the requirements. In case of any discrepancies, the DFO will address the application to the Deputy Director, who will examine the details and forward it to the Director. Now, in this case, the Director will be in charge of issuing the renewed Fire Safety Certificate.

High-Risk Classification

Section 2 of the West Bengal Fire Services Act has categorized the following buildings into the high-risk category:

1. Building or part of a building utilized for maintenance, handling, manufacturing or processing of highly combustible or explosive materials or products which are prone to fire incidents.
2. Building or part of buildings utilized for maintenance, handling, manufacturing or processing of materials or products which may trigger toxic fumes or result in an explosion.
3. Building or part of buildings utilized for manufacturing or processing of materials or products by making use of highly corrosive or noxious alkalis, acids or other liquids/chemicals which has the potential to cause an explosion or produce toxic, irritant or corrosive fumes or gases.
4. Building or part of a building utilized for maintenance, handling, manufacturing or processing of materials producing explosive mixtures of dust, which may risk the splitting up of such materials into fine particles due to spontaneous ignition.
5. Building or part of a building utilized for storage, when pressurized with a specific percentage of acetylene, ammonia, carbon-di-oxide, chlorine, hydrogen, methyl oxide, phosgene, sulphur dioxide, illuminating and natural gases or gases of any other kinds which has the potential to explode or emit toxic or cryogenic fumes or gases.
6. Building or part of buildings utilized for the maintenance and handling of hazardous and highly flammable liquids and liquefiable gases.
7. Building or part of a building utilized for maintenance and handling of hazardous substances other than liquids, which includes wool and cotton.
8. Building or part of a building meant for the manufacture of ammunition and fireworks.
9. Building or part of a building meant for the manufacture of artificial flowers and synthetic leather.
10. Building or part of a building constructed as a housing complex with more than eight dwelling units.
11. Building or part of a building of an underground structure.
12. Building or part of a building utilized as a power generation and distribution centre, transformer house, industrial switch-gear room, major electrical installation or telephone exchange.
13. Building or part of a building utilized as airport terminal/hangers, railway station, car shed and yard.
14. Building or part of a building constructed as a hotel, restaurant, club with bar facilities, parlour with sauna-bath facilities, guest-house and dharmasalas.
15. Building that can capacitate multiple persons.
16. Building or part of a building meant for public entertainment and assembly.
17. Building or part of a building constructed as a hospital, nursing home, sanatorium or laboratory.
18. Building or part of a building utilized as library, museum or archaeological/research centre.
19. Building or part of a building utilized as shopping complex, market, Katra or a fire-work outlet.

This is just an example ☝☝☝☝

Home Fire Prevention

Home Fire Prevention

This is a basic fire safety guide. Over 1.13 lakh people killed in fire accidents between 2010 and 2014. Report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) of the Union home ministry shows that a total of 20,377 cases of fire accidents were reported in the country during 2014 which caused deaths of 19,513 persons and injuries to 1,889 others. The worst part is that most home fires are preventable. Waking up to smoke and flames is one of the worst things that can happen to your family and home. Keep your family and your home safe with just a little fire safety preparation and prevention. Madhya Pradesh is the second-worst state when it comes to fire safety, with 2,291 accidental fires kiling 2,305 people in 2014, according to NCRB data. From creating a fire escape plan to making sure your smoke detectors are working properly, these fire safety tips are easy to learn and practice in your home. Maharashtra recorded nearly a quarter of all accidental fires and a fifth of all deaths in 2014, more than twice as many fires and 70% more deaths than second placed Madhya Pradesh.

How to prevent home fires

Home fires can occur for a variety of reasons, but many are preventable.  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires, accounting for over half of home fires in 2015, followed by heating equipment, electrical malfunction, intentional fires and smoking materials.

Home fires are not 100 percent preventable. Though, you can take necessary steps today to reduce your risk of home fires. Here’s how:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms on every floor of your home and within every bedroom. Roughly 50% of home fire deaths occur during the night while people are sleeping.
• Never leave food cooking unattended, especially deep fryers and other frying equipment.
• Avoid using portable and fixed space heaters, as heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
• Have a fire plan that gets you out of your home in less than two minutes and practice it.
• Avoid smoking in the house.

Electrical safety & home fire prevention

Electrical malfunctions are one of the leading causes of home fires. Make sure that you hire a qualified electrician to make any changes in your home. In addition, be sure to check electrical cords regularly, and make sure cords do not run across doorways or under carpets where they could be damaged.

Remember to limit the number of plugs you have in an electrical outlet or power strip. Overloading an electrical outlet can not only trip a breaker, but it could also start a fire.

Additionally, only use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for each lamp. Your lamps and light fixtures should have a sticker that indicates the maximum wattage light bulb you may use.

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Testing your smoke detector could save your life

If you have smoke alarm, then every smoke alarm should be tested monthly by pushing the “test” button and batteries should be changed when needed. It is best to always have at least one spare battery. If your smoke alarm ever “chirps,” it is time to replace the battery immediately. Most smoke alarm failures occur because of a missing or disconnected battery or a dead battery.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires where there were non-working smoke detectors or no smoke detectors at all. Having the proper fire safety equipment in your home can truly save your life.

Where to install smoke detectors

The NFPA recommends installing a smoke alarm on every floor, including the basement, and inside every sleeping room. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on a wall not more than a foot from the ceiling or on the ceiling. Remember, smoke rises.

• Kitchen: It is critical to mount smoke alarms in the kitchen at least 10 feet from any cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
• Basement: Smoke alarms in the basement should be installed on the ceiling near the bottom step of the stairs up to the first floor.

There are many brands and types of smoke alarms you can choose from. All of the best smoke alarms should meet the Underwriters Laboratories Standard. Look for the UL label on the packaging.

How to use a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are helpful for putting out small fires. You can contact your local fire department for fire extinguisher training. Or, follow these simple recommendations from the Fire safety Administration. To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word “PASS:”

1. Pull the pin. Hold the fire extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and remove the pin to unlock it.
2. Aim low. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly and tested by a professional every few years.

It’s also useful to know that there are five different types of fire extinguishers for putting out different kinds of fires.

1. Class A extinguishers: for use on materials like cloth, wood, and paper.
2. Class B extinguishers: for use on combustible and flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, and grease.
3. Class C extinguishers: best for electrical equipment and appliances like stoves, televisions, and computers.
4. Class D extinguishers: for use with flammable metals.
5. Class K extinguishers: best for cooking oils commonly found in commercial kitchens, including vegetable oil.

Most dwellings have a multipurpose extinguisher that covers Classes A, B, and C. You can purchase these types of fire extinguishers at any home improvement store.

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Create a fire escape plan with your family

Home fires can rapidly spread, and every second counts. Having a plan in place where you and your family can get out of the house in under two minutes once the alarm sounds is critical for your family’s safety.

Everyone in your family should know how to dial 1-0-0 in the case of emergency. In addition, teach your children what a smoke alarms sounds like and what to do if they hear one. You should also establish and practice a fire escape plan, especially if you have small children. Here some tips for creating your fire escape plan:

1. Draw a floor plan of your entire house that shows all the doors and windows.
2. Show and discuss the plan with everyone in the house.
3. Identify at least two ways out of every room, if possible. This could be through doors or windows.
4. Once outside, everyone should meet at an agreed upon meeting place a safe distance from the house. It could be the mailbox or the neighbor’s fence. Just make sure it is easy for young children to get there.

Basic fire safety tips for kids and families

Help your family stay safe in the event of a fire. Do not let children play with matches, lighters or candles. Keep these items up and away from young children. In addition, teach your kids these basic fire safety tips to help ensure they know what to do during a fire emergency.

1. Teach children that if a doorknob is hot, you should NOT open the door.
2. Teach children how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
3. Teach your kids to crawl on their hands and knees if they see smoke.
4. Take your child to the fire house to meet a firefighter. This way, they learn what a firefighter looks like in their fire gear.
5. Teach your child to never hide under the bed or in the closet.

Fire safety recap

There’s no 100% guarantee that a fire will never happen in your home. That’s why it pays to be prepared and take steps to reduce the risk of a home fire. Follow the three “P’s” – prevent, plan, and practice. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, your family has a fire escape plan, and you have practiced it.

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