Can artificial intelligence (AI) be used in fire safety

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be used in Fire Safety? 

Wishing you a very happy new year 2025. Yes, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in fire safety to improve detection, prevention, and response. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an aspect of technology that holds both many advantages and pitfalls for the fire-safety community and general public, but it’s one we can’t ignore. So, what can we expect from its use in fire safety ?

Fire investigation

I have for many years found that investigating serious or fatal fires is very difficult if you are not part of the investigation team or a relevant authority and this often means that when you examine any official report it generally raises many questions that the authorities are sometimes reluctant to answer or clarify. To try to answer these questions it requires a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the relevant authority, and whilst some authorities are quite helpful, others can be very guarded in their responses, and this leads me to ask why should this be?

Could it be that the relevant authority are protecting their own reputation and are not willing to divulge any information that may show where they have not acted in a manner that was in the interests of the general public or other interested parties, or could it be that they are simply covering up mistakes that they made in dealing with the incident or enforcement?

I have always thought that the enforcing authorities should be more open, honest and transparent in these matters as it is only by an approach like this that we can truly learn from these incidents, and this must be in the interests of everyone and not just the enforcing authorities.

It is interesting to note that in some European countries the investigation is done by the police who also have forensic science teams available to them.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

One of the first questions that I asked AI was ‘Can AI be used for fire safety and investigation?’ And this was the response:

‘AI can be used in fire investigation in a number of ways. For example, AI can be used to:

• Identify the origin and cause of fires. AI can analyse data from the fire scene, such as burn patterns, heat distribution and the presence of accelerants, to identify the point of origin and the most likely cause of the fire.
• Reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to a fire. AI can use data from the fire scene, as well as witness testimony and other evidence, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fire. This can help investigators to identify suspects and determine whether the fire was accidental or intentional.
• Predict the behaviour of fires. AI can be used to simulate the behaviour of fires under different conditions, such as wind speed, humidity and fuel type. This information can be used to help firefighters develop effective fire suppression and evacuation plans.
• Identify fire hazards. AI can be used to analyse data from building inspections and other sources to identify potential fire hazards. This information can be used to develop fire-safety regulations and to help businesses and homeowners to reduce their risk of fire.
• AI is still under development, but it has the potential to revolutionise fire investigation. By automating tasks that are currently time-consuming and labour-intensive, AI can help investigators to solve fires more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, AI can provide investigators with new insights and perspectives on fire behaviour and fire investigation.

‘Here are some specific examples of how AI is being used in fire investigation today:

• Fire investigators are using AI to analyse burn patterns. AI can be used to identify patterns that would be difficult or impossible for human investigators to see. This can help investigators to identify the point of origin of a fire and to determine the most likely cause.
• AI is being used to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to a fire. AI can be used to analyse data from the fire scene, such as the location of fire debris and the presence of heat indicators, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fire. This can help investigators to identify suspects and to determine whether the fire was accidental or intentional.
• AI is being used to predict the behaviour of fires. AI can be used to simulate the behaviour of fires under different conditions, such as wind speed, humidity and fuel type. This information can be used to help firefighters develop effective fire suppression and evacuation plans.
• As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ways to use AI in fire investigation.’

So, clearly there is an important role for AI in Fire Investigation but unless all of the relevant information is made available, I wonder how accurate the results will be and whether they will be made available to interested parties.

Bibby Stockholm Barge in dry-dock in Falmouth

Bibby Stockholm barge – is it safe for the intended use?

This is a question that I was recently asked by the BBC and as all the authorities and manufacturers were not being very open about the answer, I decided to ask AI the question and this was the response, but please note that the accuracy of all these responses is not guaranteed:

‘Fire safety is of paramount importance on board the Bibby Stockholm barge. The barge is equipped with a number of fire-safety features, including:

• A fire detection and alarm system
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire hoses
• Fire blankets
• A fire escape plan

The crew of the Bibby Stockholm barge are trained in fire-safety procedures and are responsible for maintaining the fire-safety equipment on board. In the event of a fire, the crew will activate the fire-alarm system and extinguish the fire using the fire extinguishers or fire hoses. If the fire is too large for the crew to extinguish, they will evacuate the barge and call the fire brigade.

‘Here are some additional fire safety tips for the Bibby Stockholm barge:

• Keep fire exits clear and unobstructed.
• Do not smoke or use open flames on board.
• Store flammable materials in designated areas.
• Inspect fire-safety equipment regularly and make sure it is in working order.
• Hold fire drills regularly to ensure that the crew is familiar with the fire safety procedures.
• By following these fire safety tips, the crew of the Bibby Stockholm barge can help to prevent fires and ensure the safety of everyone on board.’

I then asked AI: ‘Is the Bibby Stockholm barge safe for 500 people?’ and this was the response: ‘Whether the Bibby Stockholm barge is safe for 500 people is a matter of debate. The barge was originally designed to accommodate 222 people, but its capacity has been doubled by putting bunk beds in its cabins and converting some communal rooms into dormitories. This has led to concerns about overcrowding and fire safety.

‘The UK Fire Brigades Union has warned that the barge is a ‘deathtrap’ and that the government is putting people’s lives at risk by using it to house asylum seekers. The union has also expressed concerns about the lack of training and experience of the staff who will be working on the barge.

‘The Home Office has defended its decision to use the Bibby Stockholm barge, saying that it has been thoroughly inspected and is safe to accommodate 500 people. The Home Office has also said that the barge will be staffed by experienced and qualified staff.

‘Ultimately, whether the Bibby Stockholm barge is safe for 500 people is a matter of opinion. There are valid concerns about overcrowding and fire safety, but the Home Office has insisted that the barge is safe.

It is important to note that the Bibby Stockholm barge is currently being used to house asylum seekers. Asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable people who are often fleeing persecution and violence. It is therefore essential that the Home Office takes all necessary steps to ensure that the Bibby Stockholm barge is a safe and humane place to live.’

Clearly, in this example AI is not able to fully answer the question but does provide a good overview.

The Royal Clarence Hotel fire

This is an incident that I know a little more about as I carried out an investigation for the BBC and a subsequent programme was shown on the BBC Inside Out programme.

The AI version gave the following response:

‘Dave Jones, a former sector commander of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS), believes that the hotel could have been saved by the fire service. He claims that he told incident commanders that he had found a fire on the third floor, but that his evidence to an inquiry was left out of a fire service report.

‘Jones says that he needed authority to send crews back into the hotel, but that he was met with blank stares. He also claims that 90% of the hotel was perfectly intact, and that it could have and should have been saved.

‘An independent review into the fire concluded that it remained speculative as to whether the historic hotel could have been saved. However, the review did make a number of recommendations for areas of learning for future incidents dealt with by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

‘Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has denied any wrongdoing and says that it hopes the review will reassure the public. However, Jones’ claims have raised serious questions about the fire service’s handling of the incident.’

I would add that I also received a number of other responses from serving members of DSFRS that confirmed Dave Jones version of the story but were unwilling to be named due to possible action by their employers.

How can we develop AI to be more helpful in fire safety?

This is what AI tells us:

‘There are a number of ways in which we can develop AI to be more helpful in fire safety. Here are a few examples:

‘Improved fire detection: AI can be used to develop more sophisticated fire-detection systems that can detect fires earlier and more accurately than traditional systems. This can be done by using AI to analyse data from a variety of sources, such as smoke detectors, heat sensors and cameras.

‘Predictive fire prevention: AI can be used to develop predictive models that can identify potential fire hazards and predict where and when fires are likely to occur. This information can then be used to prevent fires from happening in the first place.

‘Firefighting assistance: AI can be used to develop systems that can assist firefighters in fighting fires. This can be done by providing firefighters with real-time information about the fire, such as its location, size and intensity. AI can also be used to develop robots that can help firefighters to extinguish fires and rescue people.

‘Here are some specific examples of AI-powered fire-safety technologies that are currently being developed:

• AI-powered smoke detectors: these detectors can use AI to identify different types of smoke, including smoke from different types of fires. This can help to reduce false alarms and improve the accuracy of fire detection.
• AI-powered fire surveillance cameras: these cameras can use AI to detect fires and smoke in real time. They can also be used to track the movement of fire and smoke, which can help firefighters to better understand how a fire is behaving.
• AI-powered fire prediction models: these models can use data from a variety of sources, such as weather data, building data and historical fire data, to predict where and when fires are likely to occur. This information can be used to prevent fires from happening in the first place, or to deploy resources more effectively in the event of a fire.
• AI-powered firefighting robots: these robots can be used to extinguish fires, rescue people, and explore dangerous environments. They can also be used to collect data about fires, which can help firefighters to better understand how fires behave and how to fight them more effectively.

‘These are just a few examples of how AI can be used to improve fire safety. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective fire-safety solutions emerge.

‘In addition to developing new AI technologies, we also need to make sure that existing AI technologies are used safely and effectively in fire-safety applications. This means developing and implementing best practices for the development, deployment and use of AI-powered fire-safety systems. It also means educating firefighters and other fire-safety professionals on how to use AI-powered fire-safety systems safely and effectively.

‘By developing and using AI responsibly, we can make a significant contribution to improving fire safety and reducing the loss of life and property due to fires.’

Can AI be used to carry out fire risk assessments?

This was another question that I asked AI, and this was the response:

‘AI can be used to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). FRA is a process of identifying and evaluating the fire risks in a building or structure, and then developing a plan to mitigate those risks. AI can be used to automate many of the tasks involved in FRA, such as:

• Identifying potential fire hazards: AI can be used to analyse building plans and other data to identify potential fire hazards, such as flammable materials, electrical wiring and heating systems.
• Evaluating the risk of fire: AI can be used to evaluate the risk of fire based on the identified hazards, as well as other factors such as the occupancy of the building and the fire-safety measures in place.
• Developing a fire-risk mitigation plan: AI can be used to develop a fire-risk mitigation plan that includes measures to reduce the likelihood of fire, as well as measures to protect people and property in the event of a fire.
• AI-powered FRA tools can help businesses and organisations to save time and money, and to improve the safety of their buildings and occupants. However, it is important to note that AI-powered FRA tools are not a replacement for human expertise. It is still important to have a qualified fire-safety professional review the results of any AI-powered FRA and to provide guidance on the implementation of the fire-risk mitigation plan.

‘Here are some of the benefits of using AI for FRA:

• Accuracy: AI can be trained on large datasets of fire-safety data to identify fire hazards and assess fire risks with a high degree of accuracy.
• Efficiency: AI can automate many of the tasks involved in FRA, which can save businesses and organisations time and money.
• Objectivity: AI is not susceptible to human biases, which can help to ensure that FRA is conducted in a fair and objective manner.

‘However, there are also some challenges to using AI for FRA:

Data quality: AI-powered FRA tools are only as good as the data they are trained on. It is important to ensure that the data used to train the AI is accurate and up to date.

Transparency: it can be difficult to understand how AI-powered FRA tools make decisions. This can make it difficult to trust the results of the assessment.

Accountability: if a fire occurs, it is important to be able to determine who is responsible for the failure of the FRA. This can be difficult to do if the FRA was conducted by an AI.

Overall, AI has the potential to be a valuable tool for FRA. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges involved in using AI for FRA and to take steps to mitigate those risks.’

In short AI can be a game-changer in terms of predicting and preventing fires. Advanced machine learning algorithms can analyse historical data, weather conditions, building structures, and other factors to identify high-risk areas.

• Fire detection

AI-powered sensors and drones can quickly identify fires, and AI-based systems can use computer vision to analyze sensor data to find signs of fire and smoke. 

• Fire prediction

AI can analyze data from smoke detectors, temperature sensors, and other IoT devices to predict where and when a fire is likely to occur. 

• Fire response

AI can help manage evacuation plans by analyzing real-time data and guiding people to the safest exits. AI can also simulate the behavior of fires under various conditions to help firefighters develop effective evacuation plans. 

• Fire investigation

AI can reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to a fire by analyzing data from the fire scene, witness testimony, and other evidence. 

• Fire prevention

AI can analyze data from building inspections to identify potential fire hazards. 

• Firefighting

AI can be used in smart firefighting during actual fire events. 

AI can also integrate with building management systems (BMS) to coordinate with things like HVAC systems to control smoke or lighting to show safe paths.

Summary of NBC 2016 Part 4 Fire and Life Safety

Summary of NBC 2016 Part 4 Fire and Life Safety 

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for development of standards, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The National Building Code of India 2016 (NBC 2016), a comprehensive building Code prepared by BIS, is a national instrument providing guidelines for regulating the building construction activities across the country.

Thus, the Code gives all the information required by the architect, engineer, structural engineer, construction engineer, services engineer and other professionals from the early stages of planning to translating the building on to terra firma. The comprehensive NBC 2016 contains 13 Parts some of which are divided into Sections and Subsections totalling 33 chapters.

Key Content - Fire and Life Safety

All buildings shall satisfy minimum requirements for safety of life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic arising from these or similar causes.

Classification of buildings based on occupancy

The city or area under the jurisdiction of the Authority shall be demarcated into distinct fire zones depending upon the existing layout, types of building construction, classification of existing buildings based on occupancy and expected future development of the city or area. Intermixing of hazardous occupancies should not be allowed in other zones.

1) Fire resistant walls, floors and compartments

• To limit the spread of fire

• No compromise for openings such as shafts, refuse chutes, vertical openings, etc.

2) Shafts

• To be provided with fire resistant rated inspection door for passage of building

services such as cables, electrical wires, telephone cables, plumbing pipes, etc

depending upon location.

3) Refuge area

• An area within the building for a temporary use during egress. It generally serves as

a staging area which is protected from the effect of fire and smoke.

4) Fire detection and firefighting installations

• These include fire alarm, fire extinguishers, hose reels, wet riser, down comer,

yard hydrants, sprinklers, deluge system, water spray, foam, water mist systems,

gaseous or dry powder system, water storage tanks and pumps, etc.

5) Means of egress

• Consists of three separate and distinct parts, that is, exit access, exit and exit discharge

• Exit access are working/functional areas

• Various types of exit access and exits are doorways, corridors and passageways, horizontal exits, internal staircases, exit passageways, external staircases and ramps.

6) Firefighting shafts

• With fire man talk back, fire door, wet riser, hose reel, signage showing floor plan and stairways and fire man’s lift

Fire prevention

Fire prevention is based on the following:

•        Occupancy

•        Fire zones

•        Types of construction

•        General requirement of all occupancies

•        Electrical installation

a.   Emergency power for fire and life safety system

b.   Substation

c.    Lightning protection

d.   Escape lighting and exit signage

e.   HVAC and smoke control

f.     Glazing

g.   Surface interior finish

h.   Fire Command Centre

•        Fire resistance rating of structural and non-structural elements updated

•        Fire resistance rating of service shaft and duct opening of 2 hours.                                 Inspection door and duct opening should have same resistance rating of  service shaft.

•        Facade protection and openable windows in facade shall have fire protection and smoke exhaust aspects

•        Compartment criteria of different occupancies and fire separating wall & floor partitions are modified

•        Provision of fire/smoke damper design more elaborated like provision of damper

A.   At the fire separation wall

B.   Where ducts/passage enter the vertical shaft

C.   Where the duct passes through floor

D.   At the inlet of supply air duct and return air duct of each compartment on every floor.

Glass facade

1. For fully sprinkler building having fire separation of 9 m or more, tampered glass in a non-combustible assembly with ability to hold the glass in position shall be provided
2. It shall be ensured that sprinklers are located within 60 cm and there is full coverage of glass. All the gaps between floor slab and facade assembly shall be sealed at all level by fire resistant sealant material of equal rating of floor slab to prevent fire and smoke propagation from one floor to another.
3. Openable panels shall be provided in each floor and shall be spaced not more than 10 m apart, measured along the external wall from the centre to centre of the access opening. Such opening shall be operable at a height between 1.2 m and 1.5 m from the floor in the form of openable panel (Fire Access Panel) not less than 1000 mm x 1000mm opening outward.

FIRE OPENABLE PANEL DO NOT OBSTRUCT IN  25 mm lettering in the inner side can also act as smoke exhaust at the time of distress.

Service Sector in Focus

Some important features considered in Hospitals

•        Each compartment shall be able to accommodate patients from adjoining compartment and Density Factor (Number of patient) area to be allotted 3.5 sq.m/person

•        Critical patients, incapable of self-preservation and physical impairment shall be housed within 30 m height

•        Other types of patient and occupancy like Nurses’ centre, Medical shop, Canteen, etc to be in between 30-45 m in height

•        Operation theatre, Delivery room, ICU, Recovery room shall have a separation with 2 hours of fire resistance rating

•        Passage width of aisles, corridor, ramp, etc shall be 2.4 m unobstructed through which patients are being moved and in case of inpatient width not less than 1.5

•        All exits from Hospital or Infirmary Section shall not be less than 2m

•        Minimum door width single/double occupancy shall be 1.25 m; for 3-5 patients, door width shall be 1.50 m; for more than 5 patients and patient evacuation bed (i.e. ICU) it shall be 2.0 m; for single/double doors, it shall be 1.5 m

•        Any sleeping accommodation or suite exceeding 100 sq.m in area, 2 no.s of access door leading to escape route, corridor, etc to be provided

•        Room designed for laboratory or like facility shall be limited to 100 sq.m in area for additional area coverage. Fire separation shall be done by 2 hours fire resistance.

•        A stretcher lift in the lift bank shall also act as a fireman lift

Life safety is based on:

•        General exit

•        Occupant load

•        Declaration of occupant load

•        Egress components

•        Smoke control of exit

•        Compartmentation

•        Smoke control above and below ground

•        Gas supply

•        Hazardous area

•        Fire detection

•        Fire drill

Safe electrical supply system

•        The electrical supplies towards the critical aspects of emergency power for fire and life safety addressed for respective system.

•        Power supply to the panel and distribution board be through fire proof enclosure or circuit integrity cable or through alternate route in the adjoining fire compartment is protected within the compartment of vulnerability and require location of the panel/distribution board feeding shall be in fire and safety zone and ensure supply of power to these system.

•        The high voltage electrical equipment safety including aspects of emergency and exit lighting of large and public assembly occupancies

•        HVAC system, smoke control and mitigation also to be taken care of with comprehensive approach towards compartmentation and spread of fire and smoke.

Life safety

•        To calculate the number of exit requirement with Density Factor

•        Exit Layout for better understanding of various aspects of means of egress, corridor, passageways, stair ways and exit

•        Provision for access control door, electromagnetic door, revolving door and turnstile (conditions to be fulfilled)

•        Provision of handrail at both sides of stairs and ramp width exceeding 1.5m

•        Internal stair width of residential building increased to 1250 mm from 1000 mm

•        External stairs width increased from 1250 mm to 1500 mm

•        Each fire rated door shall have a marking on the product of its certification. Door assembly parts like hinges, locks, panic bars, door closer and door viewer shall be certified.

•        Updated staircase pressurization requirement (Smoke control of exit) for lobbies & corridors

•        Smoke exhaust and pressurization of area below the ground floor

•        Requirement of smoke exhaust system having make up air system for the theatre and atrium

•        Smoke exhaust fan in the mechanical ventilation system shall be fire rated of 250 degrees centigrade for 2 hours (120 minutes)

•        Provision of smoke barrier and sprinkler around the opening for escalator

•        Requirement of display of occupancy load for assembly occupancy and call center.

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 ☝☝☝☝