• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 7,054 fire accident cases were reported in India in 2023.
• These fire accidents resulted in 6,891 deaths across the country.
• More than 50% of fire incidents occurred in residential or dwelling buildings.

Reasons for Fire Incidents in India

1.    Natural Factors

• Natural factors such as hot and dry climate increase fire vulnerability.
  • Prevailing winds often accelerate the spread of fires.
  • Seismic vulnerability also raises the risk of fire outbreaks.
  • The Brahmapuram waste plant fire in Kochi (2023) was caused by high ambient heat.

2.    Design and Density Issues

• High-rise building density increases the risk of rapid fire spread.
• Substandard and illegal construction compromises fire safety norms.
• The use of flammable construction materials worsens fire hazards.
• The Kumbakonam school fire in Tamil Nadu (2004) occurred due to flammable roofing materials.

3.    Inadequate Compliance

• Many buildings lack mandatory fire exits.
• Narrow staircases obstruct safe evacuation during fires.
• The Mukherjee Nagar coaching centre fire in Delhi (2023) highlighted non-compliance with fire safety norms.

4.    Limited Firefighting Resources

• In 2019, India faced a shortage of 5,191 fire stations.
• During the same year, there was a shortfall of 5,03,365 firefighting personnel.

5.    Other Contributing Factors

• Lack of public awareness contributes to unsafe practices.
• India lacks a centrally maintained fire incident database.
• Electrical failures remain a frequent cause of fires.

Existing Fire Safety Regulations in India

1.    Constitutional Provisions

• Fire services are a State subject under the Indian Constitution.
• Fire services are listed in the 12th Schedule under Article 243.
  • Article 243 assigns fire safety responsibilities to Municipalities.

2.    National Building Code

• The National Building Code (NBC) is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• The NBC provides mandatory fire safety guidelines for buildings.

3.    Model Building Bye-Laws

• The Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016 were issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• These bye-laws serve as a guiding framework for States and Union Territories.

4.    Fire Services Modernisation Scheme

• The Scheme for Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The scheme aligns with recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission.

Way Forward for Strengthening Fire Safety

1.    Technological Integration

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based risk assessment systems can predict fire hazards.
• Mobile applications can enable real-time reporting of fire incidents.

2.    Infrastructure Planning

• Fire station placement should reflect road networks and traffic congestion.

3.    Financial Measures

• Dedicated funding is needed for upgrading fire safety infrastructure.
• Introduction of a Fire Tax can support equipment and capacity upgrades.

4.    Regulatory Compliance

• Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) must undergo strict scrutiny before approval.
• Accountability mechanisms should be enforced for officials issuing licenses.

5.    Adoption of Best Practices

• China’s fire safety model demonstrates strict enforcement of regulations.
• Community-based fire prevention programmes educate citizens on fire risks and emergency response.