Fire Safety in India

Fire Safety in India requires a coordinated effort involving all relevant stakeholders is imperative to mitigate this insidious threat. By prioritizing fire safety through improved regulations, infrastructure, funding, and public awareness, India can significantly reduce the risk of such devastating fires in the future. In this article, you will know about norms, reasons and challenges associated with Fire Safety in India.

To explore more interesting UPSC Disaster Management topics of GS Paper -1 like Fire Safety, check out other articles and IAS Notes of IASToppers.   

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Current Fire Safety Standards and Enforcement
• Need for Better strategies
• Challenges
• Ways to Prevent Fire Accidents
• Issues leading to Urban Fire in India
• How Preventive Maintenance can avoid Chances of Fire?
• Way Forward
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

• The recent devastating fires at a gaming centre in Rajkot, Gujarat, and a newborn nursing clinic in Delhi, which left over 30 dead, have once again spotlighted a critical issue in India.
• This negligence spans across various stakeholders, including builders, proprietors, and regulatory authorities.
• Despite the existence of detailed fire safety protocols in the National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016, the enforcement of these guidelines is inadequate.
• Fire services are managed at the municipality level and often lack organization and resources.

Current Fire Safety Standards and Enforcement

• The NBC 2016 provides comprehensive fire safety standards, but as a recommendatory document, its implementation varies significantly.
• The Director General, Fire Services website under the Ministry of Home Affairs explicitly acknowledges the disorganized state of fire services in India.
• There is an increasing demand for fire safety that have not been met with corresponding developments in the fire services.

Financial Allocations and Infrastructure Deficiencies

• In 2019, the Home Ministry reported that India had only 3,377 fire stations, whereas a 2012 national report indicated the need for more than double that number.
• Furthermore, the staffing of fire services is critically inadequate, with about 55,000 fire servicemen available against a requirement of approximately 560,000.
• The 13th Finance Commission recommended significant allocations to improve fire and emergency services, but the actual allocations and improvements have been insufficient.

Recent Initiatives and Future Directions

• Recognizing the urgent need for modernization, the Centre recently allocated ₹5,000 crore for emergency services modernization, with States expected to contribute an additional ₹1,400 crore.
• The 15th Finance Commission has also advised that 12.5% of all allocations towards the National/State Disaster Response Funds be set aside for this purpose.

Need for better Strategies

• India’s policymakers, bureaucracy, entrepreneurs, and the wider society must urgently address the systemic negligence in fire safety. A multifaceted strategy involving:
• Stricter Enforcement: Municipalities must strictly enforce fire safety protocols outlined in the NBC 2016.
• Infrastructure Development: Increase the number of fire stations and adequately staff them to meet national requirements.
• Financial Investment: Ensure sufficient financial allocations at both national and state levels to modernize fire services.
• Public Awareness: Raise awareness among the public and businesses about the importance of fire safety compliance.
• Technological Integration: Utilize advanced technologies and automation to enhance fire safety measures and response capabilities.

Challenges

• Flammable materials: If flammable materials aren’t stored or handled correctly, they can start a fire or make an existing one more dangerous.
• Broken smoke detectors: According to one study, people without properly working smoke alarms are more than 80% more likely to die in a house fire.
• Inadequate maintenance: Unmaintained or modified fire doors can be less effective at containing fire and smoke, which can increase the risk to people and property during a fire.
• Fire detection: Fire detection and extinguishing should be efficient to reduce the risk of fire accidents.

Ways to prevent fire accidents

How Poor Facility Maintenance Can Be Fire Prone?

• When maintenance is neglected, the likelihood of electrical failures, such as short circuits and overheating, increases due to worn-out wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning electrical equipment.
• Without proper maintenance, these critical systems may fail, leading to uncontrolled fires and increased damage. When maintenance is neglected, several risks increase:
• Electrical Failures: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning electrical equipment can spark fires.
• Mechanical Failures: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are not regularly serviced can overheat or fail, leading to fires.
• Accumulation of Flammable Materials: Dust, debris, and other flammable materials can accumulate in neglected areas, providing fuel for fires.
• Malfunctioning Fire Safety Systems: Fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers require regular maintenance to function correctly. Without it, these critical systems may fail during a fire emergency.

Issues leading to Urban Fire in India

Resource Deficiencies:

• Fire Stations and Equipment: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) identifies a significant shortfall in fire stations (97.54%), firefighting and rescue vehicles (80.04%), and fire personnel (96.28%) across India .
• Financial Allocations: The 15th Finance Commission’s provision of Rs 5,000 crore for strengthening state-level fire services over five years aims to address these deficiencies but highlights the current inadequacies .

Increase in Fire Incidents:

• Urban Areas: Cities like Delhi have seen a sharp increase in fire incidents, with a 32.26% rise in fire calls in early 2024 compared to 2023 .
• Hospitals: Incidents such as the fires at RC Hazra Memorial Hospital and Honey Children’s Hospital indicate serious lapses in fire safety measures within healthcare facilities .

Infrastructure and Urbanization Issues:

• Unauthorised Settlements and Traffic Congestion: Rapid urbanization has led to the proliferation of unauthorized settlements and increased traffic congestion, impeding the efficiency of fire services .
• Heatwaves and Electrical Overloading: Extreme heat increases the risk of fires, particularly due to overloading of electrical systems and failure of air conditioning units .

Inadequate Planning and Maintenance:

• Emergency Exits and Evacuation Plans: Many buildings lack proper emergency exits and evacuation plans, contributing to higher casualties during fire incidents .
• Power Management: Overloaded electrical systems and outdated power infrastructure are common, particularly during peak power demand periods .

Proposed Measures for Enhancing Fire Safety

1. Strengthening Fire Services:
2. Infrastructure Development: Increase the number of fire stations and equip them with modern firefighting and rescue vehicles. Prioritize densely populated and high-risk areas.
3. Personnel Training: Enhance recruitment and training programs to address the shortfall in fire service personnel. Regularly update training to include the latest firefighting techniques and technologies.
4. Regular Audits and Inspections:
5. Fire Safety Audits: Conduct comprehensive fire safety audits in all hospitals and high-risk buildings. Ensure audits cover compliance with the National Building Code and relevant safety standards.
6. Electrical Load Audits: Implement bi-annual electrical audits, especially in hospitals, to evaluate and manage power consumption safely. Ensure all electrical upgrades are certified by licensed professionals.
7. Infrastructure Upgrades and Maintenance:
8. Fire Detection and Suppression Systems: Install and maintain smoke detectors, fire alarms, and automatic sprinkler systems in all critical areas, including ICUs and operation theaters. Ensure these systems are integrated and operational.
9. Material Safety: Use non-combustible materials for construction and furnishings, particularly in patient care areas. Regularly inspect and replace combustible materials.
10. Improving Urban Planning and Resilience:
11. Green and Blue Infrastructure: Restore and expand water bodies and green spaces in urban areas to mitigate the heat island effect and reduce ambient temperatures.
12. Community Engagement: Promote tree planting and maintenance initiatives among residents’ welfare associations and community groups.
13. Regulatory Compliance and Certifications:
14. Fire Safety NOC Renewal: Ensure hospitals and high-risk buildings renew their Fire Safety No-Objection Certificates annually, submitting updated safety plans and maintenance records.
15. Compliance with National Standards: Regularly review and update building codes and safety standards to align with the latest fire safety practices.
16. Emergency Preparedness and Response:
17. Evacuation Plans: Develop and display comprehensive evacuation plans in buildings. Conduct regular fire drills and training for familiarity with emergency procedures.
18. Public Awareness Campaigns: To educate the public about fire safety measures, the importance of regular maintenance, and the steps to take during an emergency.

How Preventive Maintenance Can Avoid Chances of Fire?

Preventive maintenance is a systematic approach to inspecting, testing, and servicing equipment and systems to identify and correct potential issues before they escalate into serious problems.

1. Early Detection of Electrical Hazards

• Inspection of Wiring and Circuits: To identify wear and tear, frayed wires, and loose connections that can cause short circuits or sparks, leading to fires.
• Testing Electrical Panels: Routine testing of electrical panels ensures they are not overloaded and that all connections are secure. Identifying and addressing issues like faulty breakers or corrosion can prevent overheating and potential fires.
• Regular maintenance: Electrical equipment and appliances ensures they operate within safe parameters for overheating components, faulty switches, and ensuring proper grounding.

2. Ensuring Proper Functioning of Fire Safety Systems

• Regular Testing of Fire Alarms: To ensure they are operational and can provide early warnings in case of fire. This includes checking battery levels, sensors, and alarm functionality.
• Servicing Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler systems should be inspected and tested to ensure they have adequate water pressure and no blockages. Regular maintenance ensures that sprinklers will activate promptly and effectively during a fire.
• Inspecting Fire Extinguishers: To ensure they are charged, accessible, and have not passed their expiration date. This guarantees that they can be used immediately in an emergency.

3. Reducing Accumulation of Flammable Materials

• Regular Cleaning: Routine cleaning of facilities reduces the buildup of dust, debris, and other flammable materials.
• Proper Storage Practices: To prevent accidental ignition using fire-resistant storage cabinets, keep flammable materials away from heat sources, proper labeling and segregation of chemicals.

4. Maintaining HVAC Systems

• Cleaning Air Filters and Vents: Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters and vents in HVAC systems prevents the buildup of dust and debris that can act as fuel for fires.
• Inspecting Mechanical Components: Ensuring that all mechanical components of HVAC systems, such as motors and compressors, are in good working order prevents overheating and mechanical failures that could lead to fires.
• Checking Ductwork: Inspecting and cleaning ductwork prevents the accumulation of flammable materials and ensures that airflows correctly, reducing the risk of overheating.

5. Ensuring Compliance with Safety Standards

• Fire Codes: Regular maintenance ensures compliance with local fire codes and safety standards like maintaining clear exit paths, proper signage, and fire-resistant construction materials.
• Updating Safety Protocols: Keeping safety protocols up-to-date with regular training and drills ensures that all personnel are prepared to act quickly and effectively in the event of a fire.

6. Inspecting Building Structure

• Checking for Structural Integrity: Such as walls, ceilings, and floors, can identify and repair potential fire hazards, like gaps that could allow fire to spread more quickly.
• Maintaining Fire Doors and Exits: Regular maintenance includes checking door seals, hinges, and automatic closing mechanisms to ensure they will work correctly in an emergency.
• Fireproofing Materials: It can help contain and slow the spread of fire, providing more time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

7. Maintaining Emergency Lighting and Signage

• Testing Emergency Lights: Ensuring that emergency lighting systems are operational can guide occupants safely out of the building during power outages caused by a fire. Regular testing and maintenance of these systems are essential.
• Checking Exit Signs: Regularly checking that exit signs are illuminated and clearly visible ensures that building occupants can quickly find their way to safety in an emergency.

8. Servicing Kitchen Areas

• Cleaning Cooking Equipment: Regular cleaning and maintenance of stoves, ovens, and other cooking equipment prevent grease fires, which are a common cause of kitchen fires.
• Maintaining Hood and Ventilation Systems: Ensuring that kitchen hoods and ventilation systems are free of grease buildup reduces the risk of fire spreading.
• Inspecting Gas Lines and Connections: Regular inspections of gas lines and connections prevent leaks that could ignite and cause fires.

9. Roof and Exterior Maintenance

• Inspecting Roofing Materials: Regular inspections ensure that roofing materials are in good condition and fire-resistant, preventing external fires from spreading to the building.
• Cleaning Gutters and Drains: Keeping gutters and drains free of debris prevents the accumulation of materials that could ignite and cause roof fires.
• Maintaining Exterior Lighting and Signage: Regular maintenance of exterior lights and signs prevents electrical fires and ensures that these systems function correctly during emergencies.

Way Forward

• Integrated Approach to Fire Safety: A holistic approach is necessary to effectively address fire safety, through synchronizing the NBC 2016 with the Energy Conservation Building Code.
• This would ensure comprehensive standards for construction materials, electrical wiring, air-conditioning, and other cooling systems.
• Given the increasing frequency of heatwaves and extreme weather events, it is crucial to revamp standards and enforce stricter regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring fire safety in India demands a multifaceted approach integrating robust infrastructure, stringent regulations, public awareness campaigns, and effective emergency response mechanisms. The nation must prioritize the enforcement of existing fire safety codes while continually updating them to align with global standards and emerging technologies. Collaboration between government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and community organizations is essential to address systemic challenges and implement preventive measures effectively. Additionally, investing in advanced firefighting equipment, training programs, and urban planning strategies can mitigate the risks posed by rapid urbanization and industrial expansion. Ultimately, a proactive approach to fire safety is imperative to safeguard lives, protect property, and promote sustainable development across the nation.

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