Recently, a fire incident in Surat tragically claimed the lives of 22 students. This tragic occurrence brings to light the urgent need for proper adherence to safety measures and regulations across India. Notably, fire accidents pose grave risks that can be considerably mitigated through the implementation of standardised safety norms, building code compliance, and adequate preparedness, among others.
National Statistics on Fire Accidents
The National Crime Records Bureau reports alarming figures on fire accidents in India. In 2015, approximately 17,700 Indian nationals lost their lives to fire accidents, which equates to about 48 deaths every day. Among these casualties, 62% were women. The two highly urbanised states, Maharashtra and Gujarat, account for roughly 30% of the country’s fire accident fatalities. Consequently, there appears to be a direct correlation between population density, associated with urbanisation, and the number of deaths resulting from fire-related incidents. Moreover, according to the India Risk Surveys 2018, fires majorly impact business continuity and operations, pushing India into the third position globally for the number of fire incidents, with the Northern and Western regions most affected.
Causes of Fire Accidents in India
The violation of safety standards, coupled with the absence of regulation and standardisation, significantly contributes to the high number of fire accidents. For instance, constructing false roofs on a large scale in commercial buildings and multiplexes contravenes the national building construction code. High-rise buildings are susceptible to fire accidents due to inadequate built-in fire protection systems, making salvaging operations challenging. Furthermore, goods stored inappropriately, even if not flammable, facilitate the spread of fire and obstruct firefighters’ access to the fire source or impact the efficacy of sprinkler systems. Additionally, ambiguity in the provisions for a fire safety audit in terms of scope, objective, methodology, and periodicity further exacerbates the issue.
About Fire Safety Audits
The Fire Safety Audit seeks to evaluate an organisation, occupancy, or building’s adherence to the fire safety standards outlined in the National Building Code of India, relevant Indian standards, and state government and local body legislation concerning fire prevention, protection, and life safety measures. However, the lack of resources, preparedness, and inadequate fire services fail to provide sufficient fire safety coverage to the population. According to a 2011 study, there was reported a 65% deficiency in fire stations. The Ministry of Home Affairs also indicated a significant deficiency in firefighting infrastructure in towns with over 100,000 residents.
Budget Allocation and Utilisation
From 2010 to 2015, 78% of the budget allocated for purchasing fire safety equipment and rescue vehicles remained unused across the state. As a state matter, the provision of fire services is included as a municipal function in the XII schedule of the Constitution, making municipal corporations and local bodies responsible for supplying fire services in numerous states.
| Year | Budget Allocation for Fire Safety Equipment | Amount Unused |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Amount | Amount |
| 2011 | Amount | Amount |
| 2012 | Amount | Amount |
| 2013 | Amount | Amount |
| 2014 | Amount | Amount |
| 2015 | Amount | Amount |
Role of Public Awareness and Infrastructure in Preventing Fire Accidents
An absence of awareness among the public also contributes to the issue. Many do not consider safety arrangements before purchasing or leasing a flat in an apartment or starting an institution. Furthermore, faulty wiring and PUF (polyurethane foam) used for plastic insulation present a high risk of accidental fire due to exposure to overheated or short-circuited electrical wiring.
Preventive Measures Against Fire Accidents
To prevent fire accidents, it is fundamental to modernise fire safety equipment. The government should support this process financially, aiding fire departments in augmentation and modernisation. Proper designing and regular maintenance of electrical fittings—at least once a year—also forms part of the preventive measures. Building awareness among citizens can be achieved by organising firefighting workshops biannually in localities, schools, and with the involvement of local councillors and elected representatives. Fire service departments should conduct audits on fire-prone installations periodically and take appropriate actions against establishments at fault. Lastly, proper demarcation of entry and exit points in crowded buildings, regular maintenance of firefighting equipment, and periodic renewal of No-objection certificates by building owners are key steps to ensuring fire preparedness.
