After fire tragedy in Delhi, Odisha Fire Services DG issues strict safety guidelines

Bhubaneswar, May 14: After the worst fire tragedy at the Delhi official complex, Odisha Fire Services DG Santosh Kumar Upadhyay has issued instructions to all Assistant Fire Officers of the districts, Deputy Fire Officers of all circles and Range Fire Officers of the state to strictly enforce the guidelines under Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017 and subsequent amendment thereof. The DG has emphasised fire safety audit of installations of different institutions as enumerated under Rule-9 viz- hotels, lodgings and guest houses, all educational buildings above 12 metres or built-up area above 1000 Sq. metre, cinema halls, multiplex, all clinical establishments above 12 metres or more than 3 floors; business or office building above 12 metres or built-up area more than 500 sq. metre, places of congregations like an auditorium, convention halls above 500 sq. metres. built-up area; warehouses above 500 sq. metres., coaching centres/ hostels; factories and industries etc. Upadhyay has issued instructions for ensuring the appointment of Fire Safety Supervisors of Buildings as enumerated under Rule-15. All field officers of the Fire department have been asked to ensure displaying of photocopies of Fire Safety certificates to different establishments of the state, at all conspicuous places in all floors as per Rule-17. All Fire Officers, Deputy Fire Officers and Assistant Fire Officers have been instructed to inspect the above mentioned categories of buildings of the states under the provision of Rule-18 and then follow up action under Rules 19 & 20. The DG has instructed Fire Safety audit/ inspections of all District Head Quarters hospitals, Collectorates and High-rise Government buildings on a priority basis by 21.05.2022 where the frequent movement of the public occurs. All fire station officers have been instructed for taking fire prevention and fire safety measures in temporary structures as enumerated under Rule-10. Besides, fire station officers will co-ordinate with various market committees for community participation towards fire safety and fire prevention in busy market places/ daily markets etc. Vendors are advised not to use loose or open electrical wiring to avoid short-circuiting due to overheating. Upadhyay has advised Fire station Officers of the state to liaise with concerned Fire Safety Supervisors of different establishments for safety. In case of any fire-related hazard, citizens have been advised to dial the 112 emergency number.