On an average, in India, every year, about 25,000 persons die due to fires and related causes. It is estimated that about 42 females and 21 males die every day in India due to fire
The alarming frequency of fire outbreaks in India has catapulted fire safety to the forefront of public concern. The nation grapples with a myriad of challenges, including lax enforcement of fire safety regulations, inadequate infrastructure, and illegal constructions flouting safety norms. The devastating toll on lives and property necessitates immediate, comprehensive action. Fire safety is a critical concern in India, where recurrent incidents pose significant threats to both life and property. Regardless of occupancy – be it homes, workplaces, hospitals, or public spaces like theatres and malls – the potential for fire-related accidents persists. Alarming statistics reveal that, on average, 25,000 people lose their lives annually due to fires and related causes in India, with females constituting about 66% of the victims. The economic losses from these incidents are substantial, indicating a pressing need for robust fire protection measures.This article delves into the root causes, prevailing regulations, and urgent measures required to overhaul India’s fire safety landscape.
Fire Incidents in India: A Grave Reality
On an average, in India, every year, about 25,000 persons die due to fires and related causes. It is estimated that about 42 females and 21 males die every day in India due to fire. According to the statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau, fire accounts for about 5.9% (23,281) of the total deaths reported due to natural and un-natural causes during the year 2012. Probably many of these deaths could have been prevented, had we taken enough fire protection measures.
In the year 2012 alone, fire accounted for approximately 5.9% of the total deaths reported due to natural and unnatural causes, amounting to 23,281 fatalities. The need for preventive measures becomes even more urgent when considering that many of these deaths could have been avoided with adequate fire protection. The economic toll is evident in reports suggesting that around 45% of claims reported by Indian insurance companies in 2007-2008 were due to fire losses.India witnessed a staggering 11,037 reported fire accidents in 2020, underlining the gravity of the situation. Tragic incidents like the Kamala Mills fire in Mumbai (2017), Surat coaching centre blaze (2019), and the Delhi factory fire (2020) epitomise the human cost of lax fire safety measures. Despite these staggering figures, there is a lack of comprehensive data on economic losses related to fires.The need for a unified, stringent legislative framework is evident.
Risk Factors and Causes
The Fire Risk Survey (FRS) of 2013 sheds light on the prevalence of fires in various sectors. Electric defaults emerge as a significant cause, with Mumbai reporting approximately 75% of fire incidents resulting from short circuits due to loose wiring. The FRS identifies fire as the 5th highest risk in Indian industries in 2013. In terms of industry-wise risk ranking, fire secures the 2nd position in hospitality, 4th in IT/ITES, manufacturing, security service providers, and 6th in infrastructure. The survey highlights a critical aspect – fires are predominantly caused by people, either through accidental or deliberate actions or through their failure to take appropriate precautions.
The Complexity of High Rise Buildings
Over the last decade, India has witnessed a surge in construction activities, especially high-rise buildings in metros and major cities. While these structures symbolise progress, they also introduce complexities in fire management. Fires in residential high-rise buildings escalate rapidly, posing challenges for occupants and firefighters. The consequences extend beyond immediate harm to production capacities for businesses within these structures.
Economic Impact of Fires on Businesses
With 330 deaths in commercial building fires reported in 2019 and 6,329 fatalities in residential buildings, urgent action is non-negotiable. The prevalence of electrical short circuits, human negligence, and ill-formed habits as primary fire causes highlights the need for a paradigm shift. A systemic change in urban planning, emphasising fire safety, is vital.The business landscape, already highly competitive, faces catastrophic consequences in the event of a major fire. Beyond the immediate damage, the time required to restore production can force businesses to shut down entirely. Fire-induced interruptions not only halt manufacturing processes but also leave buildings and plants in ruins. The restoration process demands significant effort, from clearing the site to planning rebuilding and restoration. The economic waste generated by fires demands efficient management and preventive measures.
The Role of Waste and Combustible Materials
Fires start when sources of ignition come into contact with combustible materials. Controlling ignition sources and managing combustible materials can significantly reduce the potential for fires. Waste and rubbish are identified as friends of fire, especially in environments with inflammatory materials like oil-soaked rags, loose packing materials, and piles of papers. Substantial quantities of inflammatory materials on shop floors and in offices increase the risk of rapid fire spread.
Fire Prevention Strategy
India faces a multitude of challenges, ranging from a lack of unified fire services to violation of safety norms in construction. Issues like inadequate modern equipment, insufficient funding, and ambiguous provisions for fire safety audits contribute to the vulnerability of urban areas. Public awareness remains low, and there is a dearth of standardised solutions.An effective fire prevention strategy is integral to fire protection. Despite technological advances, water remains the cheapest, most efficient, and environmentally friendly fire extinguishing medium. Water’s high latent heat of vaporisation makes it an effective coolant and protection agent. The success of any firefighting equipment depends on factors such as equipment quality, maintenance, and training.Effectively mitigating fires requires a deep understanding of the problem, whether in business houses, factories, or residential buildings. Even a small fire in a residential building can quickly spiral out of control, necessitating major firefighting operations. The survey in Mumbai from 2009-2012 indicated that defective electric circuits caused a significant number of incidents, emphasising the need for regular inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
Legislations Related To Fire Safety
Legislations, standards, and codes play a crucial role in compelling occupiers to implement necessary fire protection systems, encompassing both active and passive measures. In India, the National Building Code of 2005 serves as a fundamental model for matters related to building construction and fire safety. Numerous provisions of this code have been integrated into building regulations by various State Governments and Local Bodies.
An illustrative example of such integration is evident in the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Rules of 2009, established under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2006. This framework aims to enhance fire safety measures in Maharashtra. An ongoing question pertains to the party responsible for implementing the requisite fire protection and prevention systems within a building or occupancy.
The legislative acts in Maharashtra provide clarity on this matter. Section 3 of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, stipulates that developers, owners, occupiers, or entities of similar nomenclature must adhere to all fire and safety measures outlined in the National Building Code of India, 2005, and its subsequent amendments. Failure to comply will be treated as a violation of the Act, placing the responsibility for maintaining fire safety installations squarely on the owner or occupier.
Despite the existence of numerous rules and regulations related to fire safety in India, adherence to these measures is sporadic. Non-compliance and laxity have resulted in major fires in several buildings. Some fire authorities argue that the absence of substantial fines and penalties discourages occupiers and societies from conducting regular maintenance of their fire prevention systems.
To address this concern, the Maharashtra Rules introduced a provision for a ‘Licensed Agency.’ According to Section 3(3) of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, and Rule 4(2) of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures Rule, 2009, a licensed agency is mandated to issue a Certificate (Form ‘A’) attesting to the compliance of the executed work related to Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures. Additionally, a semi-annual Certificate (Form ‘B’) must be issued every January and July to the owner or occupier, confirming that the installed measures are in good repair and efficient condition.
Fire Safety Audit
Fire safety audits emerge as an effective tool for assessing standards but lack clear provisions in safety legislations in India. The National Building Code recommends.
periodic fire safety audits for identifying deficiencies and taking corrective actions. However, the ambiguity in the frequency and scope of audits creates challenges.Moving on to the aspect of Fire Safety Audits, these are recognised as effective tools for evaluating the fire safety standards of organisations or occupancies. While comprehensive fire safety audits can identify and address inherent fire hazards associated with day-to-day activities, there is a lack of clear-cut provisions in Indian safety legislations regarding the scope, objectives, methodology, and frequency of such audits.Although the National Building Code of India recommends periodic fire safety inspections by key personnel, and statutory authorities for industrial buildings insist on external fire safety audits based on activity types and handled materials, Maharashtra has set a noteworthy precedent. The state’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Rules, 2009, mandate building owners and residents to conduct bi-annual fire safety audits, submitting reports to the fire department.
While this is a commendable measure that other states could adopt, concerns arise regarding the entrustment of fire safety audit responsibilities to “licensed agencies.” These agencies, responsible for installations and maintenance of firefighting systems, may inadvertently compromise the independence and efficacy of the audit. Doubts persist about whether these designated “licensed agencies” possess the necessary expertise to conduct thorough and effective fire safety audits, potentially rendering the process a mere formality.
Role of Licensed Agencies
The Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act 2006 place the responsibility for maintaining fire safety installations on the owner or occupier. Licensed agencies play a crucial role in issuing certificates regarding the compliance of fire prevention and life safety measures. However, laxity in following fire safety measures, often attributed to the absence of heavy fines and penalties, remains a concern.
Public Awareness and Education
Public awareness remains a key component of fire safety. While various organisations conduct periodic campaigns, integrating fire safety education into the school curriculum is vital. Knowledge dissemination should extend beyond theoretical information, incorporating practical training on using fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.
Role of Technology
Advancements in technology offer innovative solutions for fire prevention and management. Intelligent fire detection and suppression systems, coupled with real-time monitoring through Internet of Things (IoT) devices, can significantly enhance response times and reduce damages. The integration of technology should be a priority in national and state-level fire safety strategies.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
Effective emergency response systems are crucial for minimising fire-related casualties and damages. A well-equipped and trained fire brigade, coupled with community-level preparedness programs, can ensure a swift response to fire incidents. Regular drills and simulations contribute to better coordination and efficiency in emergency responses.
Transforming fire safety in India requires a holistic approach that addresses various facets, from legislative reforms and enforcement to public awareness and technological integration. Gender-sensitive strategies, comprehensive legislation, stringent compliance measures, and the adoption of advanced technologies are pivotal. The economic and human costs of fire incidents demand proactive and collaborative efforts from government bodies, businesses, communities, and individuals alike. As India navigates the challenges of urbanisation and industrial growth, prioritising fire safety becomes a non-negotiable aspect of sustainable development.
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