New Delhi: Whether it’s residential apartments, exam coaching centres or hospitals, fire safety compliance remains lax across Delhi. Fire officials have repeatedly stressed that non-compliance with safety norms not only increases fire risks but also hinders rescue operations.High-rise residential buildings present a recurring pattern. At the time of application for the mandatory dire no-objection certificate (NOC), such buildings maintain proper fire-fighting systems and comply with safety regulations. However, over time, the precautions are ignored. “During the second or third inspections, we often uncover numerous shortcomings in high-rise buildings,” one fire officer revealed. “The building managers also neglect to renew the NOCs, which can be extremely dangerous in the event of a fire.”Another common hazard in residential structures is outdated electrical wiring. As residents use more appliances and devices, the load on old wiring increases dramatically but there often are no commensurate upgrades. This has become a significant contributor to short circuits and blazes. “In every residential fire, we encounter this common fault. We repeatedly urge residents to upgrade their wiring, all in vain,” the officer said.Till April 6, Delhi reported around 1,045 residential fire cases. Among the causes are construction practices. Use of flammable materials, such as plywood and MDF for false ceilings, allow fires to spread quickly from one floor to another.Renewal of fire NOCs ensures that safety systems such as fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants and sprinklers remain functional. So failure to acquire the certification leaves people vulnerable and unprepared during emergencies, the officer pointed out.In medical institutions, the risks are compounded by narrow staircases and non-compliant building designs. “Many nursing homes have been set up in structures not meant for medical use, like old residential buildings,” said an officer. “These spaces lack usable fire exits, so during patient evacuations — especially of critical patients — rescue teams face severe difficulties.” In two years till May, Delhi suffered 78 fires in hospitals and nursing homes.Educational institutions are also plagued by fire risks. Electricity meters are often installed haphazardly and near escape routes, firefighting equipment is often missing or non-functional, buildings are overcrowded and regular electrical audits are rarely conducted. These conditions create situations ripe for disaster. Between Jan 2023 and May this year, Delhi recorded 130 fire-related incidents in schools and coaching centres.According to firemen, the incorporation of fire safety features during construction is crucial for preventing tragedies. Also, holding mock drills periodically can prove beneficial because it exposes gaps in the system. One small but important step would be to locate the electricity meters in a safe place. “Electric meters should be installed away from staircases and fire escape routes to prevent smoke creation by short circuits,” the officer said. “This will also aid safe evacuation during incidents.”
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