Patna City: The Bihar Fire Services has stepped up fire safety inspections across Patna City following a major warehouse fire last month, auditing more than 200 establishments over the past 10 days and issuing notices where officials found deficiencies in fire safety arrangements.
According to the Fire Department, the inspections were launched after a fire broke out at a vegetable and edible oil warehouse on Mahuli Road in Karmalichak, under the Didarganj police station area, on the night of June 28.
Most Buildings Had Limited Fire Safety Equipment
Station Fire Officer Ajay Sharma said the audits covered hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres, warehouses, marriage halls, coaching institutes, libraries, lodges, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, factories and high-rise buildings.
According to Sharma, many establishments had only one or two fire extinguishers despite the nature and size of their premises.
Officials also found that several buildings lacked separate entry and exit routes where these were required under safety norms.
The Fire Department said notices have been served to the establishments concerned, directing them to address the shortcomings.
Businesses Given Up to 15 Days to Comply
According to the Fire Officer, the notices provide a compliance period of seven to fifteen days, depending on the type, height and size of the building.
During this period, owners have been asked to install or upgrade essential fire safety infrastructure, including:
Water storage tanks
Fire-fighting pipelines
Fire extinguishing equipment
Other safety systems required under applicable norms
Officials said follow-up inspections will be carried out once the deadline expires.
If deficiencies remain unaddressed, the matter will be referred to higher authorities for further action.
Inspections Cover Large Parts of Patna City
According to the Fire Department, audits have been conducted across several areas within the City Sub-division, including:
Mahendru
Sultanganj
Chaudhary Tola
Saidpur
Rampur
Bhutnath Road
Ashok Rajpath
Tripolia
Alamganj
Belwariganj
Fatuha
Khusrupur
Pahari
Bazar Samiti
Bairia
Gaurichak
Karmalichak
Didarganj
Bypass areas
Officials said inspections are continuing in other parts of the city.
Fire Department Highlights Key Safety Requirements
The Fire Department said it is also conducting public awareness campaigns on fire prevention while processing applications for Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
According to Sharma, during inspections officials are advising building owners to regularly inspect electrical wiring and equipment and install essential fire safety systems, including:
Fire alarm systems
Smoke detectors
Fire hose reels
Sand and water buckets
Automatic sprinkler systems
Hydrant systems
Emergency exits
Emergency lighting
The department also stressed the importance of maintaining generator backup in larger buildings, noting that electrical pumps connected to hydrant systems may become inoperative during a power outage caused by a fire.
NOCs Issued After Compliance
According to the Fire Department, applicants who complete the inspection process, rectify deficiencies and fulfil other procedural requirements can receive a Fire NOC from the District Fire Officer within seven to ten days.
Officials said the inspections are intended to improve preparedness and reduce fire risks in commercial and public buildings across Patna City.
