Bhubaneswar: With more than 800 notices issued this year for violations of fire safety norms, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services Department is set to step up inspections across the state with a month-long special drive from September 15 to October 15.
The drive, being conducted under the theme “Surakhsit Odisha, Vikashit Odisha,” comes against the backdrop of several recent fire incidents reported from establishments that did not have mandatory Fire Safety Certificates.
The campaign will focus on ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and preventing avoidable loss of life and property. The department has also urged owners, occupiers and managements of establishments covered under the rules to obtain the required certification and ensure that all prescribed safety measures are in place.
The department has been carrying out regular inspections of establishments and residential premises to check compliance with fire safety norms. In 2026, more than 800 notices have been issued to occupiers for non-compliance with the prescribed rules.
The upcoming special drive is expected to intensify inspections and enforcement across the state, particularly at high-risk premises.
Under Rule 9(1) of the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety (Amendment) Rules, 2019, certain categories of buildings and establishments are required to obtain Fire Safety Certificates.
These include aerodromes and airports; places of assembly such as auditoriums and convention halls; business and office buildings; cinema halls and multiplexes; hospitals and nursing homes; educational institutions; factories and industries; hotels and guest houses; high-rise residential buildings; warehouses and godowns; underground structures; shopping malls; and other notified high-risk occupancies.
Business and office buildings measuring 12 metres or more in height or having a total built-up area of 500 square metres or more fall under the Fire Safety Certificate requirements.
Educational buildings are covered if they are 12 metres or more in height, have a built-up area of 1,000 square metres or more, or have three or more storeys.
Hospitals and nursing homes are required to comply when they meet specified criteria relating to height, number of floors, bed capacity, or the presence of an ICU or critical care unit.
Similarly, hotels, lodges and guest houses come under the prescribed requirements if they are 12 metres or more in height, have four or more floors, 25 or more guest rooms, or a three-star rating or above.
Residential apartment buildings and complexes measuring 15 metres or more in height are classified as high-risk residential buildings. Warehouses and godowns with a built-up area of 500 square metres or more are also required to comply with fire safety norms.
Shopping malls, multiplexes and commercial complexes meeting specified height or floor criteria are similarly covered under the regulations.
The Fire and Emergency Services Department has asked owners, occupiers and managements of establishments falling under the prescribed categories to ensure compliance and obtain the necessary Fire Safety Certificates.
The department has stressed that development and safety must go hand in hand, and that the vision of a “Vikashit Odisha” needs to be accompanied by a “Surakhsit Odisha.”
