Bhubaneswar: Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has inspected 1,431 commercial, government and non-government establishments across the state during a 12-day special fire safety audit campaign launched under the “Surakhit Odisha, Viksit Odisha” initiative.
The campaign, conducted from September 15 to 26, aims to strengthen fire prevention and preparedness, ensure compliance with safety norms and enhance the protection of life and property, an official release said on Saturday.
Of the 1,431 establishments audited, 547 were inspected under the Central Zone (Kataka), 454 under the Southern Zone (Brahmapur) and 427 under the Northern Zone (Sambalpur). A special team led by Chief Fire Officer Debendra Kumar Swain also audited three establishments.
The inspections covered the validity of Fire Safety Certificates, availability and functioning of fire-fighting equipment, unobstructed emergency exits and doors, operational fire-extinguishing systems and arrangements for safe evacuation during emergencies.
Fire officials also sensitised and trained establishment staff on emergency evacuation procedures, basic fire safety measures and the proper use of fire extinguishers.
Where violations, inadequate equipment or other safety deficiencies were detected, the establishments were issued compliance notices with specified deadlines for rectification. The department said compliance is being ensured within the stipulated period.
The campaign is aimed not only at identifying deficiencies but also at strengthening fire prevention, preparedness, emergency response and safe evacuation systems, the release said.
The Fire and Emergency Services department said the special inspection drive would continue across Odisha in a more extensive, regular and stringent manner in the coming days.
