Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Fire Department has planned to introduce a third-party verification system for fire safety certificates in big buildings, hospitals, and shopping malls across the state. Fire Services DG Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi said the move aims to ensure compliance with fire safety norms and prevent potential disasters.
“We have provided fire safety licenses to 5,800 buildings in Odisha. More buildings are coming up. If we conduct a verification of fire safety in a big hotel or hospital, it will take around 10 to 15 days for completion. So, the government has decided to engage a third-party fire safety auditor, which would be very helpful,” Sarangi said.
Under the new system, third-party organizations appointed by the Fire Department will verify fire safety certificates of buildings and shopping malls every six months. The verification process will include checks on whether buildings have valid fire safety certificates and whether they meet the required safety standards.
The Fire Department will scrutinize the reports submitted by the third-party organizations to ensure compliance. Additionally, regular checks will be conducted on buildings constructed before 2027 to ensure they meet fire safety standards.
Dr. Sarangi also announced the introduction of mobile control vehicles to the fire department, which will be equipped with advanced camera systems to monitor major incidents. These vehicles will enable senior officers to keep a close watch on incidents and coordinate response efforts.
Furthermore, the Fire Department plans to introduce a K9 squad with specially trained foreign dogs next May to enhance its capabilities. The K9 squad has already showcased its skills during the Fire Service Week celebrations at ODRAF, Bhubaneswar.
