‘Install, maintain, certify systems’: Pune Fire Brigade issues advisory days after blaze claims teen’s life in Undri building

‘Installing fire safety equipment mandatory’

Urging citizens to ensure fire safety compliance, the Pune Fire Brigade’s advisory issued on Monday stated, “All citizens and establishments within the limits of Pune Municipal Corporation including residential buildings, cinema halls, theatres, hospitals, auditoriums, educational institutions, commercial complexes, malls, restaurants and hotels, multi-storey office buildings, etc are hereby informed that, as per the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, it is mandatory to install fire prevention systems in their buildings and to maintain them in good working condition.”

“They are also required to get their safety mechanisms certified from a Licensed Agency,” the advisory issued by Chief Fire Officer Devendra Porphode said, adding, “After installing the required fire prevention systems in the premises, the concerned establishment or citizen must obtain a compliance certificate from the Licensed Agency and submit it twice a year, in January and July, to the Chief Fire Officer, Fire Department, Pune.” In the absence of such a certificate, the responsibility for any future mishap will rest with the owner or occupier of the premises, it said.

The advisory mentioned that the list of licensed agencies is available on the website maharashtrafireservice.gov.in “If any premises do not have the required fire prevention systems installed, then the concerned person must immediately get the systems installed through a Licensed Agency and obtain a certificate, which must then be submitted to the Fire Prevention Department within the prescribed time. The certificate may also be sent by email to pmcfireoffice@gmail.com.”

Officials with the fire brigade said fire prevention in buildings is based on three concepts: load management, maintenance and preparedness. Every consumer has to make sure their power consumption is within the prescribed limit. Wiring and electric equipment have to be properly secured, and storage spaces must be regularly maintained. Above all, establishments have to be prepared for fire emergencies.

For various types of buildings ranging from residential, commercial and industrial, there are fixed set fire safety rules mandated by the law. These include norms pertaining to fire safety equipment, structural norms such as exits and ventilation, safety of electrical equipment, handling of chemicals and explosives, etc. In places with large footfall, such as educational institutes, companies, assembly halls, theatres, hotels and courts, strict norms are in place as per the National Building Code.

The Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, which governs fire safety regulations in the state, enlists nine types of buildings and also fixes the responsibility for fire safety audits in such establishments. The law empowers the fire department to take strict action, such as cutting power or water, in case fire safety norms are not adhered to.

Basic systems required in buildings

Fire safety compliance in Pune is governed by the National Building Code (NBC) and the state Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act. Requirements vary depending on the height and category of the building. Below is a breakdown of the minimum fire safety systems typically required for different buildings:

Low-rise buildings (up to 15 metres) are typically required to have basic fire safety provisions such as portable fire extinguishers, accessible hose reels, and clearly marked evacuation routes. Some may also need small overhead water tanks and manual alarm systems. While these buildings are at lower risk due to fewer floors, regular maintenance and clear access for fire services remain essential.

Mid-rise (15–35 metres) and high-rise buildings (above 35 metres) require progressively advanced systems. Mid-rises must have hydrants, wet risers, automatic fire detection and alarm systems, and sufficient water storage. High-rises face stricter norms, including sprinkler systems throughout the building, pressurized staircases, smoke control systems, refuge areas, and underground static water tanks.

Both categories are legally mandated to conduct annual fire safety audits and maintain active firefighting infrastructure as per the National Building Code and state regulations.

Pune police launch probe into Undri fire

Officers at the Kalepadal police station under Pune City police said they have launched an inquiry to check whether any negligence led to Friday’s fire in the residential society in Undri. The incident occurred at around 2.45 pm in Marvel Ideal Society, a 14-floor building on Jagdamb Bhavan Road. The exact cause of the fire is also being ascertained.

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