The tragic fire incident that occurred in South Delhi on Wednesday has reignited discussions surrounding the significant deficiencies in fire safety protocols within urban environments in India. This incident highlights the urgent need for a robust culture of fire preparedness and greater institutional backing for emergency responses.
Although there has been a general decline in the frequency of fire-related incidents and associated fatalities over the years, official statistics reveal that residential areas remain the predominant sites for fire-related deaths in India.
A major contributing factor to the prevalence of fires in residential and commercial properties, particularly in urban settings, is the frequent disregard for building regulations and planning standards. Notably, the fire in Malviya Nagar erupted at a hotel that had been extensively modified from its original residential design.
Data from an analysis conducted by Beyond Carlton, a fire safety non-profit based in Bengaluru, indicates that in 2024, 60% of reported fire fatalities occurred in residential buildings. Out of a total of 5,888 fire-related deaths that year, approximately 3,555 were linked to residential properties. This trend is partly attributed to the lack of essential safety measures such as smoke detectors, fire suppression systems, and evacuation plans in most homes.
In certain parts of Delhi, many homeowners have transformed their residences into bed and breakfast establishments, often in violation of safety regulations. For instance, the Flourish Stays B&B, which was involved in the recent fire, had expanded its room count from six to 26 across multiple floors.
“Urban areas require a comprehensive fire safety plan that involves the active participation and accountability of various stakeholders,” emphasized Cheryl Rebello, CEO of Beyond Carlton, in a statement to The Indian Express.
The highest rates of fire-related casualties in non-residential buildings are typically associated with hospitals and busy commercial districts like shopping malls.
Fire services in India are primarily under the jurisdiction of state governments, as outlined in the XII Schedule of the Constitution. This makes it the responsibility of state authorities to enhance and equip their fire departments adequately.
While the central government plays an advisory role, the Bureau of Indian Standards introduced the National Building Code of India (NBC) in 2016, which contains comprehensive guidelines for the construction, maintenance, and fire safety of buildings. The latest update of the NBC includes provisions for smoke management, routine audits, electrical fire prevention measures, and firefighting systems. However, the implementation of these regulations remains problematic, as evidenced by the recent fire incident, which was reportedly caused by a short circuit.
In addition to electrical malfunctions, gas leaks are a prevalent cause of residential fires. Such accidents involving domestic LPG cylinders can arise from various issues, including illegal siphoning, the use of unapproved equipment, and inadequate maintenance practices. This includes neglecting to replace worn-out hosepipes or addressing leaks in LPG connections, leading to dangerous situations.
Fires pose a significant risk globally and are recognized as a major hazard in the 2018 United Nations Global Assessment Report. Definitions of fire incidents vary; for instance, Washington D.C.’s Emergency Management Division defines fire as “uncontrolled burning in a residence or building from natural, human, or technical causes.” Similarly, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) categorizes fire incidents as human-induced disasters.
The consequences of fire are often catastrophic. Victims frequently succumb to asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation, while toxic fumes from burning materials can lead to severe respiratory issues. Furthermore, the intense heat from fires can cause the expansion of liquids and gases, resulting in explosions.
Resource limitations have hampered efforts to address the causes of fires, particularly in urban settings. The Fifteenth Finance Commission has highlighted the inadequate resources and equipment available to fire services in India, recommending an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore to enhance fire service capabilities at the state level.
The high population density in urban areas, which leads to narrow pathways and limited access, exacerbates the risks associated with fire incidents. Additionally, the extensive use of electrical appliances increases the likelihood of faulty wiring and equipment failures, further heightening the risk of fires.
Urban fires are thus a complex issue, often resulting from multiple interrelated factors. An earlier report from the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2022 identified significant gaps in the operational capabilities of fire and emergency services throughout the country.
