Bengaluru NGO's study flags poor fire safety compliance, discrepancies in fire accident data

Fire accidents caused more than 1.85 lakh deaths (an average of 65 deaths a day) between 2010 and 2019, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). However, the data shows a sharp decline in fire accidents over the decades. 

In 1996, 22,788 fire accidents were reported. It increased to 27,976 in 1999, and was averaging 23,000 annually until 2014. However, the numbers dropped to 7,566 in 2022, raising suspicion over the data accuracy – stated the fire safety report titled ‘Fire Safety in India – A Beyond Carlton Perspective’, released by ‘Beyond Carlton’, India's first citizen-led initiative focused on fire safety.

The organisation formed in the aftermath of the tragic Carlton Towers fire in Bengaluru on February 23, 2010, that claimed nine lives and left 60 injured, has urged the government to cross-verify the data with hospital records, fire department logs and burn registries. The latest report delves into fire-related incidents, their causes, regulatory loopholes, and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

Highlighting the gaps in fire safety norms, the organisation working to build awareness about fire safety in the community, and advocating for stringent fire safety regulations, stated that electrical short-circuits, gas cylinder leaks, industrial hazards, residential fires, and inadequate fire safety infrastructure in high-density areas were the leading causes of fire accidents. And, despite having frameworks like the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 and state fire services laws, enforcement is wanting. Alarmingly, many urban spaces operate without mandatory fire compliance, noted the report on the enhanced risks. 

Flagging the gaps in firefighting infrastructure, the report cautioned that inadequate fire stations, dearth of trained personnel, and a lack of modern firefighting technology slowed down the emergency response time, especially in highly populated cities.

“Fire safety must be a collective responsibility. This report is a roadmap for urgent reforms that can save lives. Fire safety in India should integrate policy reforms, infrastructure investments, public engagement, and global best practices,” said Uday Vijayan, who founded Beyond Carlton, after the 2010 fire claimed the life of his 23-year-old son. 

R.A. Venkitachalam, a trustee of Beyond Carlton said, “India's rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to the proliferation of high-rise buildings, commercial complexes, and industrial establishments. While these developments signify economic progress, they also pose significant fire hazards if not managed with adequate safety measures.”

Recommendations 

The report has suggested that India could adopt Japan’s community-based approach by training and involving local residents in fire response, the United States’ strict enforcement of fire codes to improve compliance with NBC norms in India, and derive technology-driven solutions from Singapore for the smart cities in India.

The report also mooted decentralized fire safety measures by empowering local communities with fire safety assessments, self-checklists, and scheduled safety drills, particularly in residential complexes, hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings.

It suggests making five-year fire safety blueprints for cities to ensure access to fire stations, water sources, and proper emergency response infrastructure; a nationwide push for stricter enforcement of fire safety codes; digitized compliance tracking and higher penalties for violations. Prioritising transparency in inspections and reporting, investment in firefighting infrastructure and training to handle emerging challenges such as electric vehicle fires and chemical hazards will be crucial, the report said. 

Drawing attention to the severe shortage of burn treatment centres and post-accident care facilities, the report recommended that expansion of burn care and rehabilitation facilities could improve the survival and recovery chances of fire victims.