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PRAYAGRAJ: A massive fire that claimed over 20 lives in a game reserve in Gujarat's Rajkot has come as a shock to police, fire service and local authorities. The fire department has begun a 12-day special fire safety audit of commercial buildings and complexes. Commissioner of Fire Services (Prayagraj) RK Pandey told TOI that the department has deployed 10 teams — two each in Civil Lines and Naini and one each in Handia, Mejha, ​​Phulpur, Soraon, Koraon and Bara.
“These teams will inspect the fire-fighting arrangements of around 400 buildings, including hotels, hospitals, commercial establishments and shopping malls, from May 26 to June 6. The authorities have also asked the building owners and managers to improve fire safety equipment or notices will be issued after June 6. The department also sealed the gambling den of a multiplex cinema in Civil Lines after a fire audit on Monday night found improper fire-fighting arrangements. “While carrying out inspections at several commercial establishments in the city, the authorities have asked them to replace old, rotten electrical wiring and outdated fire-fighting equipment,” the CFO said, adding that “majority of commercial establishment owners in prime areas like Civil Lines, Chowk, Ghanta Ghar and Katra are unaware about the electrical safety audit.”
The authorities are also checking whether commercial establishments in the city have got NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Electrical Safety Authority and are taking action accordingly. However, taking inspiration from the major fire in Rajkot gaming zone, fire department officials have advised traders at various commercial establishments and multiplex managers in the city to opt for electrical safety audit by the Electrical Safety Authority at the earliest. Fire department officials also advised traders to get new wiring as the old wiring cannot withstand the increased load and often leads to short circuits. Meanwhile, Pandey said, “Management of hospitals, hotels and large commercial establishments have also been directed to install advanced and modern fire protection systems in their premises. Four-point safety guidelines have also been issued, calling on authorities concerned to maintain clearance of exit routes and ensure that all shopkeepers install fire extinguishing equipment. Moreover, traders should switch off all electrical appliances before lowering shutters.”
A recent survey conducted by the department revealed that over 60 percent of shops in the city do not have proper firefighting measures and residents are unaware of the steps to be taken in case of a fire. Meanwhile, a fire department official said, “Fire department officials regularly advise residents to take advanced firefighting measures, especially well-planned evacuation routes.” Commercial establishments must be equipped with the required number of fire extinguishers, emergency hose reels, terrace tanks and terrace pumps.
If the size or shape of the commercial store is one or two storeys or more, the layout should be strengthened accordingly.

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