The Mumbai Fire Brigade has sent a reminder to societies and commercial establishments to complete their fire audit by the end of July. The societies failing to comply will have to face action, warned the fire officials. In the last six months, the Fire Brigade sent notices to 151 buildings for non-compliance with fire safety measures.

According to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, it is mandatory for owners/occupiers to furnish Form B issued by a licensed agency twice a year, in January and July. This is regarding the maintenance of existing fire prevention and life safety measures in the structure. However, despite repeated reminders to comply with the Act, some societies fail to do so. Over the last two years, it was observed that fire-fighting systems of 39 per cent of high-rise buildings were non-operational.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade inspected 329 buildings randomly between November 2021 and April 2022. Of these, notices for non-compliance with fire safety measures were issued to 151 buildings.If they fail to comply with the norms after 120 days, legal action is taken against the society. Commercial buildings, like office premises or malls, mostly appoint a fire audit agency to routinely inspect their fire fighting systems, said fire officials.

Recent fire incidents

Oct 22, 2021: Curry Road high-rise; 1 dead

Nov 6, 2021: Kandivali (West) high-rise; 2 dead

Jan 22, 2022: Tardeo bldg fire; 8 dead

Feb 18, 2022: Borivali (West) bldg; 35 evacuated, no casualties

Feb 28, 2022: Major fire at Kanjurmarg (East) high-rise; no injuries

May 9, 2022: Bandra (West) residential tower; no injuries