What do India’s residents need to know about Fire Safety Laws for high-rise buildings in wake of Hong Kong massive fire

A deadly fire tore through high-rise buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po, leading to 55 deaths and over 250 missing people.  Now questions are being raised about whether India is equipped to handle a similar disaster. While authorities in Hong Kong have attributed the rapid spread of flames to bamboo scaffolding wrapped around the towers, the use of bamboo there is rooted in tradition. Considered pious and culturally significant, bamboo scaffolding remains common even in one of the world’s most developed cities.

However, other factors are also being cited. Construction materials at the site, such as protective nets, canvas sheets, and plastic coverings, reportedly did not meet required safety standards. Firefighting efforts were further hampered by extremely high temperatures inside the buildings. Consequently, the Fire Services Department had to deploy steel ladder trucks to spray water on the structures.

Advertisement

Also Read: Hong Kong fire: How bamboo scaffolding fuelled the deadly high-rise blaze in Tai Po

Hong Kong’s emergency response was swift and sustained in the face of difficult circumstances. Continuous firefighting operations, lasting nearly 16 hours to contain the massive blaze, have been widely acknowledged. ANI, quoting CNN, reported that the fire was first logged at 2:51 pm (local time). Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said the deceased firefighter, a 37-year-old surnamed Ho from the Sha Tin Fire Station, was dispatched to the scene at 3:01 pm. The incident now raises a critical question: are India’s high-rise buildings adequately equipped to handle a large-scale fire emergency?

While the causes of such fires may vary, from electrical short circuits to combustible scaffolding, the larger concern remains the same: are India’s high-rise buildings adhering to fire safety compliances that can save lives during an emergency?

Fire safety rules under the National Building Code (NBC) 2016

Also Read: Hong Kong high-rise fire: 55 dead, 279 unaccounted for; three arrested in deadliest blaze in years

The National Building Code (NBC) 2016 is legislation that lays down construction norms necessary for the safe and orderly development of buildings in India. Developers who fail to comply may face penalties, cancellation of building permits, or even demolition of properties. The NBC also outlines detailed guidelines and provisions for fire prevention and safety.

Non-negotiable fire safety checklist under the NBC

• Absence of Fire NOC

Two pertinent questions must be asked:

Does the building display a valid Fire Safety Certificate / Fire NOC at the entrance or office?

Is the certificate currently valid (not expired)?If a building is unable to produce a valid Fire NOC, it is operating illegally.

• Locked or blocked exits

Are exit doors clearly marked and easy to identify?

Can exit doors be opened easily without keys?

Are corridors and exits free of storage, furniture, or goods?

Are exits well-lit, including during power cuts?

• Illegal basement usage

Is the basement used only for parking or other permitted purposes?

Are there no shops, godowns, kitchens, or sleeping spaces in the basement?

Is the basement well-ventilated and free from smoke or suffocation risk?

• Alarms that are non-functional or faulty sprinklers

Can residents see the fire alarm buttons on each floor? Has the alarm ever sounded during a drill or test? Has the alarm ever sounded during a drill or test?

Is the alarm clearly audible across the building?

Are sprinkler heads visible on ceilings where applicable?

Are sprinkler heads uncovered and not painted over?

Are fire extinguishers present in corridors and common areas? Is the recent service or refill date present on the fire extinguisher? Non-functional sprinklers or faulty alarms can turn small fires into uncontrollable flames quickly.

• Fire drills & preparedness (critical requirement)

Has a fire drill been conducted in the last year?

Are security guards, staff, and residents aware of evacuation procedures?

Are emergency contact numbers clearly displayed and accessible? 

What you can do as a citizen? 

As a citizen, one can raise the issue with the RWA or building management. Send an Email or file a complaint with the local fire department The resident can report violations of compliance with photos or videos. The citizens can raise alarm on the repeated violations to the municipal authorities