Fire department launches intensive building safety inspections within ORR limits
HYDERABAD: Following recent major and fatal fire accidents within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits, Director General of Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department Vikram Singh Mann directed fire officials to conduct intensive inspections of buildings on a war-footing basis.
The inspections aim to identify serious fire and life safety violations that pose an imminent risk to occupants. Officials are checking the misuse of cellars for purposes other than parking. These include storage and accommodation for servants or watchman families. They are also examining blocked staircases and ramps, along with the storage of excessive materials beyond display or sample requirements.
Fire officials have received instructions to take strict action against managements if they find fire safety lapses. Authorities have asked managements to ensure full compliance with fire safety norms and codes. They must also ensure the proper functioning of systems such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers.
Inspections underway since January 28
Fire officials began inspections of vulnerable establishments within ORR limits on January 28, 2026. So far, they have inspected a total of 70 establishments across various categories.
These include three institutional buildings, two hospitals and three mixed-occupancy buildings. Officials also inspected 26 commercial establishments and 27 mercantile establishments. The list further includes three assembly buildings, two business premises, one residential building, one industrial unit, one multiplex and one mall.
Along with inspections, fire officials have issued fire safety precautions and guidelines to owners, tenants and employees of these establishments.
Appealing to the public, the Director General urged owners, occupants and managements to strictly follow prescribed fire safety norms and guidelines to prevent accidents and loss of life.
