Odisha steps up fire safety measures following Hong Kong apartment tragedy

Odisha is on alert in the aftermath of the Hong Kong apartment fire tragedy, prompting the state government to initiate a series of precautionary measures to strengthen fire safety compliance across commercial establishments. 

As part of this exercise, a workshop involving shopping mall and multiplex owners from the Twin City was conducted to reinforce the importance of updated fire safety protocols.

According to the state government’s plan, all commercial establishments will have designated fire safety auditors by 2026. These auditors will be responsible for examining fire safety systems installed in business establishments and will submit their assessments to the Fire Services Department within the stipulated timeframe. 

Fire safety certificate renewals will subsequently be processed on the basis of these audit reports. Fire & Emergency Services DG Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi stated that all relevant information will be made available on the official website by January 2026. 

He emphasised the need for a fresh assessment of existing safety systems, noting, “We need to assess again about the fire safety that is in place and if they have any flaws or issues. Those establishments that did their fire safety audit in the last six months do not need to do it again for the renewal of the fire safety certificate.”

Industry Stakeholders Stress Awareness

Participants at the workshop highlighted the necessity of regular interaction between authorities and business operators. Guru Dayal Singh, a business establishment owner, said that such meetings are essential to make people aware of the fire safety precautions that need to be taken.

Hong Kong Tragedy

A massive fire engulfed high-rise residential towers in Tai Po in Hong Kong, killing over 100 on November 26.