Fire safety rules tightened for schools and colleges: Fire Dept. makes compliance mandatory

Following recent fire incidents, the Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued a new circular making strict fire safety norms compulsory for all schools and colleges, including existing buildings.

In a major move to prevent fire accidents in educational institutions, the Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued a new circular introducing stricter fire safety norms for schools and colleges across the state.

As per the new directive, all educational institutions must now obtain a fire safety advisory letter from the Fire Department. This requirement applies not only to newly established institutions but also to existing school and college buildings.

The department has made it clear that compliance with fire safety norms is mandatory for recognition renewal and for obtaining licences. Institutions that fail to follow the guidelines may face difficulties in securing approvals.

The new rules apply to buildings with a height of up to 20.99 metres. Authorities said the circular was issued in the wake of recent fire incidents, highlighting the need for stronger preventive measures and quicker emergency response.

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Under the revised norms, a minimum number of fire extinguishers must be installed based on the height and built-up area of the building. For every 100 square metres, institutions must install a 6 kg ABC fire extinguisher. Buildings with a built-up area between 100 and 300 square metres must compulsorily have ABC fire extinguishers.

In addition, every electrical panel must be equipped with a 4.5 kg CO₂ fire extinguisher. For buildings with an area up to 300 square metres, a 6 kg ABC extinguisher is mandatory, while structures exceeding 300 square metres must install a sprinkler system.

The guidelines also mandate water storage for firefighting. Buildings must have a 2,000-litre sprinkler tank and terrace tank. Structures with a height of up to 14.99 metres must install hose reels along with 63 mm GI pipes and a 5,000-litre terrace tank.

For buildings ranging from 15 metres to 20.99 metres in height, institutions must install a 10,000-litre capacity terrace tank. An alternative power supply system is also compulsory for buildings in this height category to ensure fire safety systems function during power failures.

The department stated that the objective of the new circular is to prevent fire accidents, control fires during emergencies, and strengthen self-protection systems within educational campuses.

The rules apply to all government, aided and private schools, as well as PU colleges, degree colleges and postgraduate institutions, provided the building height is below 20.99 metres.