FIRE AUDIT OF 375 BUILDINGS; 10 HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED

FIRE AUDIT OF 375 BUILDINGS; 10 HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED

7-APRIL-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR---------------------------During a fire safety review meeting held in the Collectorate conference hall under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Sahila, emphasis was placed on further strengthening the fire safety infrastructure within the district. During the meeting, the District Magistrate directed concerned officials to conduct fire audits of all government buildings and critical institutions located in the vicinity of the district headquarters.

A large-scale campaign is currently underway with the objective of raising awareness regarding fire safety among the general public. Since January 2025, mock drills have been conducted at 15,538 locations across the district, and this process continues on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, at the sub-divisional level, workshops and meetings are being organized with officials and local elected representatives—such as *Mukhiyas*, *Sarpanches*, and Ward Members—to raise awareness about fire safety. To date, such programs have been conducted at 124 locations. It was reported during the meeting that, in accordance with the standards set by the NBC 2016, the Bihar Fire Service Act 2014, and the Bihar Fire Service Rules 2021, fire audits have been completed for a total of 375 buildings and institutions in the district, and this work remains ongoing.

Based on a review of fire incidents that occurred over the past three years, 10 "fire hotspots" have been identified within the district; fire tenders have been deployed to these locations to ensure a rapid response in the event of an emergency. Currently, a total of 11 fire tenders are operational across the district—including those in the Buxar and Dumraon sub-divisions, as well as at the identified police stations—while one vehicle is currently undergoing repairs. To strengthen the communication system, the Fire Department has also kept toll-free and mobile numbers active, so that prompt assistance can be provided in emergency situations.