Visakhapatnam strengthens fire safety review after new incidents

Fire safety has become a major concern in Visakhapatnam after two fires were reported on Wednesday. One incident occurred at RK Beach and the other near Bheemili. These cases followed earlier fires in hospitals and public buildings. The district fire services department has now started a citywide audit.

Officials explained how buildings receive a No Objection Certificate. An NOC is issued only after inspecting hydrants, pumps, alarms, staircases, fire lifts, sprinklers, exits, and water storage. They said the certificate reflects the building’s condition on the day of inspection. If equipment is not maintained or interiors are altered without approval, the building’s safety level can decrease.

Recent incidents have already raised concerns among residents. The 2023 fire at Indus Hospital, a smoke incident at King George Hospital earlier this year, and the December 2025 fire at Vamsi Function Hall exposed gaps in safety measures at key locations. Fire consultants often point to old wiring, flammable décor, and blocked escape routes. They also mention that many residents rely only on the NOC and skip regular inspections.

CREDAI Visakhapatnam President E. Ashok Kumar urged developers and associations to treat fire safety as a routine responsibility. He said CREDAI has advised members to conduct internal audits, hold drills, and strengthen safety at each stage of construction. Municipal officials supported this view and asked associations to maintain equipment, keep escape paths clear, and train residents to respond during emergencies.

District fire officer S. Renukaiah said the new audit would begin with awareness programmes. Fire teams will teach residents how to use basic equipment and explain NOC rules. In the first phase, about 300 buildings above 15 metres will be inspected. Commercial buildings, schools and hospitals will be checked next.

During an inspection at a building near RK Beach, commissioner of police Dr. Sankhabrata Bagchi found expired equipment and residents who were unsure how to use safety systems. Regional fire officer S. Niranjan Reddy said the department has a crane that can reach 90 metres and has held mock drills in nearly 50 high-rise buildings.

Officials said the stronger focus on audits and training reflects the needs of a growing city. As Visakhapatnam continues to add taller buildings, they noted that fire safety must shift from one-time approvals to regular upkeep.