In the wake of recent fire incidents that claimed several lives, the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a detailed circular directing all occupancies and establishments to strictly implement fire and life safety guidelines across Goa.
The advisories are based on existing notifications issued by the department, which mandate the installation and maintenance of fire protection systems for specified occupancies. DFES has clarified that the guidelines prescribe minimum safety measures, and establishments must also comply with any additional requirements imposed by the department or other competent authorities, depending on the nature and level of fire risk involved.
Statutory compliance mandatory
DFES has reiterated that all occupancies must obtain and maintain a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) under the Goa Fire Force Act, 1986 and Rules, 1997. Fire safety compliance is mandatory and includes provisions related to fire prevention, building services, egress design, active fire protection systems and life-safety features. Any changes to building layouts, structural elements, interiors, fire systems or escape routes must be reported to DFES for prior approval. Trade licences and occupancy certificates will remain valid only if supported by a current fire clearance.
Fire prevention measures stressed
The circular mandates that access routes, corridors, staircases and escape paths must be kept free of obstructions. Use of combustible interior finishes is to be restricted, and only fire-retardant materials are to be used for partitions, furnishings and décor. Strict housekeeping is required to prevent accumulation of combustible waste.
Electrical installations must conform to IS standards, with annual safety inspections by licensed professionals made compulsory for fire-prone occupancies. Overloading, unauthorised wiring and poor earthing have been expressly prohibited. Hazard-prone activities such as fireworks, pyrotechnics, open-flame operations and hot work must not be carried out without supervision. LPG storage and gas piping systems must comply with IS:6044 (Part-1) norms and undergo regular leak testing.
Fire detection and protection systems
DFES has directed all occupancies to install appropriate fire detection and protection systems based on risk assessment. Automatic smoke and heat detectors, addressable or automatic fire alarm systems with manual call points and audible alarms on every floor, including basements, are mandatory, along with 24-hour battery backup.
Automatic sprinkler systems must be installed as per National Building Code (NBC) norms, especially in high-rise buildings, assembly areas, commercial kitchens, basements and storage areas. Wet-riser or down-comer systems, fire service inlets and dedicated underground and overhead fire water tanks with main, standby and jockey pumps must be kept functional, with weekly testing and proper documentation. ISI-marked portable fire extinguishers must be adequately provided and regularly maintained.
Life safety and means of escape
The guidelines require emergency signage, illuminated exit indicators and floor-wise escape diagrams along all exit routes. Staircases must be smoke-free and fire-rated doors kept operational and closed to prevent smoke spread. Emergency lighting with a minimum 90-minute battery backup is compulsory.
All occupancies must have at least two remote exits per floor, which must remain unobstructed and unlocked during operating hours. Occupant load limits, especially in assembly halls, banquet areas, entertainment venues and bars, must be clearly displayed and strictly enforced, with special consideration for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Emergency preparedness and training
Every establishment must maintain a Fire and Emergency Response Plan, detailing evacuation procedures, assembly points, communication systems and coordination with DFES. Trained personnel must be designated for alarm activation, evacuation supervision, firefighting and crowd management.
Quarterly fire and evacuation drills have been made mandatory, including night-time drills for hotels, hostels and residential institutions. Staff must be trained in the use of fire extinguishers, alarm systems and assisting vulnerable occupants. Records of all drills and training sessions must be maintained for inspection.
Responsibility of management and licensing authorities
DFES has placed primary responsibility on owners, occupiers and facility managers to ensure continuous maintenance, testing and certification of all fire safety installations. Any deficiencies found during inspections must be rectified immediately, and no structural or interior modifications affecting fire safety can be carried out without DFES approval.
Local licensing authorities have been instructed to strictly enforce fire safety regulations and verify the validity of Fire Safety NOCs before issuing or renewing any trade, occupancy or operational licences. Establishments operating without a valid Fire NOC or violating fire safety norms will face suspension or cancellation of licences as per law.
Emphasising that fire and life safety is a shared responsibility, DFES has urged all establishments to treat compliance as an ongoing obligation, warning that effective prevention and preparedness are critical to reducing risks and saving lives.
