A recent fire incident in a Pune housing society has triggered a renewed crackdown by the fire brigade, exposing a pervasive culture of negligence in residential complexes across Maharashtra. The Pune Fire Brigade issued a formal notice to the society for major safety lapses following a blaze in an electricity meter box on May 18.
The fire, allegedly caused by a short circuit, was quickly brought under control. However, a subsequent inspection revealed what the city chief fire officer described as a “nightmare scenario” of non-compliance. The meter room was cluttered with obstructions that severely hampered emergency access. Additionally, the society lacked basic firefighting equipment such as extinguishers and sand buckets, which are mandatory under state regulations.
Crackdown Intensifies
“We have begun issuing notices to societies that fail to adhere to safety norms,” a fire brigade official said. He emphasized that electrical repairs must only be conducted by government-approved licensed contractors.
This incident is emblematic of a larger crisis across Maharashtra. SS Warick, state director of fire services, told TOI that despite strict amendments to the Maharashtra Fire Services Act, upkeep remains abysmally poor.
Legal Requirements and Negligence
“To ensure systems stay functional, the law mandates the submission of ‘Form B’ every January and July,” Warick said. “This certificate, issued by a licensed agency, confirms that firefighting systems are in working order. Unfortunately, most owners and occupiers are neglecting this responsibility.”
The Fire Safety Act was further strengthened in May 2023, mandating real-time monitoring and audits for buildings taller than 30 meters and residential towers exceeding 70 meters. Despite the availability of over 800 licensed fire safety agencies in the state, compliance remains low.
Lack of Awareness
A senior official estimated that of the nearly two lakh housing societies in Maharashtra, a significant number are unaware of these legal requirements. “Many representatives don’t even know these norms exist, let alone how to appoint an inspection agency,” the official said.
In densely populated hubs like Pune, Mumbai, and Thane, officials warn that this lack of preparedness could turn minor short circuits into major tragedies. Under the Act, all buildings, including those constructed before the 2008 enactment, are legally required to maintain firefighting systems and submit biannual compliance reports.
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