Calls for a comprehensive fire audit covering high-rises, hospitals, and commercial buildings have once again intensified in Kozhikode district, amid growing concerns over safety preparedness in the wake of recurring fire incidents. The State government’s recent move to extend the validity of the Fire No Objection Certificate to five years has also drawn criticism, with many firefighters calling it a risky decision that weakens the annual reassessment system.
“The recent incident at a private hospital in the city is a lesson for all. It was only the prompt response of the rescue teams and the alertness of the hospital staff that prevented a major tragedy. Such coordinated efforts cannot be expected everywhere, especially where fire safety measures continue to be ignored,” said a retired Fire and Rescue Services official who was part of several major operations in Kozhikode. He said that it was high time the district administration conducted frequent joint inspections to identify high-risk locations and detect violations.
Revenue department officials who have taken part in joint inspections in the past point out that fire safety norms continue to be neglected in several crowded commercial areas, including S.M. Street, largely due to resistance or apathy from some traders and building owners. They say many of the stringent measures introduced earlier for public safety have been disregarded over time.
Officials involved in an earlier fire audit—during which 140 commercial and residential buildings in the district were flagged for various violations—also admit that the situation remains unchanged in many locations despite legal action. They add that the list of such buildings is still with the District Disaster Management Authority for further verification and follow-up.
In the past 10 months alone, Kozhikode city has witnessed three major fire outbreaks, prompting several organisations and citizens’ forums to demand a comprehensive fire audit. The massive fire at a commercial building near the Mofussil bus stand and the blaze in the battery backup unit of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital were among the most challenging for firefighters. The latest incident at a private hospital once again tested the readiness of the rescue teams.
“What we need is a system that ensures regular review of preparedness. Rescue teams will be left helpless if their powers are curtailed through unscientific changes to stringent rules and restrictions on surprise inspections,” said a senior functionary of the Kerala Fire Service Association. He said that no preventive measures can succeed without a strong annual reassessment of safety arrangements.
Published – November 30, 2025 06:31 pm IST
