The Delhi Government has formally notified a sweeping overhaul of the capital’s fire safety framework, introducing third-party fire safety auditors, automated compliance monitoring systems and stricter accountability measures for building owners and occupiers.
The reforms, brought through the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, mark one of the most significant changes to Delhi’s fire safety regime in recent years. The notification was issued by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu under the Delhi Fire Service Act, 2007. Most provisions have come into force immediately, while major changes relating to fire safety certification, auditors and automated monitoring systems will become operational after 90 days.
The Tribune had first reported on May 20 that the Delhi Government was considering a comprehensive restructuring of the fire safety system, including third-party auditors, technology-driven compliance mechanisms and changes in certification procedures. Several of those proposals have now been incorporated into the notified rules.
A key feature of the amended framework is the introduction of empanelled fire safety auditors, who will be authorised to inspect buildings and issue fire safety certificates (FSCs). The auditors may be individuals, firms or companies empanelled by the Director of Delhi Fire Service (DFS). Until now, FSCs were issued directly by the DFS.
Under the new system, building owners or occupiers can appoint an auditor from a DFS-maintained panel. The auditor will inspect premises, certify compliance and upload reports online. Certificates issued by auditors will remain subject to verification by the department.
To strengthen oversight, the rules mandate random inspection of at least five per cent of certificates issued by auditors every quarter. Action has also been provided for false declarations, deficiencies and misrepresentation.
The amendments significantly expand categories of occupancies deemed vulnerable to fire risks. These include residential buildings above 15 metres, hotels above 12 metres, educational and institutional buildings above 9 metres, all assembly buildings, underground structures, hazardous occupancies and large industrial and storage facilities.
Another major reform is the introduction of an automated continuous monitoring system (ACMS) for identified categories of buildings. Fire prevention and safety installations will remain under continuous digital monitoring and comply with prescribed technical and cyber security standards.
The amended rules also push greater digitisation of regulatory processes. Applications, declarations, inspection reports, annual compliance submissions and fee payments can now be processed online.
As part of an administrative restructuring, Delhi has been divided into five principal fire zones – Central, East, West, North and South – with provisions for additional zones based on operational requirements. The rules also formally provide for 13 fire divisions and multiple sub-divisions across the city.
The fire prevention wing at the DFS headquarters has been strengthened and assigned expanded responsibilities relating to scrutiny of building plans, fire safety proposals, audits and coordination with statutory authorities.
The rules place greater responsibility on owners and occupiers for maintaining fire safety systems. Annual online declarations regarding operational status of fire safety infrastructure will be mandatory, and false declarations could attract action under the Delhi Fire Service Act.
The government has also revised compounding powers for violations. Deputy chief fire officers will now be authorised to compound offences carrying fines up to Rs 10,000, while chief fire officers and the director will have higher financial powers depending on the severity of violations.
The amendments also update references to the National Building Code and incorporate provisions relating to modern fire detection systems, smoke management mechanisms, sprinkler systems, hydrants, standby power arrangements, fire control rooms, lift safety and evacuation infrastructure.
Responding to the new framework, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said the government was focused on creating a preventive fire safety ecosystem. “We want to build a precautionary setup to minimise fire incidents in Delhi, and this step is just the beginning towards that goal. There will be many more progressive developments to enhance fire safety systems so that no loss of life occurs, and we will work tirelessly towards it,” he told The Tribune.
The minister said, “It was prepared several months ago, but we wanted to make sure that the new framework is strong enough. Now, it is here.”