Hyderabad, December 4, 2026 – Telangana's Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department has significantly ramped up fire safety audits and awareness programs, particularly targeting schools and hospitals, following a series of fire incidents. This intensified focus aligns with a broader 99-day action plan launched earlier this year to bolster fire safety compliance in buildings deemed high-risk.
The department conducted over 3,100 awareness programmes between March and April 2026, reaching more than 2.47 lakh individuals in educational institutions and hospitals. Specifically, from March 20 to April 6, 1,703 programmes were held in hospitals, involving 41,531 participants. Educational institutions saw 1,432 programmes between March 6 and March 19, with 2,03,171 students and staff attending.
Heightened Scrutiny of Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals across Telangana are currently undergoing comprehensive fire safety inspections as part of an enforcement drive that commenced on March 15, 2026. These audits are examining compliance with fire safety norms, including the possession and validity of fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs), the operational status of fire-fighting systems, and overall emergency preparedness. The audits are a direct response to recent fatal fires across India and represent the second phase of the state's comprehensive enforcement plan, following earlier fire safety checks in schools. Key fire protection infrastructure, such as automated sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and accessible emergency exits, are being assessed.
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Broader Enforcement and Awareness Efforts
The initiative to bring all commercial buildings, not just high-rises, under the purview of the Fire Services Act is also under serious consideration by the department, in collaboration with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and other stakeholders. This suggests a move towards wider regulatory coverage for fire safety.
This heightened activity follows a 2024 report indicating 7,383 fire calls and a 7.29% rise in rescue operations. In the same year, the department handled over 10,000 fire and emergency calls, underscoring its growing role. Summer months have been identified as periods of increased risk due to potential electrical overloading, prompting stepped-up vigilance across various building types.
Fire Service Week Campaigns
The annual 'Fire Service Week', observed from April 14 to 20, has been a consistent platform for these awareness efforts. The 2025 commemoration, themed ‘Unite to Ignite: A Fire Safe India,’ included parades, public awareness exhibitions, demonstrations, fire drills, and training sessions. These events aim to educate the public on fire prevention and preparedness across diverse locations such as hospitals, industries, residential colonies, and commercial establishments.
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The department has also been modernizing its processes, including an upgraded drawing scrutiny system using an 'AUTO Scrutiny Engine' for Provisional/Occupancy No Objection Certificate applications. This points to a systemic effort to streamline and improve the efficiency of fire safety approvals.
Background:
The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department operates across the state, with fire stations and outposts located in various districts including Warangal, Narsampet, Wardhannapet, Gorrekunta, and Wanaparthy. The department's equipment inventory includes standard firefighting appliances, rescue tools, and safety gear. The State Disaster Response and Fire Services, Warangal Division, for instance, lists its divisional fire officer and station fire officers, along with contact details. The department also maintains online portals for applications and technical support.
