Hyderabad: ORR fire safety inspections were intensified on a war footing following recent major and fatal fire incidents, on the instructions of Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department Director General Vikram Singh Mann.
Fire department officials said the inspections were being carried out across buildings within the Outer Ring Road limits with immediate effect. The drive focused on identifying violations that posed serious threats to fire safety and human life.
Officials said special attention was given to dangerous practices such as using cellars as storage spaces instead of parking areas, allowing servants or watchmen families to live in basements, blocking staircases and ramps, and excessive storage of materials beyond display or sample requirements. Other violations of fire safety norms were also checked during the inspections.
The Director General directed officers to initiate strict action against building owners or managements wherever serious deficiencies were detected. Officials said enforcement would be firm to prevent loss of life in case of fire emergencies.
ORR fire safety inspections cover 70 establishments
Fire officials said ORR fire safety inspections began on January 28, 2026, targeting establishments considered vulnerable. So far, 70 establishments of different categories were inspected.
These included three institutional buildings, two hospitals, three mixed-occupancy structures, 26 commercial establishments, 27 mercantile units, three assembly occupancies, two business buildings, one residential building, one industrial unit, one multiplex and one shopping mall.
During the inspections, fire officers also issued safety instructions to owners, tenants and employees. They stressed compliance with fire safety codes, regular maintenance of fire systems and proper functioning of fire extinguishers, sprinklers and other equipment.
The Director General appealed to the public to strictly follow fire safety guidelines and regulations. He said adherence to safety norms was essential to prevent accidents and ensure the protection of lives and property.
