The Delhi government has revised its Fire Service Rules to include a comprehensive set of fire prevention and safety standards for buildings. This initiative includes the establishment of fire and smoke barriers, unobstructed access for emergency vehicles, provision for emergency power, and designated fire control rooms. The new regulations, officially named the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2026, were announced by the Home Department on August 28, 2026.

These newly introduced standards will apply based on the building’s height and occupancy classification, adhering to the existing Building Bye-Laws. The changes follow a series of unfortunate fire incidents in the city, particularly the tragic hotel fire in Malviya Nagar in June, which resulted in the loss of 23 lives, predominantly foreign nationals.

According to the amendments, in cases where fire safety measures are not outlined in the Building Bye-Laws, the director of the Delhi Fire Services holds the authority to demand additional safety precautions from property owners or occupants. The government retains the option to modify or exempt certain requirements applicable to specific occupancy categories or structures in particular zones.

Specific Fire Safety Measures Listed

The revised guidelines stipulate 18 distinct categories of fire safety measures necessary for buildings concerning fire prevention and the issuance of no-objection certificates by the Delhi Fire Services and designated third-party auditors. High-priority requirements include ensuring a minimum six-metre access path for fire engines leading to properties, along with feature specifications such as fire check doors, fire stops, smoke management systems, and fire and smoke barriers.

Buildings are mandated to install essential fire safety equipment including fire extinguishers, first-aid hose reels, automatic fire detection and alarm systems, and public address or voice evacuation systems. Additionally, regulations stipulate the installation of automatic sprinkler systems and fire suppression technologies where relevant.

The new rules also establish protocols for the installation of internal hydrants, such as wet risers and down-comers, alongside provisions for yard hydrants and ring mains. Furthermore, it is necessary for buildings to incorporate fire pump houses with adequate pumping infrastructure, as well as protected access points for firefighting personnel.

Implementation Timeline and Structural Requirements

Additional measures mandated by the revised rules include dedicated water storage for firefighting, clear exit signage, floor numbering, and reflective markings in corridors leading to exits. The regulations also address the need for fire towers and fire lifts, in addition to ensuring emergency power for vital fire and life-safety systems.

Essential systems specified under the new regulations encompass pumps, smoke-venting mechanisms, emergency lighting, fire alarm setups, public address systems, magnetic door-hold-open devices, and illumination in fire command centres. Included within the safety regulations are concepts such as fire check floors and refuge areas, as well as fire control rooms equipped with automated continuous monitoring systems.

Lastly, the amendments update references in Rule 29 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, substituting mentions of the National Building Code of India with the Building Bye-Laws, thus aligning safety standards with the latest regulatory framework. The implementation of these standards will commence upon the notification of the amended Unified Building Bye-Laws-2016 by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Applications submitted prior to the commencement date will be processed according to the regulations in place at that time.

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