PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Service (UFES) is taking lessons from Delhi’s Malviya Nagar fire and working to strengthen fire safety systems in Uttarakhand. It has already stepped up fire safety measures across Dehradun. Chief fire officer Abhinav Tyagi said that more than 200 fire safety audits were conducted in Dehradun during May.
“We recently held a meeting with major restaurant owners in Dehradun. We made them aware that obtaining a Fire NOC is not the final objective. They must regularly check all fire safety systems, conduct fire audits and mock drills on time and ensure that emergency exits remain clear and functional. The restaurant owners have assured us that they will also carry out fire safety audits at their own level,” Tyagi said.
He informed that in the first five months of 2026, nearly 1,000 buildings have been inspected for fire safety compliance. Special attention is being given to crowded markets, hotels and business areas where large numbers of people gather every day.
Tyagi also encouraged institutions and building owners to request fire safety training, mock drills and audits whenever needed. Officials warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found ignoring safety norms.
The CFO said some markets and hotels in Dehradun are located in narrow areas where large fire engines cannot easily reach. To deal with such situations, the department has deployed mini high pressure fire vehicles and fire bikes that can quickly reach the spot and control fires in the early stages.
