Delhi: Private auditors to mark buildings fire safety compliant for DFS

Private fire safety auditors will now be allowed to certify city buildings as fire safety compliant, according to sweeping amendments notified by the Delhi government.

According to the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, published in the Delhi Gazette by the Home Department of the Delhi government on Tuesday, the new system allows registered third-party “Fire Safety Auditors” to issue fire safety certificates.

Till now, issuing such certificates was the remit of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), which it will continue to do.

Under the amended fire service rules, auditors will be classified into three levels based on qualifications and experience. They will be assigned unique identification numbers and barred from certifying the same premises in two consecutive cycles to prevent conflict of interest and improve accountability.

The amended rules also mandate the installation of an IoT-based Automated Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) in buildings to enable real-time monitoring of firefighting systems such as hydrant pumps, sprinklers, smoke detection panels, and staircase pressurisation fans.

In the first phase, alerts generated by the system will be sent to building owners and fire safety auditors, while in the second phase, critical alarms will be transmitted to the DFS.

A dedicated Fire Prevention Cell headed by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Chief Fire Officer has been constituted at the DFS headquarters to examine building plans and ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

The amended rules reorganise Delhi into five or more fire zones and at least 13 fire divisions covering all regions of the city.

Several categories of buildings, including high-rise residential complexes, hotels, educational institutions, commercial establishments and underground structures, will now require mandatory fire safety clearances.

The amendments also allow online payment of fees for approvals and certifications, replacing the earlier system dependent largely on bank drafts and physical submissions.

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