Pune: PMC Urges Citizens and Establishments to Obtain Fire Safety Compliance Certificate Without Delay
Pune, 29th September 2025: In a major push to strengthen urban fire safety, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has appealed to citizens, residential societies, and commercial establishments to strictly follow fire prevention measures and obtain the mandatory compliance certificate at the earliest. The move comes in the backdrop of the death of a 15-year-old boy in a fire incident at a building in Undri a few days ago.
The directive applies to a wide range of structures within the PMC limits, including high-rise residential buildings, cinema halls, multiplexes, educational institutions, hospitals, commercial complexes, malls, star hotels, and other business establishments. Officials stressed that timely compliance is not just a legal requirement but a vital step in safeguarding lives in the city.
Legal Provisions and Compliance
As per Section 265(1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act and Section 9 of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, property owners and occupiers must install adequate fire prevention systems and ensure they remain functional at all times.
Once installed, property owners are required to obtain a fire safety compliance certificate (Form ‘D’) from a licensed agency registered with the PMC Fire Department. The certificate must then be submitted in duplicate at the office of the Chief Fire Officer, Fire Prevention Center, Modern Fire Station, New Timber Market, Pune – 411040, during working hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Accountability of Property Owners
PMC has made it clear that responsibility for fire safety lies entirely with property owners or users of a building. Any negligence will be treated as a serious violation, and in case of an incident, accountability will rest solely with those responsible for maintaining the premises.
Officials noted that past fire incidents in Pune exposed lapses such as blocked fire exits, non-functional alarms, and poorly maintained sprinkler systems. “Such negligence cannot be allowed to continue, especially in high-density areas where a single fire accident could put hundreds of lives at risk,” a senior official said.
Appeal from the Fire Department
Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode has urged stakeholders — from large commercial complexes to housing societies — to act immediately.
“Citizens and establishments must inspect their fire safety systems, ensure they are in working order, and obtain the compliance certificate. Cooperation with the Fire Department is essential to prevent avoidable tragedies,” he said.
PMC has also appealed to resident welfare associations and corporate managements to conduct internal safety audits and ensure their premises meet prescribed norms. The civic body added that inspections will be intensified in the coming months, and strict action may follow against violators.
Public Safety a Priority
The Fire Department emphasized that the appeal is not a mere formality but a life-saving measure. With Pune’s rapid urban growth and an increasing number of high-rise structures, the city faces heightened fire risks. Authorities believe that strict compliance with fire safety regulations and regular maintenance of safety systems can significantly reduce the chances of major disasters.
The appeal concluded with a reminder that fire safety is a shared responsibility requiring active cooperation between the administration, property owners, and residents.
