Pune, 18th September 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has stepped up fire safety measures across the city, ordering mandatory fire safety audits of private, government and civic-run hospitals, PG hostels and coaching centres.
PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed Fire Department Chief Ganesh Sonune to begin the inspections immediately and complete them on a war footing. The fire department has been asked to submit detailed inspection reports within 10 days.
The first phase of the drive will cover hospitals operated by the PMC. Private and government hospitals will subsequently be brought under the inspection drive, along with PG hostels and coaching centres.
The civic administration will check whether these establishments comply with prescribed fire safety norms and have adequate arrangements to deal with emergencies.
PG hostels and coaching centres will undergo detailed inspections as many students live and study in these premises. Officials will examine fire prevention and emergency response arrangements, including the availability and functioning of required safety systems.
Hospitals require special attention because they have a continuous movement of patients, newborns and relatives. Evacuating patients during a fire can be difficult, particularly when they are unable to move without assistance.
The inspections will cover:
Fire-fighting equipment and systems
Fire alarms and other warning mechanisms
Emergency exits and evacuation arrangements
Other prescribed fire prevention and response measures
Special attention will be given to mother-and-child care wards. Since these areas accommodate newborns, children and mothers, officials will separately examine the fire safety arrangements and evacuation measures in these wards.
The PMC has made it clear that the inspections will not be treated as a routine exercise. If fire safety violations or negligence are found, action will be taken against the concerned establishments according to the rules.
The fire department has been given a 10-day deadline to complete the inspections and submit its reports to the civic administration.