BMC issues advisory on fire safety ahead of New Year celebrations

On the anniversary of the Kamala Mills fire on December 29 2017 the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has issued fire safety guidelines for citizens and establishments ahead of New Year 2026 celebrationsThe blaze that started at the firstfloor bar Mojo Bistro in Kamala Mills at central Mumbai had claimed the lives of 14 peopleWith parties events and programmes planned across the city the civic officials emphasised on the importance of fire vigilance to prevent accidents and loss of lifeGuidelines for establishment owners and event organisersThe BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade have advised all event organisers and establishment owners to Ensure fire safety equipment like alarms extinguishers sprinkler systems and risers are functional Keep emergency exits unobstructed and doors unlocked Install clear directional signboards for evacuation Inspect gas connections and electrical systems particularly in kitchens Avoid storing excess LPG cylinders Ensure premises are not overcrowded beyond permitted capacity Strictly prohibit firecrackers fireworks fire games smoking and hookah Use fireretardant materials for decoration and avoid combustible materials Follow all measures prescribed under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act 2006Advisory for citizensThe BMC has also urged citizens toavoid overcrowding at event venues the Mumbai civic body stated that the citizens must Familiarise themselves with emergency exits and escape routes Ensure that establishments comply with fire safety norms Refrain from fireworks decorative pyrotechnics fire games smoking or hookah at venuesPublic safety and awarenessThe officials said that the advisory was issued in the public interest to raise fire safety awareness and encourage public vigilance during New Year celebrationsMumbai Fire Brigade inspects establishmentsLast week the Mumbai Fire Brigade has so far inspected 907 establishments such as hotels restaurants bars and eateries under its lsquoSpecial Fire Safety Campaignrsquo issued notices to 16 establishments and taken action against 41 others officials said on SaturdayThe inspections were carried out between December 22 and December 25 2025In a statement issued on Saturday the BMC said Various programmes and celebrations are organised at different hotels pubs bars residential complexes and buildings and beaches in Mumbai to welcome the New Year Large numbers of people gather for these events Against this backdrop and to ensure greater precautions regarding fire safety a lsquoSpecial Fire Safety Campaignrsquo is being implemented from December 22 2025 to December 28 2025 as per the instructions of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan GagraniAdditional Municipal Commissioner in charge of the Mumbai Fire Brigade Ashwini Joshi said This campaign is being conducted by the Mumbai Fire Brigade If establishments are found not to have complied with fire safety terms and conditions action is being taken against them under the provisions of the lsquoMaharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act 2006rsquoInspections conductedUnder this initiative a total of 907 establishments were inspected up to December 25 2025 including 10 malls 25 fivestar hotels 59 lodging and boarding establishments 19 rooftop establishments 148 pubs bars and clubs 12 party halls five gymkhanas and 628 restaurantsTotal inspections carried out from 22122025 to 26122025 are 1221 out of that 1146 are found complied notices issued to 20 and action taken on 59 However action also taken on four establishments who are found fire safety complied for storing one or two excess LPG cylinders an official had earlier said