Lucknow Fire: 15 Dead, Fire Dept Says Building Didn't Need Safety Clearance
A devastating fire in Lucknow on Monday claimed 15 lives, prompting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe starting Tuesday. The state government has held the Fire Services Department, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), and Electricity Department accountable, suspending one fire service officer, one executive engineer, and two LDA engineers.
In response to scrutiny, a senior Fire Department official said the building was not in their records and that the owners never sought a fire NOC. Citing the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, the official argued that buildings under 15 metres in height and with a built-up area below 500 square metres are exempt from fire NOC requirements. The gutted building measures around 12 metres high and 185 square metres. The official added that the updated NBC 2026 raises the exemption to 24 metres.
The owners, arrested on Monday, purchased the property in 2013 as a residential building and did not convert its land use for commercial purposes, the official claimed. The department only issues NOCs or conducts audits when owners apply or when buildings exceed height limits.
According to the department's preliminary investigation, the fire originated on the first floor after a split AC outdoor unit, installed beside the staircase, allegedly exploded. Thick glass enclosures on various floors shattered, fuelling the blaze. The building’s approved electricity load was 20 kW, but actual usage was around 40 kW, possibly triggering the fire.
The emergency call came at 2:27 pm; the first fire tender arrived at 2:46 pm. The Chief Fire Officer and 10 firefighters entered via hydraulic ladder at 2:55 pm. Rescue teams later broke through the rear wall due to dense smoke.
Suspended Fire Station Officer Kamlendra Kumar Singh released a video statement addressed to the Chief Minister, calling his suspension unjust. He said his role was limited to local inspections and reporting, with clearance authority resting with the Chief Fire Officer.
The SIT will investigate whether the three departments fulfilled their statutory duties. Families of the victims await answers as the investigation continues.
