Background
The Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 was enacted to establish and maintain a fire service force in the state and to regulate fire safety measures in buildings and premises. With rapid urbanization and the rise of high-rise structures, the risks associated with fire hazards increased significantly. Prior to the Act, there was no comprehensive law that provided for organized fire prevention, safety compliance, and systematic firefighting services. The Act therefore aimed to standardize fire safety norms, empower authorities to enforce preventive measures, and ensure public safety through inspections, certification, and penalties for non-compliance.
Applicability
Compliance requirement under the Act and the Notification No. HD 33 SFB 2011 Bangalore dated 7.7.11
Fire Safety Certificate / Fire NOC in Karnataka (Section 13(3))
Any person proposing to construct a high-rise building shall obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services department. No person shall construct a building with a height of 21 meters or more without obtaining both a Fire NOC from the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department. While applying for a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of a high-rise building (21 meters or above), the owner or developer must ensure that the application strictly complies with the Fire and Life Safety provisions of the National Building Code, 2016.
Mandatory Fire Safety Precautions for High-Risk Premises in Karnataka (Section 13(1))
Owners or occupiers of premises in areas or of any class of premises deemed by the State Government as likely to cause a risk of fire must adhere to fire safety measures. These precautions will be specified in a notification issued by the State Government in the official Gazette.
Payment of Fire Tax in Karnataka (Sections 15 & 16)
Fire Tax shall be levied by the State Government on land and buildings situated in areas where the Act is in force and on which property tax is levied. It is required to be paid in the manner property tax is paid. The fire tax shall be levied in the form of a surcharge on the property tax at such rate not exceeding ten percent of such property tax as the State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, determine.
Owner/Association of High-Rise Buildings to Get the Buildings Inspected in Karnataka (Para 5 of Notification)
Owner/Association of all high-rise buildings shall get their buildings inspected by the agencies empanelled by the Fire and Emergency Services department to ensure that fire equipment installed are in good and workable condition. A “high-rise building” means a building of 21 meters or above in height irrespective of its occupancy as defined in the National Building Code 2016.
Submission of Inspection Report and Affidavit w.r.t High-Rise Buildings in Karnataka (Para 5 of Notification)
An Affidavit about the working conditions of the system along with the Inspection Report shall be submitted to the Fire and Emergency Services department and BBMP or Local Municipal Authority once in every two years.
Penalties & Punishments
Consequence: Without NOC, Building License shall not be granted
Whenever safety violations or infringements after grant of NOC are noticed, Fire & Emergency Service Dept. to launch criminal prosecution by lodging FIR with jurisdictional Police Station against occupier/developer/owner/builder, as the case may be.
U/s 25: Whoever fails without reasonable cause to comply with any of the requirements specified in a notification issued under sub-section (1) of section 13 or of a direction issued under sub-section (2) of that section shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 serves as a critical framework for ensuring fire safety in both residential and commercial establishments. By mandating Fire NOCs, inspections, fire tax, and compliance with safety measures, it enhances accountability among building owners and occupiers. The Act also empowers the State Fire and Emergency Services Department to enforce fire safety and respond effectively to risks. Overall, the legislation strengthens disaster preparedness, protects life and property, and ensures that urban development in Karnataka is aligned with modern fire safety standards.
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