THE GOAN
PANAJI
While one hopes for no fires, large-scale incidents raise concerns about preparedness and safety compliance. The recent fire that damaged around 150 shops at Vasco’s Sunday Market on October 28 has once again brought fire safety into focus in Goa. The incident comes months after the December 2025 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives. While the circumstances differ, both incidents raise questions about fire preparedness and the implementation of safety requirements. Following the Arpora tragedy, Goa’s Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued fire and life-safety guidelines for all occupancies on December 10, 2025. The guidelines cover fire prevention, emergency exits, detection systems, firefighting equipment and evacuation preparedness.
While active fire-protection systems must be in place and functional, passive fire-protection measures are equally important. A Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), where required, is not a one-time guarantee of safety. Buildings must maintain functional equipment, accessible escape routes and emergency preparedness under applicable fire-safety regulations.
Who needs a fire NOC?
Requirements vary according to a building’s use, height, floor area and risk. Categories requiring clearance include high-rise buildings measuring 15 metres or more, specified industrial units, warehouses, petroleum storage facilities, assembly spaces, educational and institutional buildings, hotels, restaurants and premises storing hazardous or flammable goods. The applicable regulations determine which occupancies require an NOC and whether any exemptions apply. Owners should confirm the requirements for their premises with DFES and the relevant licensing authority.
Smaller shops, guest houses, temporary structures and beach shacks may have separate provisions. Requirements for fire extinguishers and other safety measures depend on the premises and applicable rules. Additional conditions may apply to establishments using commercial LPG cylinders, including clearance for specified premises using more than 50 kg.
How to obtain a fire NOC?
Applicants can use the government’s Goa Online portal by registering, selecting Services, All Services, Fire & Emergency and the relevant Initial Fire NOC service. They must complete the application, upload documents and pay the applicable fee.
Documents may include site plans, elevations, sections and floor layouts, a fire-protection plan, proof of ownership and a local authority or panchayat NOC, where applicable. Applicants must also submit the prescribed Form U undertaking on Rs 50 stamp paper for an Initial NOC. Applications are scrutinised by the designated fire officer. After verification and approval, the digitally signed Initial NOC is issued through the portal. An Initial NOC is distinct from a Final NOC, and the applicable process depends on the category and stage of the project. Goa Online provides separate services for initial clearance and final clearance.
Five-year validity, continuing responsibility
A June 2025 notification extended Fire NOC validity to five years for low-risk and high-risk buildings covered by the notification. Owners or occupiers must submit an annual self-declaration on Rs 100 stamp paper confirming that fire-protection arrangements are maintained and functional. Renewal at the end of five years is subject to inspection. Designated officers can also conduct inspections during the year, and an NOC may be revoked for non-compliance after due procedure.
What must buildings have?
Depending on the occupancy and applicable requirements, safety provisions include smoke and heat detectors, alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, wet-riser or down-comer systems, fire-water storage and pumps. The guidelines also specify at least two suitably separated exits per floor or compartment, unobstructed escape routes, emergency signage, evacuation diagrams, fire-rated doors and emergency lighting with at least 90 minutes of battery backup. Establishments must maintain emergency response plans, train personnel and conduct periodic drills. Quarterly fire and evacuation drills are specified, including night-time drills for hotels, hostels and residential institutions.
The Vasco market fire highlights the need to examine safety arrangements in crowded commercial areas, including electrical installations, combustible storage, firefighting equipment and emergency access. The incident does not, by itself, establish that any fire-safety requirement was breached. For Goa, the challenge is not merely to issue certificates but to ensure that safety systems remain functional. Transparent inspection records, consistent enforcement and regular maintenance are essential to protecting people who live, work and gather in these buildings.
