Delhi still has no private fire auditors empanelled as new rules take effect

Delhi has not empanelled a single private fire auditor, even as the rules shifting fire-safety certification to third parties have taken effect.

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) issued application forms on July 2 under the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, notified on May 26. Chief fire officer AK Malik said there had been no suitable applicants. Officials said a handful of applications were received but found inadequate, and a file seeking more time for empanelment is under consideration.

Under the amended framework, empanelled auditors are to inspect buildings and issue or renew fire safety certificates; officials said DFS itself can no longer do this. Auditors will be classified as L-1, L-2 or L-3. L-1 and L-2 auditors can certify buildings up to 15 metres tall, while L-3 auditors can certify buildings of any height.

Candidates must complete three to seven days of training at the Fire Safety Management Academy in Rohini. Officials linked the thin response partly to the liability an auditor could face if a certified building later has a fire or other mishap.

This follows Delhi’s earlier rollout without empanelled auditors.