Field GuideArticle | Fire Safety Basics Every Architect Must Know by Safety Saarthi Private Limited from Pune,India.
Why Fire Safety Matters in Architecture
Key Indian Codes & Standards (NBC, IS, NFPA)
Critical Fire Safety Design Principles
Common Mistakes Architects Make
Case Study: Pune High-Rise Project
Downloadable Fire Safety Checklist (Free)
❓ FAQs – Fire Safety & Architecture
Final Thoughts + CTA
In India, fire incidents in commercial & residential buildings account for 25% of urban disasters. For architects, fire safety is not optional — it is a legal, ethical, and design responsibility.
A safe design = lower risk, faster approvals, and better reputation.
As an architect, you must design as per:
NBC Part 4 (2016) – Fire & Life Safety provisions
IS 2189 – Selection, installation, and maintenance of fire detection/alarm systems
IS 15105 & IS 15104 – Sprinkler and hydrant system standards
UDCPR (Maharashtra) – Local planning & refuge area requirements
NFPA Standards – Global best practices to supplement local codes
📌 Tip: Always check the latest amendments — approvals often get delayed due to outdated design codes.
✅ Escape Routes – Provide at least two staircases in high-rise designs, minimum width 1.5m, smoke-proof lobbies.
✅ Refuge Areas – Mandatory in buildings above 24m (as per NBC & UDCPR).
✅ Compartmentation – Fire-resistant walls/floors to contain fire spread.
✅ Suppression Systems – Sprinklers, hydrants, and clean agent systems based on occupancy.
✅ Detection & Alarms – Smoke/heat detectors with centralized fire alarm panel.
✅ Accessibility for Fire Services – 6m wide driveways and designated pump room.
❌ Treating fire safety as an afterthought → leads to redesigns & project delays.
❌ Designing aesthetic false ceilings without space for sprinklers/detectors.
❌ Ignoring NBC mandatory requirements for refuge areas & staircases.
❌ Not coordinating with MEP consultants & fire consultants early in design.
👉 Result: Rejection of plans, extra costs, and delayed handovers.
In 2024, a Pune-based IT tower faced NOC rejection because the refuge area was missing and exit width was insufficient.
Safety Saarthi Pvt. Ltd. worked with the architect to redesign:
Added refuge balconies
Increased stair width from 1.2m → 1.5m
Integrated addressable fire alarm system
✅ The project passed inspection smoothly, saving months of delay.
📥 Download Fire Safety Design Checklist (PDF)
This checklist covers:
NBC Part 4 compliance points
Minimum exit & refuge requirements
Sprinkler & detection design parameters
Fire safety approval submission list
👉 Use it before submitting your drawings for NOC.
Q1: At what stage should fire safety be considered in building design?
👉 From the conceptual stage itself, not later.
Q2: Are refuge areas mandatory in all high-rise buildings?
👉 Yes, as per NBC & UDCPR, for all buildings above 24m height.
Q3: How many fire exits are required for a high-rise?
👉 Minimum two staircases, with smoke-proof lobbies.
Q4: What is the difference between fire alarm and detection systems?
👉 Detection = sensors (smoke/heat). Alarm = notification (sirens/panels).
Q5: Can architects rely only on IS codes?
👉 No. Always cross-check with NBC Part 4, UDCPR, and NFPA standards.
Fire safety is not just compliance — it’s about saving lives, protecting property, and building trust.
👷♂️ Are you an architect looking to make your designs fire-compliant?
📞 Call us now: 7066729911 / 9673407788
💬 WhatsApp: 8484060560
We are India’s trusted fire safety consultants & system integrators, helping architects, builders, and corporates design and implement code-compliant fire systems.
📧 Email: connect@safetysaarthi.com
📞 Phone: 7066729911 / 9673407788
💬 WhatsApp: 8484060560
🌐 Website: www.safetysaarthi.com
Have a fire safety question on your own project?
Talk to our engineering team before it becomes a site-stage problem — we work across fire protection, electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems for industrial, commercial and data centre sites.