The officials said that the advisory was issued in the public interest to raise fire safety awareness and encourage public vigilance during New Year 2026 celebrations
The BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade have advised to ensure fire safety equipments are in place. Representational Pic/File
On the anniversary of the Kamala Mills fire on December 29, 2017, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued fire safety guidelines for citizens and establishments ahead of New Year 2026 celebrations.
The blaze that started at the first-floor bar Mojo Bistro in Kamala Mills at central Mumbai had claimed the lives of 14 people.
With parties, events, and programmes planned across the city, the civic officials emphasised on the importance of fire vigilance to prevent accidents and loss of life.
Guidelines for establishment owners and event organisers
The BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade have advised all event organisers and establishment owners to-
- Ensure fire safety equipment like alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and risers are functional.
- Keep emergency exits unobstructed and doors unlocked.
- Install clear directional signboards for evacuation.
- Inspect gas connections and electrical systems, particularly in kitchens.
- Avoid storing excess LPG cylinders.
- Ensure premises are not overcrowded beyond permitted capacity.
- Strictly prohibit firecrackers, fireworks, fire games, smoking, and hookah.
- Use fire-retardant materials for decoration and avoid combustible materials.
- Follow all measures prescribed under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.
Advisory for citizens
The BMC has also urged citizens to avoid overcrowding at event venues, the Mumbai civic body stated that the citizens must -
- Familiarise themselves with emergency exits and escape routes.
- Ensure that establishments comply with fire safety norms.
- Refrain from fireworks, decorative pyrotechnics, fire games, smoking or hookah at venues.
Public safety and awareness
The officials said that the advisory was issued in the public interest to raise fire safety awareness and encourage public vigilance during New Year celebrations.
Mumbai Fire Brigade inspects establishments
Last week, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has so far inspected 907 establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bars and eateries under its ‘Special Fire Safety Campaign’, issued notices to 16 establishments, and taken action against 41 others, officials said on Saturday.
The inspections were carried out between December 22 and December 25, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the BMC said, "Various programmes and celebrations are organised at different hotels, pubs, bars, residential complexes and buildings, and beaches in Mumbai to welcome the New Year. Large numbers of people gather for these events. Against this backdrop, and to ensure greater precautions regarding fire safety, a ‘Special Fire Safety Campaign’ is being implemented from December 22, 2025, to December 28, 2025, as per the instructions of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani."
Additional Municipal Commissioner in charge of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Ashwini Joshi, said, "This campaign is being conducted by the Mumbai Fire Brigade. If establishments are found not to have complied with fire safety terms and conditions, action is being taken against them under the provisions of the ‘Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006’."
Inspections conducted
Under this initiative, a total of 907 establishments were inspected up to December 25, 2025, including 10 malls, 25 five-star hotels, 59 lodging and boarding establishments, 19 rooftop establishments, 148 pubs, bars and clubs, 12 party halls, five gymkhanas, and 628 restaurants.
"Total inspections carried out from 22/12/2025 to 26/12/2025 are 1221 out of that 1146 are found complied, notices issued to 20 and action taken on 59. However, action also taken on four establishments who are found fire safety complied for storing one or two excess L.P.G. cylinders," an official had earlier said.
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