Bhubaneswar: The Odisha fire and emergency services (OFES) on Tuesday launched a month-long statewide special drive to identify fire-risk premises, assess compliance with safety norms and plug gaps in prevention and emergency preparedness.The drive comes in the wake of notices issued to around 800 buildings across various categories, the majority of them private establishments, for allegedly operating without mandatory fire-safety certificates.“Our drive– Surakhsit Odisha, Vikashit Odisha–will focus on identifying vulnerable establishments, physically verifying fire and life-safety measures, ensuring rectification of deficiencies, spreading awareness, strengthening digital monitoring and initiating statutory action wherever required,” director general (OFES) Sudhanshu Sarangi said.Officials said the exercise aims to improve fire-safety compliance across the state and assess preparedness against potential fire hazards. The emphasis, they added, is not merely on inspections or issuance of notices but on identifying risks and shortcomings in fire-prevention systems and ensuring corrective measures are taken.The drive will involve identification and prioritisation of premises requiring inspection, verification of compliance with the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017, and scrutiny of fire safety certificates wherever applicable. Teams will also assess whether prescribed firefighting installations and fire-prevention mechanisms are available, functional, accessible and adequately maintained.According to OFES IGP Umashankar Dash, inspection teams will conduct physical verification using a standardised format covering fire safety certificate status, means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, firefighting installations, electrical safety, building fire-protection measures, fire-service access and emergency preparedness. Photographs, documents and other supporting evidence may be collected during inspections, and reports will be submitted to authorised officers for further action.“Where deficiencies are detected, authorised officers will issue directions under relevant statutory provisions. A standard operating procedure has been prepared outlining inspection protocols and post-inspection follow-up measures,” IGP Dash said.Officials said fire prevention requires continuous monitoring of buildings and safety systems, with certification, inspection, maintenance, awareness and emergency preparedness functioning in tandem. They pointed out that the regulatory framework has shifted from one-time certification to continuous compliance. Under the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety (Amendment) Rules, 2025, applicable building premises are required to upload fire-safety audit certificates, prepared by authorised or empanelled auditors, twice a year. The audit process is linked to the renewal of fire safety certificates.