50% of hotel inspected on day 2 fail fire safety audit

Lucknow: Nearly half of the hotels, restaurants and public establishments inspected during the second day of an ongoing fire safety audit drive in the state capital were found lacking mandatory safeguards, prompting authorities to initiate action against defaulters.

The citywide inspection campaign, launched on the directions of Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, was conducted simultaneously by teams from all nine fire stations on Friday. Officials said around 36 establishments, including hotels, restaurants and clubs, were inspected as part of the drive.

Teams led by station fire officers carried out detailed audits covering firefighting equipment, emergency response systems, evacuation preparedness and overall compliance with prescribed safety norms.

Senior fire department officials said that deficiencies were found in nearly 50% of the inspected establishments. “Around 18 hotels, restaurants and clubs were either non-compliant or partially compliant with fire safety requirements,” an officer said.

The shortcomings included poorly maintained firefighting equipment, inadequate emergency exits, lack of functional alarm systems and gaps in evacuation preparedness. Officials directed the managements concerned to immediately rectify the deficiencies.

Notices are set to be issued to all defaulting establishments, including those found violating norms during Thursday’s inspection drive. Owners have been warned to comply within a stipulated timeframe or face action under relevant fire safety regulations.

On the first day of the drive, deficiencies were identified in 25 out of 35 establishments checked across the city.

Alongside enforcement, the department also focused on awareness and preparedness. Around 511 staff members, employees and occupants were trained in fire prevention measures, use of firefighting equipment and emergency evacuation procedures. Mock drills and live demonstrations were conducted at multiple sites to familiarise personnel with first-response protocols during emergencies.

The drive will continue in the coming days across Lucknow.