NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has started the process of registering and empanelling third-party fire safety auditors who will be authorised to issue fire safety certificates to owners and occupiers of buildings and premises across the capital.
The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) on Thursday invited applications for registration under the Delhi Fire Service Amendment Rules, 2025, notified by the Home Department last month.The new rules provide for three categories of auditors—L-1, L-2 and L-3—based on their qualifications and experience. While L-1 and L-2 auditors will be authorised to certify buildings and occupancies up to 15 metres in height, L-3 auditors will be eligible to issue certificates for all categories of buildings.
The move comes in the wake of recent fire incidents, including the hotel fire in Hauz Rani that claimed 22 lives in June. At present, fire safety certificates are issued only by the DFS.
Applicants must possess prescribed qualifications, including degrees in fire engineering, civil, mechanical, electronics or architecture, or a postgraduate diploma in fire and life safety audit. They must also have one to ten years of experience in fire prevention and safety, depending on the category.
Registration will remain valid for three years. The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 10,000 for L-1, Rs 20,000 for L-2 and Rs 30,000 for L-3 auditors. Owners or occupiers will have to appoint an auditor from the empanelled list available on the DFS portal. After inspecting the premises and verifying fire prevention and safety measures, the auditor will issue a fire safety certificate along with an inspection report.
Auditors will be allowed to charge service fees ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the building’s height, covered area, occupancy classification and the complexity of fire safety systems, within the prescribed limits.
The DFS will randomly inspect at least five per cent of certificates issued every quarter. Auditors found violating the rules or issuing false certificates will face penalties ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and may also be blacklisted and deregistered. Issuing a fire safety certificate will not absolve owners or occupiers of their responsibility to maintain fire safety measures.
