- Issued by
- The state fire and emergency services department
- Technical baseline
- National Building Code of India, Part 4 (Fire and Life Safety), as adopted by the state
- Renewal
- As per state rules — validity varies by state and building type
- Also checked by
- NABH, CGHS/ECHS, PM-JAY and insurers
Getting the NOC
Fire NOCs are issued by the state fire and emergency services. The requirements depend on your building's height, built-up area and occupancy, and are based on the National Building Code of India, Part 4 — Fire and Life Safety, as adopted in your state. Typically the fire service reviews drawings, inspects installed systems and issues a NOC or fire safety certificate, renewed as the state's rules require.
What a hospital-grade fire set-up includes
- Fire extinguishers of the right type near electrical panels, kitchens, OTs, ICUs and medical gas areas
- Automatic detection and alarm, and sprinklers where the building requires them
- Hose reels, wet risers or hydrants with adequate water storage and pumps
- Protected, signed and unobstructed escape routes, emergency lighting and horizontal evacuation plans for patients who cannot walk
- Electrical safety — load audits, earthing, no overloaded extension boards in ICUs
- Medical gas safety — oxygen manifold location, cylinder storage, leak checks
What NABH looks for beyond the certificate
NABH assessors ask staff what they would do in a fire, check that mock drills happen with records and corrective actions, verify extinguisher maintenance, and look at how bedridden ICU patients would be evacuated. NABH issued a fire safety advisory to healthcare organisations in January 2026, so expect close scrutiny. We run drills, train staff and fix gaps before an assessment, alongside the NOC itself.
Frequently asked questions
Do small clinics need a fire NOC?
It depends on the state's fire rules and the building's height, area and occupancy. Hospitals and nursing homes almost always need one; small single-floor clinics may be exempt from the NOC but still need basic fire safety measures. NABH and empanelment inspectors check fire safety for every facility.
What fire safety equipment does a hospital need?
Requirements depend on building height, area and state rules, but commonly include fire extinguishers of the right types, detection and alarm systems, hose reels or hydrants, sprinklers for larger buildings, emergency lighting, signage and protected escape routes — plus trained staff and regular drills.
Official sources
Fees and rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Get a free gap assessment for your facility
Tell us your facility type, bed or chair count and city. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma will tell you which NABH programme fits, what it will cost and how long it will realistically take — before you commit to anything.
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