Uttar Pradesh govt. adopts revised Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022

To improve fire prevention and emergency services in Uttar Pradesh, the state government recently introduced the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022. This Act includes provisions to enhance the capabilities of the state's fire and emergency services and to standardize regulations across a wide range of existing acts. The Act aims to ensure that the state is better prepared to handle fires and other emergencies, and to protect the safety and well-being of the community.

The Model Fire Service Bill of 1958 and the amended Model Fire and Emergency Service Bill of 2019 were earlier circulated by the Union government for adoption by the state governments. The new act in the state has been formulated keeping in mind central rules.

With the adoption of the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, a proper balance will be established between the duties and responsibilities of the fire department for the effective performance of statutory/state duties, stated authorities. The laws relating to the fire department passed in the state so far are: 

• United Province Fire Service Act, 1944

• Uttar Pradesh Fire Service (Amendment Act), 1952

• Uttar Pradesh Fire Service (Gazettes Officers Service Rules), 1984

• Uttar Pradesh Fire Prevention & Fire Safety Act, 2005

• Uttar Pradesh Fire Prevention & Fire Safety Rules, 2005

• Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Sub-Ordinate Officers/Employees Services Rules, 2010 (as amended from time to time)

The revised act strives to bring about a change in the way fire is dealt with across the state. The goal is to make use of better and more efficient technologies, thereby saving more lives, and preventing fires.