T.N. Fire Service Dept. issues NOCs for over 10,000 firecracker shops

Tamilnadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) Department has issued no-objection certificate (NOC) for setting up 10,244 temporary firecracker shops for Deepavali across the State this time.

The applicants will have to approach competent authority such as District Revenue Officer in the concerned district and the Commissioner of Police in cities for obtaining a licence based on NOC.

A senior officer of TNFRS said 11,998 applications were received so far for setting up temporary fire cracker shops. “We have duly processed and issued NOCs to 10244, 914 applications are pending and 940 were rejected as on Monday,” the officer said.

In the northern region where Chennai city falls, so far 1141 applications were received this time and from them, 849 were given NOC and 237 applications are pending. The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) has clarified that an NOC alone does not authorise an applicant to operate a fireworks shop. The applicant must obtain a separate licence from the police before commencing business.

The safety guidelines stipulate that fireworks must be stored in sheds constructed of non-combustible materials and kept securely locked to prevent access by unauthorised persons. Two fireworks storage or sales sheds must be separated by at least three metres, while each shed must be located at least 50 metres away from any protected structure. The sheds must not be positioned facing each other.

The use of oil lamps, gas lamps or any other naked flame is strictly prohibited inside the sheds and within the prescribed safety zone. Electrical lights, if installed, must be securely fixed to walls or ceilings and must not be suspended using flexible wires. Switches in individual shops must be firmly mounted on walls, with a master switch provided for every row of sheds.

Fireworks must not be stored or sold from wedding halls, commercial complexes or apartment buildings. The NOC will automatically stand cancelled if Chinese-made imported crackers or fireworks are found stocked or sold at the premises. The licence holder will also face appropriate legal action.