1st December, 2025] ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 1

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THE ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE
PART IV-B EXTRAORDINARY
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No.9] AMARAVATI, MONDAY, 1st DECEMBER, 2025.

ANDHRA PRADESH ACTS, ORDINANCES AND

REGULATIONS Etc.,

The following is the authoritative text in English Language of the

Ordinance promulgated by the Governor on the 28th November, 2025 is
being published under Article 348(3) of the Constitution of India for
general information:-

ANDHRA PRADESH ORDINANCE No. 9 OF 2025.

Promulgated by the Governor in the Seventy-sixth year of the Republic

of India.

AN ORDINANCE FURTHER TO AMEND THE ANDHRA PRADESH FIRE

SERVICE ACT, 1999.

Whereas, the existing Andhra Pradesh Fire Service Act, 1999 has
been in force for over 26 years. Over this period, significant changes have
taken place in the roles, responsibilities, and legitimate duties of fire service
officials, both operationally and administratively. Furthermore, due to rapid
urbanisation and the adoption of modern technologies, an amendment to
the Act has become essential;

And whereas, currently, the Act does not provide a provision for the
issuance of fire safety certificates. As per the MODEL BILL TO PROVIDE
FOR MAINTENANCE OF A FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICE-2019 FOR
THE STATE’” of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India fire safety certificates

[Link]. 4/119 [1]

2 ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY [PART - IV-B

are issued across the country in place of No Objection Certificates (NOC)

or licenses. To bring uniformity and alignment with national standards, the
term “fire safety certificate” is now proposed to replace the existing
terminology i.e., No Objection Certificates (NOC) or licenses;

And whereas, the existing Act was based on the MODEL BILL TO
PROVIDE FOR MAINTENANCE OF A FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICE-
1958 FOR THE STATE’” of MHA, Govt. of India, issued by the Government
of India. However, the Government of India has since issued a revised
MODEL BILL TO PROVIDE FOR MAINTENANCE OF A FIRE &
EMERGENCY SERVICE-2019 FOR THE STATE’” of Ministry of Home
Affairs, Government of India, which recommends that states adopt legislation
in line with the new model, adjusted to their specific needs and
circumstances. The Government of India has been actively following up
with States regarding the status of adoption, with the aim of promoting
reforms and providing assistance to States for implementation;

And whereas, the Andhra Pradesh continues to be recognized as

one of India’s top-performing States in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
Currently, a new initiative Speed of Doing Business (SoDB) is being
promoted as part of ongoing reforms. To align with this, the proposed
amendment to the Act seeks to streamline processes, ensure timely service
delivery, and reduce ambiguity through user-friendly provisions;

And whereas, the penalties prescribed under the existing Act are
outdated and nominal, remaining unchanged for over 25 years. Such
leniency may lead to non-compliance and undermine public safety.
Considering inflation and rising costs, there is a need to enhance penalties
in line with the MODEL BILL TO PROVIDE FOR MAINTENANCE OF A
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICE-2019 FOR THE STATE’” of MHA, Govt.
of India to act as a deterrent and ensure stricter compliance;

And whereas, the definition of high-rise buildings varies between the

National Building Code (NBC) and local laws, leading to confusion between
departments. To eliminate this inconsistency, the definition provided in the
local municipal law will be adopted. Additionally, with rising land costs,
urban development is moving from horizontal to vertical structures. As such,
there is a need to redefine high-rise buildings and update associated safety
mechanisms to meet the demands of rapid urbanization and industrialization;
1st December, 2025] ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 3

And whereas, with the construction of high-rise and super high-rise

buildings in the capital city of Amaravati, modern and advanced firefighting
technologies must be implemented to ensure structural safety. The current
Act focuses on conventional firefighting methods, and an upgrade is
necessary to accommodate evolving technologies. Furthermore, the
National Building Code (NBC) 2005 has been revised to National Building
Code (NBC) 2016, and National Building Code (NBC) 2025 is currently
under development to address contemporary challenges in fire prevention
and firefighting. Since building and fire safety standards evolve
approximately every ten years, it is necessary to update the Act after 26
years to adopt these advanced measures;

And whereas, to ensure safety at all times and protect lives and
property, the appointment of a Fire Safety Supervisor is proposed, in
accordance with the Model Fire Force Bill. This role will ensure both
maintenance and quality control of fire safety installations, thereby reducing
potential losses of life and property;

In view of the above, it is essential to amend the Andhra Pradesh Fire

Service Act, 1999 to address the current conditions and evolving
requirements of the State.

And whereas, the Legislature of the State is not now in session and
the Governor of Andhra Pradesh is satisfied that the circumstances exist
which render it necessary for him to take immediate action;

Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by clause (1) of

Article 213 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh is
pleased to promulgate the following Ordinance:-

1. (1) This Ordinance may be called the Andhra Pradesh Fire Service Short title and
commencement.
(Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. In the Andhra Pradesh Fire Service Act, 1999 (herein after referred Amendment of
section 2.
to as the Principal Act), in section 2,-
Act No. 15 of
1999.
(i) for clause (a), the following shall be substituted,
namely,-
4 ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY [PART - IV-B

“(a) “Building” shall have the same meaning assigned to it

in “the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017” as
amended from time to time.”.

(ii) after clause (b), the following shall be inserted, namely,-

“(b-1) “Building Fire Safety Supervisor” means the person

appointed under section 21-A of Chapter III by the owner or
occupier of certain premises and buildings as specified in this
behalf to ensure fire prevention and fire safety measures installed
in such premises and buildings;

(b-2): “Bye laws” means Fire Safety Regulations or Norms or

Guidelines made under National Building Code of India, the
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017, Oil Industry Safety
Central Act No. 30 of 1934. Directorate Guidelines, the Petroleum Act, 1934 and Rules, the
Central Act No. 4 of 1884. Explosive Act, 1884 and Rules and International Standards
relating to fire prevention, or any relevant guidelines issued by
the State Government or local Authority as amended from time
to time.”.

(iii) after clause (c), the following shall be inserted, namely,-

“(c-1): “Director of Fire Services” means an officer appointed

to assist the Director General in technical, administrative and
other departmental matters relating to the functioning and
implementation of fire services.”.

(iv) after clause (d), the following shall be inserted, namely,-

“(d-1) “Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures” means such

measures as are necessary in accordance with the National
Building Code of India for the containment, control, and
extinguishing of fire and for ensuring the safety of life and
property in case of fire and as may be prescribed in the Rules
made in this behalf.”.

(v) for clause (h), the following shall be substituted, namely,-

“(h) “High-rise building” means a building as defined in the

Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017 as amended from time to
time subject to the compliance of Fire Prevention and Life Safety
Measures.”.
1st December, 2025] ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 5

(vi) after clause (o), the following clause shall be inserted, namely,-

“(o-1) “Qualified agency” means a person or an association of

persons having technical specialization in the field of Fire/Civil/
Mechanical Engineering/Technology, Industrial Safety, Disaster
Management or Chemical Science from a recognized university
and having sufficient domain knowledge and accomplishments
in the field of Fire Safety.”.

3. In the Principal Act, after the section 3, the following shall be added, Insertion of new
section 3-A.
namely,-

“3-A. In order to assist in any disaster, other than resulting due to

fire, all Fire Services shall be considered as Emergency Services.

Provided that, in case where the emergency service is not related

only to fire, the decisions and directions of the authority in charge of
the Member of Service shall prevail.”.

4. In the Principal Act, after section 5, the following shall be added, Insertion of new
section 5-A.
namely,-

“5-A. Powers, Duties and Functions of the Director General of State

Disaster Response and Fire Services : -

(a) The Director General of State Disaster Response and Fire

Services Department shall be subject to the superintendence
and control of the State Government, direct and regulate all
matters of Fire safety and Fire Prevention, Disaster Response,
Firefighting & Rescue equipment, Machinery and appliances,
training, observation of persons, events of mutual relations,
distribution of duties, study of laws, orders and modes of
proceedings and all matters of executive detail or the fulfillment
of duties and maintenance of discipline of members of service
and employees of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response
and Fire Services Department under him.

(b) Without prejudice to the provisions of cluese (a) the Director

General of State Disaster Response and Fire Services
Department shall function as Head of the Department and shall,-
6 ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY [PART - IV-B

(i) frame the policies in relation to the development of State

Disaster Response and Fire Services and Fire Preventive
and Life Safety Measures and, on approval by the State
Government, take steps to implement the same.

(ii) prepare and submit plans and proposals to the State

Government with regard to the periodical review of fire
and rescue equipment, fire property and fire and rescue
manpower for effective functioning of Fire Services.

Substitution of 5. In the Principal Act, for section 13, the following shall be substituted,
section 13.
namely,-

“13. (1) Issue of Provisional Fire No Objection Certificate:-

Any person or entity proposing to construct a building mentioned

below (as classified in National Building Code of India) shall apply
for a Provisional Fire No Objection Certificate along with such fee as
may be prescribed:

(a) All High rise Buildings as defined under clause (h) of section
2;

(b) All Educational, Institutional, Assembly, Industrial &

Hazardous buildings;

(c) Special buildings of Business, Mercantile, Storage,

Residential other than Apartment Buildings and Mixed
occupancies having floor built up area more than 500 m 2
on any one or more floors;

(d) Buildings, having area more than 300 m2 of incidental

assembly occupancy on any floor;

(e) Buildings of all occupancies with two basements or more,

or with one basement of area more than 500 m 2;

(f) Special requests made by the Owner/ Occupier/Govt.

agencies of the Occupancies other than the above clauses
(a) to (e).

(2) The Director General or any member of the service duly

authorized by Government in this behalf, shall within Twenty
1st December, 2025] ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 7

One (21) days of receipt of such application, scrutiny by the

members of service about prescribed Fire Prevention and Life
Safety measures as stipulated in the National Building Code of
India, as amended from time to time or relevant National/
International Code of Practices, and ensuring heights & setbacks
as per A.P. Building Rules as amended from time to time shall
issue a Provisional Fire No Objection Certificate with such
conditions as may be considered necessary and if any shortfall,
return the same for reasons to be recorded in writing.

(3) Issue of Fire Safety Certificate: After completion of construction

and ensuing of Fire safety installations in compliance with the
Provisional Fire No Objection Certificate issued under the
provisions of sub-section(1), the builder/occupier shall apply
for Fire Safety Certificate along with such fee as may be
prescribed from the Director General or any member of the
service duly authorized by Government on this behalf, shall within
Thirty (30) days of receipt of such application, scrutiny,
inspection by the member of service and issue Fire Safety
Certificate.

(4) Issue of Renewal of Fire Safety Certificate: - The Fire Safety

Certificate issued under sub-section (3) shall be renewed
periodically as notified by the government along with such fee
as may be prescribed from time to time.

(5) The authority or officer competent to approve the building

permission before construction and building occupancy
certificate after construction under the relevant law for the time
being in force, shall not accord such approval except on
production of a Provisional Fire No Objection Certificate issued
under sub-section (2) and Fire Safety Certificate issued under
sub-section (3) respectively wherever required.

(6) The Government may by notification, prescribe appropriate Fire

Prevention and Life Safety measures for the buildings or part
thereof, the construction of which was completed on or before
the date on which this Act comes into force or which was under
construction on such date.
8 ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY [PART - IV-B

(7) Any person violating the conditions of Provisional Fire No

Objection Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate shall be liable
to be proceeded against under the provisions of this Act.

Omission of sections 6. In the Principal Act, sections 16, 17 and 18, shall be omitted.
16, 17 & 18.

Substitution of 7. In the Principal Act, for section 19, the following shall be
section 19.
substituted, namely,-

“19.(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of National Building

Codes of India, Building Bye-laws, any other law or Bye-Law, the
owner or the occupier, who are either individually or jointly
responsible, of a building as classified by regulations or part thereof,
shall provide fire prevention and life safety measures therein:

Provided that the owner or the occupier, as the case

may be, shall,-

(i) provide minimum fire-fighting and life safety installations

as provided in section 2 (b2).

(ii) maintain the fire prevention and life safety measures in

operational condition at all times, in accordance with
section 2 (b2).

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time

being in force, no authority empowered to issue the building
occupancy certificate, shall issue the same, unless it is
satisfied that the owner or the occupier, either individually
or jointly, has complied with the provision as given in
sub-section (1).

(3) No person other than the Qualified agencies, as specified in

the rule made under this Act, shall carry out the work of
providing fire prevention and life safety measures or
performing such other related fire protection activities required
to be carried out in any place or building or part thereof. In
case the certificate submitted by a qualified agency is found to
be false / incorrect, the Director General of State Disaster
Response and Fire Services or the officer authorized by him,
shall take action to cancel their Certificate and initiate criminal
prosecution against the concerned as per law in force.
1st December, 2025] ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 9

8. In the Principal Act, after section 21, the following section shall be Insertion of new
section 21-A.
added, namely,-

“21-A. Appointment & Functions of Building Fire Safety Supervisor:

To ensure effective fire prevention and life safety measures for

buildings or premises and maintenance of Fire Prevention and
Life safety measures in the buildings or premises as may be
specified by an order by the Government in this behalf, every
owner and occupier or occupiers individually or jointly shall appoint
a Building Fire Safety Supervisor, having such qualifications as
may be prescribed by the Government from time to time.”.

9. In the Principal Act, for section 26, the following shall be substituted, Amendment of
section 26.
namely,-

“26. Penalty for violation of duty etc.,: Notwithstanding any action

which may be taken under the provisions of this Act, any member
of service who -

(1) is found to be guilty of any violation of duty or willful breach

of any provision of this Act or any rule or order made there
under; or

(2) is found to be guilty of cowardice; or

(3) withdraws or abstains from the duties of his office without

permission or without having given previous notice for fifteen
days or more; or

(4) being absent on leave fails without reasonable cause to report

himself for duty on expiration of such leave; or

(5) accepts any other employment or office or engages himself

in business in contravention of the provision of the Andhra
Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 shall be
punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three (3)
months or with fine which may extend to an amount not
exceeding three (3) months pay of such member, or with
both.”.

10. In the Principal Act, in section 27, for the words “five hundred” the Amendment of
section 27.
words “ten thousand” shall be substituted.
10 ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY [PART - IV-B

Amendment of 11. In the Principal Act, in section 28, for the words “five hundred” the
section 28.
words “ten thousand” shall be substituted.

Amendment of 12. In the Principal Act, in section 29, for the words “five hundred” the
section 29.
words “ten thousand” shall be substituted.

Amendment of 13. In the Principal Act, in section 31, in the proviso, for the words
section 31.
“one hundred rupees per day” the words “one thousand rupees
per day” shall be substituted.

Insertion of new 14. In the Principal Act, after section 37, the following shall be inserted,
section 37-A.
namely,-

“37-A: Declaration of State Disaster Response and Fire Services

as Technical Service:

Without prejudice to the provisions of any other law on the subject

for the time being in force, the State Government may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, declare the State Disaster Response and
Fire Services as Technical Services.”.

15. In the Principal Act, wherever the words “license/licence” occurs,

the words “Fire Safety Certificate” shall be substituted.

S. ABDUL NAZEER,
Governor of Andhra Pradesh.

GOTTAPU PRATIBHA DEVI,

Secretary to Government,
Legal and Legislative Affairs & Justice,
Law Department.
1st December, 2025] ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 11
Registered No. HSE-49. [Price : Rs.1-00 Paise

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THE ANDHRA PRADESH GAZETTE
PART -IV-B EXTRAORDINARY
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 9] AMARAVATI, MONDAY, 1st DECEMBER, 2025.

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Printed by the Commissioner of Printing at A.P. Legislative Assembly Printing Press, Amaravati.