Fire Licence: The Essentials
A fire licence is an annual permit issued by FSCD (Fire Service and Civil Defence) confirming that a building has minimum fire safety provisions. Every commercial, industrial, and high-rise residential building in Bangladesh requires a fire licence.
Who Needs a Fire Licence?
- All commercial buildings (offices, shops, markets, hotels, restaurants)
- All industrial buildings (factories, warehouses, workshops)
- High-rise residential buildings (typically 6+ stories)
- Educational institutions, hospitals, entertainment venues
- Any building storing hazardous materials
Application Process
1
Obtain Application Form
From nearest FSCD station or district office
↓
2
Complete Form
Building details, floors, occupancy, fire equipment list
↓
3
Attach Documents
Trade licence, building plan, floor plans with exits, equipment locations
↓
4
Submit and Pay Fee
Submit to FSCD district office with fee receipt
↓
5
FSCD Site Inspection
Inspector checks fire safety provisions against checklist
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6
Pass or Rectify
Pass: proceed to licence. Fail: rectify deficiencies and re-inspect
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7
Fire Licence Issued
Valid for 1 year; annual renewal required
| Step | Activity | Detail | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain application form | From nearest FSCD station or district office | Day 1 |
| 2 | Complete form with building details | Address, building type, number of floors, occupancy, fire safety equipment list | Day 1-3 |
| 3 | Attach documents | Trade licence copy, building plan (if available), floor plans showing exits, list of fire safety equipment with locations | Day 1-3 |
| 4 | Submit application + pay fee | Submit to FSCD district office with fee receipt | Day 3-5 |
| 5 | FSCD schedules inspection | Inspector assigned — inspection scheduled | 1-4 weeks |
| 6 | Site inspection by FSCD | Inspector checks fire safety provisions against checklist | 2-4 hours on-site |
| 7 | Inspection report | Pass: proceed to licence. Fail: deficiency list issued with rectification timeline | 1-2 weeks |
| 8 | Rectification (if needed) | Fix deficiencies and request re-inspection | 2-8 weeks |
| 9 | Fire licence issuance | Licence issued — valid for 1 year | 1-2 weeks |
Fee Structure
| Building Category | Approximate Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Small commercial (single floor, <200m²) | 500-1,000 |
| Medium commercial (multi-floor, 200-1000m²) | 1,000-3,000 |
| Large commercial / high-rise | 3,000-5,000 |
| Industrial / factory | 2,000-10,000 (varies by size and hazard) |
| Hazardous materials storage | 5,000-15,000 |
FSCD Inspection Checklist
| Item | Minimum Requirement | Pass Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Fire extinguishers | Correct type and quantity per floor area | In date, accessible, correct type for hazard |
| Exit stairs | Minimum 2 for commercial, ≥1100mm width | Unobstructed, doors open outward, no storage |
| Exit signs | Illuminated at all exits | Working, correctly positioned |
| Emergency lighting | Battery-backed in exit routes | Functional with battery backup tested |
| Fire alarm | Required for high-rise and large commercial | Functional system with zone indication |
| Fire hose reel | Required per floor in large buildings | Connected, pressurised, accessible |
| Sprinkler system | Required for certain building types/heights | Functional, tested, maintained |
| Fire pump | Required where sprinkler/standpipe installed | Operational, tested, backup power |
| Fire access | Clear access for fire vehicles | No obstructions, adequate turning radius |
| Electrical safety | No exposed wiring, proper isolation | Wiring in conduit, MCB/RCD protection |
| Gas safety | Proper connections, ventilation | No leaks, approved fittings, ventilated kitchen |
| Evacuation plan | Posted on each floor | Visible, current, shows routes and assembly point |
Annual Renewal
- When: Before expiry date (apply 2-3 months in advance)
- Process: Renewal application + fee + re-inspection
- Documents: Previous fire licence, updated equipment list, maintenance records
- Important: Renewal inspection may identify new deficiencies — even if previous year passed
Consequences of No Fire Licence
- Fine: BDT 50,000-5,00,000 under Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003
- Closure: FSCD can recommend closure of building operations
- Liability: In any fire incident, absence of fire licence significantly increases criminal and civil liability for building owner
- Insurance: Insurance claims may be challenged or denied for buildings without fire licence
- Tenant risk: MNC tenants may terminate lease if fire licence is not maintained
Practical Tips
- Start early: Apply 3 months before needed — the inspection and any rectification takes time.
- Prepare before inspection: Walk through the FSCD checklist yourself before the inspector arrives. Fix obvious issues proactively.
- Maintain records: Keep fire extinguisher service records, fire alarm test logs, and fire drill records. Inspectors look for these.
- Display the licence: Fire licence should be displayed prominently in the building lobby or reception.
- Fire drill evidence: Conduct and document fire drills at least twice per year. This demonstrates safety culture beyond minimum compliance.
References
- FSCD — Fire Service and Civil Defence
- Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003
- Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Rules 2014
- BNBC 2020 — Part 4: Fire Protection
- NFPA — Fire Protection Standards (referenced by BNBC)
Insights & Guidance
- Fire licence is mandatory for every commercial and industrial building — renewed annually.
- Process: application → FSCD inspection → pass/rectify → licence issued. Total 1-3 months.
- FSCD checks: extinguishers, exits, exit signs, emergency lighting, fire alarm, sprinklers, fire pump, electrical safety, gas safety, evacuation plan.
- No fire licence = fine up to BDT 5,00,000, potential closure, severe liability in fire incident, insurance claim risk.
- Apply 3 months before needed. Walk through the checklist yourself before the inspector arrives.
The fire licence is the most operationally important safety permit for any building. It is renewed annually, requires physical inspection, and its absence creates immediate legal and liability exposure. In a fire incident, the first question asked is whether the fire licence was current.
- Expired licence — treated same as no licence in an incident.
- Inspection failure — deficiencies require investment and time to rectify before licence is issued.
- Paper compliance only — fire safety equipment installed for inspection but not maintained.
- Current fire licence (displayed in building)
- FSCD inspection report
- Fire extinguisher service records
- Fire alarm test log
- Fire drill records (2x/year minimum)
- Is the fire licence displayed and current?
- Walk the fire exits — unlocked, clear, lit?
- Check extinguisher tags — serviced within last 12 months?
- Is the fire licence current? When does it expire?
- When was the last fire drill?
- Who is responsible for fire safety maintenance?
- Fire system installation — fire protection contractor for alarm, sprinkler, or suppression system.
- FSCD liaison — local consultant familiar with FSCD inspection process and requirements.