Assessment of fire safety status of commercial buildings in Gorkha municipality city area, Nepal

Abstract

Fire is one of the recurring hazards in Nepal and can cause substantial loss of life, property, and economic resources, particularly in densely developed commercial areas. This study assessed the fire safety status of functional commercial buildings in the Gorkha Municipality city area, evaluated their compliance with the Nepal National Building Code (NBC) 107:1994, and identified measures for improving fire safety management. The study focused on commercial buildings above five storeys and larger than 1,000 sq. ft. and adopted a mixed quantitative and qualitative research approach. Primary data were collected through questionnaire surveys, interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions, while secondary information was obtained from relevant literature, codes, reports, and documents. Three commercial buildings – Hotel Gorkha Garden, NPI Hospital, and Hotel Gorkha Palace – were assessed as case studies against NBC 107:1994. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank major fire safety problems and mitigation measures. The findings indicate that fire safety in the studied commercial buildings is only partially implemented. Inadequate fire detection and firefighting facilities and LPG, kitchen, and other specific fire hazards were ranked as the most pressing problems, followed by unsafe electrical installations and high fire loads. Approximately more than half of the surveyed buildings lacked an adequate number of fire extinguishers, while deficiencies were also identified in electrical protection, evacuation routes, exit arrangements, signage, emergency communication, and fire-engine access. The case studies further demonstrated incomplete compliance with NBC 107:1994, particularly regarding outward-opening exit doors, door locks, sliding or overhead doors, and the availability of firefighting facilities. The study concludes that the identified weaknesses are systemic and require coordinated action at both building and municipal levels. Priority measures include improving fire detection and firefighting facilities, ensuring electrical safety, providing adequate emergency exits, strengthening evacuation preparedness and occupant awareness, improving signage and emergency lighting, conducting regular inspections and audits, and strengthening municipal monitoring and enforcement. The study recommends upgrading existing fire safety infrastructure, improving compliance with NBC 107:1994, strengthening institutional capacity, and updating fire safety provisions to support safer commercial buildings in Gorkha Municipality.