Odisha fire service rolls out ‘Agni Saathi’ virtual guide

The Odisha Fire and Emergency Services (OFES) has recently launched a groundbreaking virtual assistant named Agni Saathi, aimed at enhancing fire safety awareness and compliance among citizens. This artificial intelligence-driven tool is designed to provide immediate assistance to residents, entrepreneurs, and property managers regarding fire safety regulations and emergency protocols across the state of Odisha.

The launch event, held on August 26, 2026, featured Sudhanshu Sarangi, the Director General of OFES, who emphasized the importance of making fire safety governance accessible to the public. Agni Saathi operates as a 24/7 digital companion that can be accessed via any mobile device, ensuring that users can receive support at any time. The platform is particularly notable for its bilingual interface, which is available in both Odia and English, making it user-friendly for a diverse population.

Features of Agni Saathi

Agni Saathi is designed to simplify the complex processes associated with fire safety compliance. Users can easily navigate through various services, such as securing fire safety recommendations (Form II) required before construction, obtaining post-construction safety clearances, and renewing mandatory certificates under Form VI. The platform also facilitates administrative requests, including the requisition of fire tenders and personnel for large public events, guidance on appointing certified Fire Safety Supervisors, and updates on the revised fire safety regulations set to take effect in 2025.

Beyond merely serving as a compliance tool, Agni Saathi is also a valuable educational resource. It provides step-by-step instructions for managing emergencies that may occur in homes or workplaces, such as LPG leaks, kitchen fires, and electrical mishaps. Additionally, it offers direct links to official helpline numbers, ensuring that users have immediate access to assistance when needed.

Sarangi stated, "With Agni Saathi, we are harnessing AI to place fire service governance directly in the hands of people. Compliance should be effortless, transparent, and accessible without physical visits to offices." This sentiment underscores the platform's goal of reducing barriers to compliance and making fire safety information readily available to all.

Inspector General of Police for OFES, Uma Shankar Dash, also advocated for the adoption of this innovative platform by citizens, institutions, and businesses, highlighting the convenience and accessibility it provides. The website for Agni Saathi, agnisathi.odisha.gov.in, serves as the central hub for all services related to fire safety in the state.

Why it matters

The introduction of Agni Saathi represents a significant advancement in the intersection of technology and public safety. For creators and technologists, this initiative showcases the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery in critical areas such as fire safety. By utilizing AI, the Odisha fire service is not only improving compliance rates but also fostering a culture of safety awareness among the public.

Moreover, the bilingual feature of Agni Saathi highlights the importance of inclusivity in technology. By providing services in both Odia and English, the platform ensures that language barriers do not hinder access to vital safety information. This approach can serve as a model for other regions looking to implement similar technologies in public service sectors.

For technologists, the development of Agni Saathi emphasizes the need for user-friendly interfaces and accessible design in digital tools. As more services move online, ensuring that platforms are intuitive and cater to a diverse audience will be crucial for their success. The emphasis on real-time support and educational resources also illustrates a growing trend towards proactive safety measures, rather than reactive responses to emergencies.

In conclusion, Agni Saathi is a pioneering step towards integrating technology into public safety initiatives. By providing a comprehensive, accessible platform for fire safety compliance and education, the Odisha fire service is setting a precedent that other states may follow. The implications for creators and technologists are clear: there is a significant opportunity to leverage AI and digital tools to enhance public safety and improve community engagement in critical issues like fire prevention and emergency response.