Goa Fire: Birch by Romeo Lane Lacked Safety Infrastructure, 25 Killed, Report Finds

• Goa government is auditing pubs, clubs, and restaurants, finding irregularities in establishments like Goya, which was shut for being on agricultural land.
• North Goa District Magistrate has banned indoor fireworks, pyrotechnics, and similar fire equipment in all tourist establishments and event venues.
• A technical report on Birch by Romeo Lane, where 25 people died in a fire, found a complete absence of fundamental fire safety infrastructure.
• The report highlighted inadequate ventilation and obstructed egress in Birch's basement, which trapped victims and led to rapid deterioration of conditions.
• The fire at Birch rapidly spread due to highly combustible interior finishes, high fuel load, flammable furnishings, and potential ignition sources including cold pyros and external fireworks.

Why It Matters: Deadly fire safety lapses in Goa's clubs led to new bans and audits.