Principal Secretary of department of fire services P S Katiresan is heading the probe into the fire. Nearly one year ago, he had written to the PWD requesting it to remove the cluster of small chambers in front of his office. The chambers made the passage extremely narrow and it was feared that in case of a fire no fireman would be able to enter the area for rescue operations. One year has lapsed but the chambers are still there.

“My life and the lives of my colleagues are at stake. The narrow passage leading to my room will block all the emergency movement. In case of a fire I will be burnt to death,” Katiresan told The Sunday Express.

He added that the PWD had not taken any step on his application and if it did not take any action this time we would approach higher authorities. A huge bunch of wires are also hanging on the wall outside the secretary’s office and carry immense threat, he said.

Nearly two years ago, the fire department had got a survey of the Writers’ Buildings done and sent a detailed note to the PWD on fire safety measures that recquired to be taken at the premises. The file is still gathering dust at the PWD, the fire department officials alleged.