LUCKNOW, June 23 -- As investigators begin piecing together the circumstances behind the deadly fire in Aliganj, a familiar pattern has resurfaced in the state capital. Sirens wail, crowds gather and firefighters battle towering flames. Then come the inquiries, safety drives and official assurances. But as memories of each tragedy fade, so too does the urgency for reform. From Charbagh to Hazratganj and Gomti Nagar, major fire incidents have repeatedly exposed safety lapses. Yet years after a series of fatal blazes laid bare serious violations, Lucknow continues to confront the same questions over fire safety and accountability. After almost every major fire incident, authorities order high-level probes, launch special drives to identify buildings lacking mandatory fire safety clearances and promise strict action. However, critics say many recommendations made by inquiry panels remain unimplemented, while accountability rarely extends beyond lower-level officials. The June 19, 2018 fire at Hotels Virat and SSJ International in Charbagh, which claimed six lives, remains one of the most cited examples. A high-level committee, which included the then ADG, Lucknow Zone, submitted its report to the state government. However, no major action has reportedly been taken against those responsible. "Fire incidents have been taking place at regular intervals in the state capital as no senior authority was held accountable in even a single incident. Only junior officials, especially that of the LDA, have faced action," said a former judge of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court took suo motu cognisance of the September 5, 2022 fire at Hotel Levana Suites, in which four people died and 11 others suffered burns. During the proceedings, Suraksha Sharma, whose husband died in the 2018 Hotel SSJ International fire, sought the court's intervention. In her application, she alleged that repeated fire incidents in Lucknow stemmed from failures in enforcing fire safety norms and statutory provisions. The court appointed advocate Neerav Chitravanshi as amicus curiae and directed the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the fire department to survey hospitals, schools and commercial establishments and submit reports on their fire safety status. State Congress president Ajay Rai said on Monday that reports prepared after previous fire incidents were gathering dust. "Earlier, a hotel caught fire and action was taken, but what was the outcome? " Recent fire safety audits conducted by the LDA and fire department in June 2026 uncovered widespread violations across commercial buildings in Lucknow. A joint task force inspected over 29 high-footfall establishments. The fire department subsequently issued 45-day notices to 20 hotels and restaurants, directing them to rectify deficiencies or face cancellation of fire clearances and possible sealing....