Fighting Flames
- connect2783
- Jan 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Alarms have gone off in cities like Shimla, Visakhapatnam, and Shillong, exposing how underprepared many urban centers are to incidences of fire. While a few have stepped up safety efforts, others struggle with outdated laws, missing fire tenders, and risky buildings.
As urban sprawl tightens its grip, can smaller cities ignite a culture of preparedness before the next spark turns into a blaze?
Incidences of fire have sparked the need for fire preparedness in smaller cities!
In April last year, a fire broke out at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla, where 250 people had to be evacuated from the OPD wing. Most buildings in Himachal lack fire-safety NOCs, as the rules for implementing the HP Fire Fighting Services Act 1984 remain unapproved. Similarly, it was found that Visakhapatnam’s 47-year-old fishing harbour lacked sufficient firefighting facilities and on-premises fire engines when a fire broke out in November.
A fire incident in a Delhi coaching centre prompted safety checks in Prayagraj’s numerous coaching institutes as a precautionary measure, revealing non-compliance with safety protocols.
Following the massive Police Bazaar fire incident in Shillong, a ₹44 crore proposal was put forward to enhance the state’s fire services. It also highlighted the need for small fire tender vehicles due to the city’s unplanned growth and narrow lanes.
Some cities have already established fire safety policies that have resulted in better outcomes. In September, a safety awareness drive was held in Nagrota’s NCC camping grounds. With around 28,000 fire awareness and training events like these held across J&K, a 31% reduction in fire incidents occurred in 2023.
During New Year’s, Kozhikode’s Fire and Rescue Services department had increased surveillance. Strict monitoring of public spaces and firecracker use ensured quick response and easier access for rescue units. Vadodara’s fire safety facility, FirePlex-Agnisankul, has been inaugurated as a comprehensive training space for industry professionals.
STEP 1: PREVENT | STEP 2: PREPARE | STEP 3: FIGHT | STEP 4: ESCAPE |
Check LPG Cylinders for Expiry/Leakage Change cylinder-stove pipe when damaged Avoid wearing loose clothes while cooking | Prepare a Home/Building Emergency Plan Familiarize yourself with escape routes, maintain clear exits & avoid blocking doors or corridors Keep a mini-extinguisher handy at home | Activate Fire-Alarm if it is present Utilize extinguishers if one knows how to use it Use a hose to dose water if it is available | 'Stop, Drop, & Roll' if clothes catch fire Keep a wet cloth on your nose & crawl close to the floor if there is too much smoke Assist others, including seniors & children, during evacuation Avoid using lifts during a fire; use only the staircase |
Source: Step ‘Apartment Fire Safety Guidelines’ for individuals by Beyond Carlton | Sandhya Bhat, Citizen Matters
With rapid urbanisation, strategic planning for fire safety becomes crucial for smaller cities as well. Meanwhile, citizens also play an important role as first responders in emergency situations. Staying informed, participating actively in fire drills, ensuring housing compliance with safety norms and reporting hazards can make communities safer.
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