To avoid fire accidents

The Chief Minister himself has directed that people should take precautions to avoid fires. This summer can bring many dangers as heat is going up due to climate change. The most important of these will be fire accidents. We can prevent most fire accidents by taking proper precautions. We must avoid careless dumping of dry materials that can catch fire.

People should also take extreme care in burning waste. Many vendors burn waste on the roadside at night. No one waits until it completely burns out. People should be more careful in such matters. Parking of vehicles near areas where waste materials are burnt can also lead to fire accidents. An aquarium near Akashvani in Thiruvananthapuram was completely gutted last week. A nearby house also caught fire. A massive fire also broke out in a multi-storied building under construction on the premises of Kottayam Medical College. Although an electric short circuit is often said to be the cause of the fire, fire can also occur due to other reasons. Many buildings and shops undergo welding work as part of expansion work. Necessary precautions should be taken before such work. Fire accidents may occur when inexperienced workers do such work without taking necessary precautions.

Officers should frequently conduct inspections at shops selling materials that can cause the spread of fire to ensure that all fire extinguishing systems are fully operational. The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services should not limit itself to one that extinguishes fire when a fire breaks out. It should also pay more attention to spreading awareness regarding fire safety warnings. There are a number of compounds covered with bushes and creepers in the middle of the city. During monsoon season, it poses little threat. However, grasses and other bushes that remain dry increase the risk of fire accidents during summer. Therefore, residents' associations or the revenue department should instruct the property owners to cut and clean the bushes. Fire mishaps can cause significant damage as such compounds are surrounded by houses. After fire prevention equipment is installed in flats, nobody appears to care about it.

Responsible departments and officials should be prepared to conduct strict inspections to prevent major fire accidents. Municipalities should also consider what steps can be taken to strengthen fire prevention measures by involving Kudumbashree workers, members of the Employment Guarantee Scheme etc. Many fire accidents can be avoided if both the government and the people are vigilant. There should be a collective effort based on the instruction and warning of the Chief Minister.