Recurring electrical mishaps during summer

Just as diarrheal diseases peak during the monsoon, fire outbreaks become a frequent hazard in summer. While water-borne diseases are biological, the spread of summer fires is often man-made, stemming from old buildings with unsafe wiring, electrical safety violations, and the improper storage of flammable materials. Additionally, temporary electrical setups for temple festivals and public events frequently bypass safety protocols, increasing risk. In the intense summer heat, even materials typically considered flame-resistant reach a volatile state—meaning a single spark is often all it takes to trigger a major blaze.

Just this past week in the capital, two major business establishments in Pettah and Sasthamangalam were gutted by fire within a span of 48 hours. While the Pettah fire occurred in a dilapidated structure, the blaze in Sasthamangalam broke out on the third floor of a modern multi-story building. The culprits were familiar: a short circuit in one instance and a malfunctioning inverter in the other. Though no lives were lost, the property damage was significant. In dense urban corridors where large textile showrooms operate in close proximity, even a minor spark poses a catastrophic risk. While authorities repeatedly promise to tighten audits and enforce safety mandates, these vows often vanish as soon as the summer heat subsides. This cycle of seasonal concern followed by systemic amnesia remains our greatest danger.

We are currently in the peak of Kerala’s temple festival season, where elaborate electrical illuminations are the primary attraction. However, those who drape decorative lamps over public walls and trees often prioritise aesthetics over safety, ignoring the latent dangers. Under the assumption that these setups are only temporary, the KSEB, fire safety officials, and local authorities often relax their oversight. This year, with election campaigns in full swing, the proliferation of illegal electrical taps and haphazard decorations has only intensified. As the saying goes, the danger begins the moment we forget the true meaning of 'playing with fire'—or in this case, live current. Vigilance is meaningless if it only arrives as an afterthought once a tragedy has already occurred.

The immediate priority must be a comprehensive safety audit of institutions housed in ageing buildings to verify the integrity of their electrical wiring. Preventing a blaze is far more critical than merely collecting fines after a violation has occurred. Furthermore, strict inspections should not be limited to temple premises during festivals; they must extend to the entire surrounding area where decorative lighting is installed to eliminate the risk of fire or electrocution. It is equally vital that public safety announcements are made periodically to keep the crowds informed and alert. Regarding election campaigns, the practice of tapping into unauthorised power lines for illuminated flex boards must be strictly prohibited. In the realm of electrical safety, proactive precaution and constant vigilance remain our most effective defences against disaster.