Inferno at the market

It is vital that fire safety measures are followed in public buildings to prevent major hazards

Fires breaking out in commercial areas and plazas seem to be becoming an increasingly regular part of our lives, especially in congested urban spaces. We have seen fires burn buildings down to the ground in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities. This time, on September 11, fire struck in the Green Town area of Model Town in Lahore where 58 shops were gutted as a fire rampaged through the locality. It is reported that the fire may have started as a result of an electrical short circuit. It took dozens of fire tenders from rescue services to bring the blaze under control. Shopkeepers have been complaining about the enormous losses they have suffered. In the past, electrical short circuits, the careless disposal of cigarette butts and similar factors have all resulted in grave tragedy.

But it is possible to avoid such occurrences. The reasons behind why fires cause so much damage include the lack of fire-fighting equipment installed in commercial establishments, the poor training imparted in how to use such equipment, the design of the buildings themselves, and the lack of functional fire exits even in government offices. It is fortunate that in this case, loss of life was avoided. In the past, however, we have not been so fortunate and it is possible that misfortune could strike again in the future. In fact, it is likely to do so unless we alter the factors which lead to failure to enforce even existing laws on building safety. It is especially vital that fire safety measures be followed in public buildings and awareness raised about the need to implement steps which can prevent major hazards, including the installation of smoke alarms. An additional factor are the often under-funded and poorly equipped fire departments of the country, with the one in Karachi especially lacking in the essentials that should be part of every fire-fighting unit. Our urban areas are rapidly expanding and are witnessing increased commercialisation. It is important that our infrastructure, buildings and fire-fighting capabilities keep up with these rapid developments.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14^th,  2015.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.