Fire safety a burning issue

A mock drilled carried out by the fire and emergency services department of the Municipal Corporation (MC) Chandigarh on Wednesday evening exposed low level of fire preparedness. While a clutter of cars parked randomly obstructed the rescue team’s passage in Sector 8, paid parking contractor’s makeshift kiosk at the entrance completely restricted the entry of fire tender, mounted with hydraulic ladder (to douse fire in the high-rise buildings).
It took officials and staff almost half an hour to relocate the booth.Then only the fire tender could enter the area. “We have noted all the anomalies, and soon it will be forwarded to the higher authorities,” said a fire safety officer, who was a part of the drill.
Also, Sector 26, a club and pub-hopping destination, is on the radar of fire department. Soon, a special drive will be carried out to see if all norms are followed. Since some clubs, lounges operate from the basement while a few have a covered backyard, the department is looking to explore what possible steps can be taken to have extra emergency exits.
According to the sources, the department is taking all precautionary measures and are in the process to identify the lacunae. “The things will pick up as festival season begins,” said an officer, adding, “More such mock drills are in the pipeline, particularly in the areas witnessing heavy rush.”
A senior official from the fire wing said that all the hurdles will be identified, and steps will be taken to remove anomalies. “The club and eatery areas will have a special stress as that’s where lot of people go.” Mayor of Chandigarh, Davesh Moudgil, who was updated on the matter has called a sub-committee meeting to discuss the issue. “We can not take a chance with it. On July 31, meeting is called and there all the fire related issues will be discussed. I have instructed the concerned to do away with all the shortcoming soon.” Moudgil added, “It’s a matter of concern. And anyone flouting the norms will be dealt with.”
Several commercial hubs including Shastri Market in Sector 22, Sadar Bazar area in Sector 19 are full of encroachments. Vendors occupying a fire zone/passage pose high risk. There’s no adequate space for the fire tender to enter. However, to deal with congested area fires, fire wing had purchased seven fire-fighting bikes, flagged off in January, narrow lanes, encroachments continue to pose a threat.
Fire department has gadgets including hydraulic platform cum turntable ladder, water bouser, DCP multipurpose tender, advance emergency rescue tender (operating without water), a recovery van, ambulances along with water mist-based machine, mist-based bank packs, thermal imaging cameras, hydraulic RCC cutters, inflatable emergency lighting systems etc.
According to MC joint commissioner, Tejdeep Singh Saini, “There are set guidelines on disaster management. While fire-extinguishing equipments are used as per the situation, accessibility to the area is must. We will get the things checked soon. Also, parking contractor has been given a contract to man only the lots. The kiosks will be checked and removed accordingly.”