In absence of formal policy on fire safety in Kashmir, people are bound to suffer disproportionately

A growing number of fire incidents in the Kashmir Valley has set the alarm bells ringing. The crowded housing conditions in urban areas has intensified the ever-present and constantly accelerating challenges of fire safety in Kashmir. With no formal policy for ensuring fire safety in the Valley and inflammable material all around, people are bound to suffer at one time or another. From building norms to safety standards applicable to residential properties, fire safety standards related to electrical and mechanical systems, and fire safety standards for commercial set-ups and offices – there’s a lot being ignored by the concerned authorities and people, at large, as well. The administration has had enough time to come up with alternatives and strong policy measures, yet there is no consolation felt by the people. 

While there is no deficiency of fire stations in the UT, there is an absence of a formal policy on the fire safety. With building/housing norms ignored conveniently because of the absence of strong legislation on the subject, there is little the Fire & Emergency Services, J&K, department can do. In fact, many important government and public service institutions are also ill-equipped to fight, prevent fires and and respond effectively to the blazes. On top of it, owing to scrambled power distribution networks, fires can start any time of the year, especially in winters when excessive load causes service lines to heat up. 

Figures on fire incidents in Kashmir valley

Statements released by Fire and Emergency Department reveal that from 1st January to 31st December 2021, 75 people died and 21 others were injured in different fire incidents across the Valley. About 1711 houses and 347 shops were also gutted. Over 127 electric transformers and 57 cars were damaged in different fire incidents. Firefighters, on the other hand, saved property worth Rs 1056 crore in 2021.

In 2019 and 2020, the Valley witnessed 1833 and 1900 fire incidents, respectively. But the number of incidents rose to 2058 in 2021 which is 7.6% higher than in 2020. Properties involved were worth Rs 1127 crore, of which about Rs 61 crore was damaged, and the rest salvaged. Out of all fire incidents in 2021, 614 occurred in Srinagar.

Although the Fire and Emergency Services Department is equipped with 230 water tenders including 10 bikes and 5 boats, still it gets difficult to control a fire, if fire brigade fails to reach the inferno on time. There are almost 2200 firefighters in Jammu and Kashmir who work in shifts. Some have to work a 24-hour shift once or twice a week.

Fire Safety Audit

In 2016, to assure fire safety standards, the National Building Code suggested a periodical fire safety inspection by the personnel residents of the buildings.

A list of fire safety rules for building owners had been made necessary by the government:

• Residents must conduct fire safety audits half-yearly and submit the report to the regulated fire department;
• A comprehensive fire safety audit shall address the fire safety hazards due to the daily activities of occupants and will recommend and suggest measures to reduce fire occurrences;
• Hazard identification and risk assessment shall focus on identifying potential hazards;
• Every municipal corporation with a population of more than 10 lakh should put in place a fire hazard response and prevention plan for their respective jurisdictions;
• The urban local bodies must extend financial support to the state fire services department;
• Part of the grant allocated by the finance commission to the urban local bodies shall be used for renewing the fire services in their jurisdiction.

Fire Safety Standards and Preventive Measures

Some other measures taken for the prevention of fire hazards are as follows:

• In December 2020, the Supreme Court asked all states to carry out fire safety audits;
• The health ministry circulated guidelines demanding a third party accreditation for fire safety;
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stipulated requirements for fire safety in hospitals and other public buildings.

Although India has a plethora of fire safety guidelines, they are rarely followed. Several big fires are, in fact, caused by a lack of compliance with fire safety rules, some of which end in tragedy.

Talking about Kashmir, the government and concerned authorities must push for the implementation of fire safety standards that are neglected by the people, builders as well as government officials. While much responsibility rests on the Power Development Department to ensure that fires due to faulty lines are prevented, people must also share the responsibility and see to it that all flammable material is stored properly.

The lack of proper government policies for preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and prompt response to fire mishaps is proving expensive for everyone. Therefore, much attention is required to tie up loose ends. Such as:

• Lack of unified fire services
• Inadequate funding
• Lack of public awareness
• Vulnerability analysis not performed
• Lack of proper organizational structure, training of personnel
• Inadequate modern equipment
• Lack of infrastructure
• Lack of uniform fire safety legislation

Recommendations

Advance Planning

A fire can start in an instant and continue to rage until its fuel source is depleted, destroying homes and property, causing injuries and taking lives within a matter of seconds. Find out what you’re meant to do ahead of time by checking with the building management and fire department. If a fire is detected, call the fire department and raise the alarm. Pay attention and obey instructions if you hear them over the public address system in your building/area. It’s conceivable that you’ll be recommended to remain in your current location. 

1. Be prepared and adopt three important measures (Fire Detectors, First Aid, and Fire Fighting System) for timely intervention to minimize the adverse impacts of fires.
2. Recognize the location and function of the fire alarms in the building/area.
3. Get to know the sound of the building/area’s fire sirens.
4. Make sure that everyone in your house knows where to go in the event of a fire alarm, and that you all practice your escape plan together. Each building’s administration should post evacuation plans where everyone can see them.
5. Some evacuation strategies may require you to enter the building and wait for firemen to supervise your escape in a “safe area.”
6. Know at least two exits from each of the rooms in your flat/house.
7. Count the number of doors between your apartment/house and the nearest exit. There’s a chance you’ll have to flee a fire in the dark.
8. In certain high-rise situations, staying there and shielding oneself from the flames until the fire department comes is the safest option.
9. Determine who is responsible for maintaining your building/area’s fire safety systems, such as fire/smoke check doors, fire alarms, emergency lights, and fire sprinklers, up to date. Always keep a fire extinguisher handy at home/office/commercial complexes.
10. Don’t be afraid to report the fire as soon as you notice it. If the situation persists, get assistance from your local fire department. 
11. Check if anything is obstructing or interfering with the fire suppression systems within or outside the building.   

Exits

It is never a good idea to lock or block fire exits. Garbage should be kept out of the escape route. In the case of a fire, fire doors not only provide a means of escape but also aid to reduce the spread of the fire’s and smoke’s effects. A fire door should never be propped open.

If A Fire Breaks Out Elsewhere

Usually, staying in your own apartment/house is the safest alternative. However, if your residence is impacted by heat or smoke, leave at once, and shut all windows and doors behind you.

Conclusion

Fire Safety Audits should be made mandatory, and the auditing job should be given to third-party businesses having prior experience in the sector. Once a year, each tenant should do a fire safety audit. Above all, the effectiveness of fire prevention and firefighting is strongly reliant on the active engagement of all residents and employees. HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) is an approach for detecting and analyzing possible dangers. A thorough fire safety audit may detect the inherent fire dangers that come with day-to-day workplace operations and provide ways to reduce the risk of fire.

References:

1. https://www.risingkashmir.com/Raging-fires-102027
2. https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/silent-killer-fire-incidents-claim-75-lives-in-kashmir-last-year/
3. https://enterslice.com/learning/fire-safety-rules-mandated-by-the-government-of-india/
4. https://lexlife.in/2021/06/09/public-building-and-fire-safety-rules-in-india/