Frequent fire hazards

Dhaka has been plagued by an alarming increase in fire incidents over the past few years. These incidents have not only caused significant loss of life and property, but they have also exposed the dire state of safety regulations and emergency preparedness in the city.

A massive fire ripped through seven top floors of a 13-storey residential building in the capital's Gulshan area on Sunday night (Feb 19), leaving at least two dead and dozens injured. The fire originated on the sixth floor around 7:00pm and quickly spread upwards as the rising plume of black smoke could be seen from far away.

This incident in the capital’s Gulshan joins a long list of fire incidents, including the Nimtoli fire, tragedies of Tazreen Fashion, Narayanganj Juice Factory, Chawkbazar and many more.

In 2017, a total of 18,105 fires caused a loss of Tk 257 crore. The fires injured 269 people and killed 45 others. According to information from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, there were approximately 21,601 fire occurrences in the nation in the year 2021. Additionally, the nation suffered an estimated financial loss of Tk 218 crore as a result of these fire occurrences.

In five years, the number of fires increased by 4,117, or 22 per cent. In the five years from 2016 to 2021, a total of 3,093 people were killed and 13,863 injured due to fire. A total of 1,17,060 fires have been reported across the country in the last six years, of which 6,081 were in industries.

It is imperative that the authorities take immediate steps to address the causes of these incidents and work to prevent further tragedies.

One of the primary reasons for the increase in fire incidents in Dhaka is the lack of safety regulations and infrastructure. Many of the buildings in the city are not equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and other safety measures. Additionally, these buildings often lack proper ventilation systems, which can exacerbate the spread of fires. In some cases, construction materials are flammable, making them particularly vulnerable to fire.

Another reason for the increase in fire incidents is the lack of awareness and training among the general public. Many people do not know how to respond in case of a fire, and there is a lack of public education and training programmes that could help people be better prepared for such emergencies.

To reduce the incidents of fires in Dhaka, it is essential that the authorities take effective steps. The first step is to implement and enforce stricter safety regulations. Buildings should be required to have basic safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and should be inspected regularly to ensure compliance.

In addition, buildings that do not meet safety standards should be penalized, and in extreme cases, demolished.

The second step is to invest in better infrastructure. This includes the installation of fire hydrants and other fire suppression systems in high-risk areas. Additionally, the government could consider providing financial incentives to building owners who invest in safety measures.

The third step is to increase public awareness and training on fire safety. This could be achieved through public education campaigns, training programs for building residents and employees, and the development of a national fire safety curriculum in schools.

The increase in fire incidents in Dhaka is a serious concern that needs to be addressed urgently. By implementing stricter safety regulations, investing in better infrastructure, and increasing public awareness and training, it is possible to prevent these incidents and reduce the risk to the citizens of Dhaka. The authorities must take prompt action to ensure that the people of Dhaka are safe from the devastating impact of fire incidents.