Editorial | Reminder for fire safety

The economic loss and social disruption caused by fires demand that fire prevention be placed at the heart of the national conversation about how to cope with hazards and disasters. Recent fire events have caused us to examine anew some of the spillover effects of these tragedies.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade said since 2018 there have been more than 750 building fires, claiming 25 lives and causing more than $400 million in damage. Our markets, where hundreds of Jamaicans trade their produce and wares, appear to be most vulnerable to mystery fires, which have had the effect of severely crippling the livelihoods of those who operate in those spaces.

Such startling statistics should have stirred the leadership of our municipal governments to treat fires seriously by implementing measures to reduce their impact, particularly on small-business operators. From all indication, after the victims’ weeping and wailing ended, there has been no transformative changes to deliver the necessary improvements required for fire prevention.

It is concerning that the authorities are usually unable to identify the source of these market fires, although there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that reckless disposal of lighted objects, faulty electrical wiring, malfunctioning heat-generating appliances, improper storage of inflammable waste and arson are some of the triggers.

FIRE CONTINGENCY PLANS

All civilisations have had to deal with disasters, including fires. One may justifiably ask, what can municipalities do to avert such fires? We suggest they start by making fire contingency plans for every market and public building. By conducting audits, they can quickly identify the vulnerabilities and they can make the investment in new security tools that offer safeguards and enhance evacuation.

Fire safety drills should be regularly practised so that vendors and shoppers know how to react in the event of a disaster such as fire or earthquake. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinklers are some of the fire-prevention equipment which could be installed in business places, most of which we do not believe are insured against fire and other risks.

It would be remiss if we do not again stress our concern for the fire safety risks posed by the proliferation of multistorey residential buildings, particularly in the Corporate Area. Do they satisfy the established fire safety regulations? How vigilant are the regulatory authorities in their oversight responsibilities? How is the Fire Brigade equipping itself to better serve the country?

The Fire Brigade Act places an awesome responsibility on the municipality via the Fire Brigade for the management of fire hazards. It includes the inspection of buildings and the imposition of sanctions where breaches are detected. In light of growing concern by industrial safety professionals, we urge that breaches of fire protection not be tolerated, that strict enforcement is backed by the use of emerging technology, and that the importance of education be included in the overall goal of managing fire hazards. Indeed, education should begin at the very start of a child’s educational journey, thereby promoting a cultural understanding of the dangers that fire poses.

No one is able to precisely predict the next disaster, whether natural or human-caused, but with proper risk management that considers all aspects of fire protection measures, damage to life and property can be minimised. This is a small investment versus the alternative destruction that can result from disasters. Safer buildings benefit all users. All countries, especially vulnerable developing states, must recognise the significant threat posed to lives, livelihoods and the environment by these events.