MANGALORE: The fire on the top floor of a building in the city on Tuesday, causing damage estimated at Rs. 1 crore, highlights the scant regard given to fire safety norms. It also lays bare the lacunae in Fire and Emergency Services Department vis-a-vis availability of equipment to fight major fires.

Officials of the department did not comment on the exact cause of the fire, which left three firemen injured. But they said that better equipment, including a fire tender with a hydraulic lift, could have definitely helped. There is even shortage of equipment such as breathing apparatus.

Regional Fire Officer K. Srinivasa told The Hindu on Wednesday that the local office of the department certainly needs specialised equipment such as hydraulic lift, aluminium suits and breathing apparatus. "We have already sent proposals to the authorities concerned seeking approval for these,'' he said. But such equipment alone will not solve the problem because the number of high-rise buildings in the city is increasing by the day, he said. It should be ensured that safety norms are followed in buildings. This will make fire-fighting easier, he said. The recent measure of strictly imposing fire safety norms in high-rise buildings has led to better compliance by builders. But most of the old buildings in the city do not have basic facilities for fire-fighting such as fire hydrants, hoses or fire extinguishers, he said.

Referring to Tuesday's fire accident at Linking Towers, Mr. Srinivasa said it is evident that the owners did not follow fire safety norms.

Inflammable material

"There was no fire extinguisher in the building. It could have helped people control fire. And highly inflammable plastic and rubber material were stored without following norms,'' he said. The sky-lift equipment provided by Mangalore City Corporation helped, Mr. Srinivasa said. But the Fire Services department has equipment that can reach up to a maximum of five storeys. When it comes to fighting fire in high-rise apartments and buildings, specialised equipment is needed, he added.

"Those who tried to help put out the fire added to the trouble on Tuesday. We do need help from people at times. But disorderly conduct will only hamper the work of the fire personnel. Fortunately, nobody in the building sustained injuries during the fire-fighting operations,'' he said.

Structural damage

Mr. Srinivas said the floor has suffered extensive structural damage due to heat generated by burning plastic. It may have to be demolished and rebuilt. Mangalore City Corporation has to assess the damage and the police have to investigate the reasons for the fire, he said.

District Fire Officer U. Jaya said the department has submitted a proposal to the Revenue Department seeking funds for construction of a well on the office premises.

"The authorities having closed down most of the fire hydrants due to scarcity of water. It is imperative to have a dedicated source of water when we are involved in fighting major fires such as the one on Tuesday," she said.

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