A fire recently broke out at a girls’ PG in K block. A short circuit in the PG started the fire. When this happened, there were 40 women in the PG. The authorities were notified. Though 1 QRT guard arrived immediately unfortunately no one present had any knowledge or equipment to douse the fire. The PG accommodation was also not equipped with any fire extinguisher. Neighbours and others also arrived to assist, dousing the flames with sand, etc.
The QRT should be provided with basic fire training and tools, but they are not the only ones accountable. As residents, we must all be conscious of and prepared for such fundamental issues.
It is our duty as citizens to have basic fire safety tools, such as fire extinguishers, thick blankets, a hose/pipe,etc. and to keep them in a readily available location so that they can be used in times of need for our own homes or those of our friends.
I would also like to urge the local authorities to use this fire as an example and turn it into a learning experience for all residents by organizing a basic fire safety workshop that can equip us with not only the basic requirements of what to keep in a fire safety kit but also how to use these resources in the best way to assist in the event of a fire.
