Burning Issue: Can Simple Precautions Prevent Massive Fires?
A massive fire recently erupted at A-15 in Sector-26, in the home of the Saraf family. The blaze, which began with an explosion and engulfed the wooden façade of the house, was quickly managed by the fire department. Fortunately, the fire was contained without significant injuries, but there was sufficient damage to the entire frontage.
The fire department reported that the blaze started from a short circuit in the ground-floor electric panel. The fire spread from the front elevation of the house to the first-floor door.
Neighbors recounted the chaos, highlighting how the wooden façade exacerbated the intensity of the flames. “We heard a loud explosion in the afternoon and rushed to A-15, where thick smog surrounded the area. With great difficulty, and with the help of my driver, we managed to get Mr. Saraf, who is paralyzed, out of the house. I believe the wooden façade contributed significantly to the intensity of the fire, which might have been controlled more quickly otherwise,” said one of the Sarafs’ neighbors.
Another neighbour informed us, “We gave them power supply from our house. Saraf has paralysis and had to be taken out by two men. His son Ankit was in the factory. Our neighbor’s driver removed our car from the driveway. It was quite scary.”
In a similar incident a few months ago, a fire broke out at the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Mission orphanage in Sec-26, also due to a short circuit. Fortunately, firefighters arrived swiftly and rescued all 19 occupants, including children and caretakers.
Can such incidents be prevented with greater vigilance? According to a fire officer from the Noida Fire Department, several safety measures can help avert fires: regular cleaning of oil from chimneys, frequent inspection of household wiring, turning off cooking appliances when not in use, and avoiding placing inflammable materials (especially wooden furniture) near electrical outlets. Additionally, caution is advised during festivals like Diwali, where unattended diyas can pose a fire risk. “By adhering to these precautions and maintaining a high- level of awareness, we can prevent many of these fires,” the officer concluded.
