“Had the firefighters know that there was a cylinder inside, they would have never tried to enter from the front, or enter at all. They would have first created a hole to let a water pipe in and ensured a continuous flow to make the place more conducive for entering,” said a senior fire official speaking about the Vikaspuri blaze.
No layout plans available
In countries like the US and Canada, even a minor change in building plan — along with a complete layout and list of combustible substances — is to be notified with the Fire Department. In India, most buildings do not even seek fire clearances, let alone submitting alterations. This includes small eateries like the one in Vikaspuri, where the layout plan is not available with either the Fire Department or other civic agencies.
Improper safety gear
“In western countries, before entering a building, a firefighter knows the layout. He knows where the staircases and exits are. This increases efficiency and reduces time spent inside,” said another official.
Less equipped that their counterparts elsewhere, firefighters in the Capital dodge death almost every day. Compared to safety gear and facilities available in other countries, firemen here enter burning buildings with just rubber boots and helmets.
“Most people join the Delhi Fire Service because they are passionate about their job. We jump into fires to save the lives of strangers,” said the official.
