Majority of multi-storey buildings continue to ignore fire safety measures prescribed by the National Building Code, Fire Services Department officials have claimed. Some buildings lacked even basic fire safety systems such as fire extinguishers and hose reel, while others did not have proper setbacks and emergency staircases, they said.
The findings were the result of a study conducted by the department to identify and list the buildings that lack mandatory fire safety measures.
The list will be submitted to the Lokayukta who has taken up the fire accident in ‘Baba Nivas’ apartment at Manikonda seven months ago suo-motu. Seven people were killed after flames engulfed the apartment. The mishap, which first occurred in a film unit godown, engulfed the abutting apartment.
Officials said instructions were issued to District Fire Officers (DFOs) in the State to inspect all multi-storeyed buildings housing commercial and residential establishments along with marriage halls, cinemas and hospitals.
“We will be able to complete the list in a few days, and the report will be submitted to the Lokayukta shortly,” a senior official said. He pointed out that open spaces abutting the apartments and being used as godowns in several districts could prove dangerous to residents.
“We have cautioned residents to be careful about using nearby open spaces for storing combustible materials like cartons, wood and others,” the official said. Recalling the Manikonda incident, he said that the crew of a television serial had dumped shooting equipment and cardboards in the open space abutting the Baba Nivas apartment. An electrical short-circuit led to the fire.
“We will take action against the errant building owners after getting instructions from the Lokayukta,” the official added.
