The fire that broke out in the Sri Kanya Cinema Complex in Gajuwaka, reducing two theaters reducing to cinders recently has posed a question on the safety of the moviegoers.
“It is high time the authorities reviewed the clearances pertaining to fire safety issued to all cinema theatres in the city and their compliance with the norms,” suggests fire safety consultant B. Madhu.
Two theatres at Sri Kanya Cimena Complex were gutted in the wee hours on September 17 and the fire services officials suspect an electrical short-circuit be the reason.
After preliminary investigation, they said that though the fire alarm system were in place it appeared to have failed to send warning signals in the nick of time.
Alarm system
“There are certain safety systems that help cinema theatres in protecting lives and property in case of fire. Sprinklers inside the theatre and common areas ensures protection round-the-clock, whether the premises is open or closed on any given day. The purpose of sprinklers is to douse the flames quickly, preventing its spread to other areas. This also reduces flame and smoke and helps in extinguishing the fire,” Mr. Madhu says.
In case fire breaks out while the show is on, fire alarms alert moviegoers. “We need to have a working, well-maintained fire alarm system as per the safety codes,” he says, advocating regular inspection of cinema theatres by independent professionals.
Training for staff
Mr. Madhu further points out that fire extinguishers should be placed in the theatre and cafeteria areas to enable the employees in suppressing the fire when needed. “The staff should be trained regularly in fire control measures at workplace. Smoke management systems, fire-proof interiors, fire resistant doors, adequate care on theatre architecture and provisions for quick evacuation in an emergency should also be ensured,” he adds.
Coming down heavily on the issuing of ‘no-objection certification’ on fire safety by the officials without inspection, he says that such lax attitude are leading to frequent fire accidents at various places.
