“Carlton Towers caught fire at 3.45 p.m. but we got the message [only] at 4.30 p.m. If we were informed on time, more lives could have been saved,” said B.G .Changappa, Director of the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, during a discussion on Awareness of Fire Safety organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here on Saturday.
“Reaching the venue, we found the staircase on either sides blocked and the common corridors locked. Bangalore had to witness such a tragedy due to the lack of safety measures,” Mr. Changappa added.
Fire safety
Bangalore has already seen 955 accidental fires this year, he said, and emphasised the importance of creating awareness.
“We have a classroom in every fire station where we have scheduled training programmes on fire safety. We will now have bikes to reach the destination faster in congested localities like Chickpet.” The bikes will be equipped with compressed air and other fire-fighting systems, he added.
The Students Association for Fire Extinguishing (SAFE) programme is the department's flagship undertaking. Mr. Changappa said many people violate building laws to escape implementing fire safety measures.
“People claim they are building a 14.9-metre structure but add more floors after they get the clearance. We have no power to re-inspect buildings.” B.K. Hampagol, Deputy Director-Technical, Fire and Emergency Services Department, stressed the need for regular upkeep of fire extinguishers.
People may call 101 or 22971500/550/600 during fire emergencies.
