Fire-safe future: The way forward
Fire safety has emerged as a priority in real estate sector with many fire incidents are being reported currently. Construction Times explores the reasons for fire incidents in buildings and the way forward for a fire-safe future.
Fire incidents are growing, especially in city limits. Fire incidents in buildings have been on the rise in the country in the recent times. When the urbanization is on the rise and more and more buildings are coming up in residential and commercial sectors, there is a growing need for proper fire-safety measures and strictly follow them.
Growing fire incidents
Cities in the country have reported an alarmingly high number of fire accidents last year, in which human lives have lost and properties damaged. According to reports, Indian’s financial capital Mumbai reported 5,074 fire incidents last year, a rise of 15 per cent over 4,417 such cases in the metropolis in 2022. According to the city’s fire brigade, as many as 33 persons were killed and about 300 injured in over 5,000 fires in Mumbai last year. Similar incidents have been reported from other parts of the country also during the period.
Chandresh Mehta, Executive Director, Rustomjee Group, elaborates, “Mumbai Fire Brigade data shows that about a third of fire incidents in 2023 were in tall buildings, with 70-80% due to electrical short-circuits. Poor construction practices, such as poor-quality metal conductors and under-sizing of wires, can lead to electrical hazards. Additionally, older electrical systems may lack effective circuit protection devices, such as circuit breakers or residual current devices (RCDs), which are intended to detect and respond to electrical failures.”
Poorly functioning firefighting equipment due to lack of maintenance, further exacerbates the problem, leading to an increase in fire-related injuries and fatalities. Investments by developers in the installation, and continued maintenance, of electrical and fire safety equipment are critical to address these challenges. Deepak Naidu, Chief Project Officer, Ashwin Sheth Group, highlights, “Rigid adherence to the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016) and the National Electrical Code of India (NEC 2023), will ensure that high-quality electrical infrastructure and fire safety best practices are incorporated in residential developments. These regulations mandate the use of fire-resistant construction materials, and the presence of fire hydrants, fire evacuation lifts, and other safety features. Moreover, technological innovations, such as intelligent fire alarm systems capable of autonomously detecting fire hazards and alerting authorities, and automated sprinkler systems, provide an additional layer of safety for a building’s residents.”
According to P K Mishra, VP – Planning and Procurement, Sattva Group, awareness about the fire incidents and fire safety measures is of utmost importance in the current scenario. “It's important to raise awareness about areas in buildings that are highly prone to fire, such as food courts and kitchens, which are often overlooked when it comes to safety and security. A proactive approach to safety is essential, and this can be achieved by having a dedicated facility management team that checks the fire panel room on every campus or at a residential complex on a regular basis,” he adds.
Need for proper fire-fighting system
According to Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA Homes, ensuring fire safety is very important for both residential and commercial buildings. Currently, it is mandatory for all the residential building to adhere to the fire protection measures, not only for the statutory compliance, but for safety of the residents. It is very crucial for the residents to have a proper knowledge of how to react in a fire breakout. A lack of knowledge in operating the fire equipment’s, operating procedures, and inappropriate actions during a fire breakout, may lead to fire incidents. Installing fire extinguishers, hose reels, public address systems in the common areas, and sprinklers in the parking zones will fulfil the needs to fire safety standards. He adds, “The current regulation mentions that the fire compliance should be certified by the authorities before receiving completion certificate from organisations such as CMDA/DTCP. This will ensure that the buildings are safe and adequately equipped for firefighting. It is also important for the builders to prioritize safety for home buyers, instead of providing the firefighting system only for compliance purposes. Regardless, of the height and size of the building, basic fire protection system should be in place to ensure the safety of the building.”
Fire safety is indeed becoming increasingly important in both residential and commercial buildings due to the growing urbanization and densification of cities. Mike Robinson, CEO, British Safety Council is of the view, “The current scenario necessitates a comprehensive approach to fire safety, encompassing preventive measures such as fire-resistant building materials, adequate fire detection and alarm systems, emergency evacuation plans, and firefighting equipment. Additionally, promoting fire safety awareness among occupants through education and training is crucial to ensure timely response and evacuation in case of fire incidents.”
Fire safety: need of the hour
To achieve a fire-safe future, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. According to Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, builders must prioritize using fire-resistant materials in construction, ensuring compartmentalization with firewalls to limit fire spread. Proper ventilation systems are crucial for removing smoke and aiding evacuation during a fire. Additionally, active fire safety systems like fire alarms, automatic sprinkler systems, and strategically placed fire extinguishers must be installed and maintained meticulously.
Stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations with penalties for non-compliance is essential. Regular inspections and maintenance of fire safety systems are crucial to ensure their functionality when needed. Public awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures and responsible behaviour can empower citizens to play a proactive role in preventing fires. Investing in modern fire detection and suppression systems with remote monitoring capabilities can further enhance fire safety infrastructure.
For a fire safe future, it would be pivotal for developers to comply with all the necessary legal norms set by the Government and relevant industry bodies. “If the fire systems are built in accordance with the desired design principles and accurate materials using the correct methodology coupled with robust installation plus efficient maintenance, it would considerably reduce the risk of fire occurrences,” says Mehta.
“A collaborative effort involving developers, authorities, and the public can significantly reduce the number of fire incidents and the tragic loss of life and property,” Magazine concludes on a positive note.
