Sunday’s devastating fire at a home in Gyanda Society that claimed two lives has once again brought to the fore issues of fire safety, negligence, poor awareness, and illegal storage practices.
A national daily has published data revealing that incidents in residential areas account for a dangerously high percentage of fatalities in the city.
Further, it claims that during 2022-23 and 2023-24, as many as 994 fire incidents were reported from homes.
The data from Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) annual reports highlight the stark reality. According to the report, 2,057 fire incidents were reported in the city in 2022-23, with 540, or 26.25%, of these occurring in homes. Then, 2023-24 recorded 2,285 fire incidents, of which 454 (19.55%) were in homes.
An AMC official mentioned that fires are more common in homes, citing the recent incident in the Jivraj Park area. He explained that the use of the bungalow as a warehouse contributed to the fire.
The official further stated that the commercial use of residential properties, as well as illegal shops and restaurants in societies, increases the risk of fires. He highlighted that these properties lack fire safety systems like those in commercial buildings, making the fires more dangerous and difficult to control.
He added that many homes contain furniture made from flammable materials and that quality standards are often overlooked in wiring and electrical appliances. Most fires in homes start due to electrical short circuits, and the presence of such furniture makes these fires deadlier, he noted.
He also stressed that kitchens are particularly hazardous, mentioning that even something as simple as milk boiling over on a lit gas stove could lead to a fire.
The official suggested to the media outlet that people should be alert while lighting lamps or incense sticks. He recommended regular wiring checks and the use of circuit breakers for safety.
Another civic official pointed out that the use of residential premises for commercial purposes is prohibited. He said that the use and storage of materials can cause fires and must be avoided in residential complexes.
He advised that attention should be paid to details like standard wiring, circuit breakers, and regular cleaning. He also mentioned that homes should be well-ventilated, excessive clothes or other items should not be hoarded, and the source of flames such as lamps, incense sticks, and candles, should never be left unattended.
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