‘High-rises pose challenges for fire-fighters’

Changing lifestyles and modernisation pose new challenges for fire-fighters. Experts discussed these problems at the 4th fire and disaster management conference organised by the UP branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers and the Institution of Engineers (India) on Friday.

Director general of police (fire) Praveen Singh, who was the chief guest, said, “High-rise buildings are the most challenging. The highest hydraulic platforms we have are 42 metres, max. But the new concept of sky-scrapers is making it very difficult for us to combat fires,” said Praveen.

Building design, he said, posed another major hurdle. “Despite strict laws, the buildings do not have adequate external support for fire extinguishers. There are many buildings where owners are least interested in installing water hydrants,” he said.

Besides, said Praveen, centrally air-conditioned buildings and flats that are without windows and other air outlets are another major threat to the lives of people in case of any fire incident.