Human error, negligence behind frequent fires

Human error, negligence behind frequent fires

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Human factor is mostly to blame for the frequent fires in
densely populated Jakarta, according to the Jakarta Fire
Department.

This includes the dangerous practice of electricity theft as
well as plugging too many appliances into one electricity socket
and worn out electrical wiring.

Other reckless behavior includes the imprudent use of stoves
and kerosene lamps, smoking while in bed, and discarding a
cigarette butt in a trash bin without putting it out properly as
well as placing a burning mosquito coil too close to combustible
materials.

Actions like these were the major causes of fire last year,
totaling 869 cases which killed 23 people, injured 38 and caused
Rp 130 billion (US$14.4 million) in financial losses.

Out of the total 869 fires in 2002, some 397 were caused by
various electrical malfunctions, 89 cases by cooking stoves and
79 by burning cigarettes.

When a fire breaks out, members of the public often neglect to
immediately call the fire department, causing more damage or even
deaths.

This is simply due to ignorance about fire prevention and fire
extinguishing methods.

Jakarta Fire Department spokesman Sardiyo Sardi said the
department launched a campaign in 2001 to increase public
knowledge about fire prevention.

One program of the campaign was televised public service ads
on fire prevention. However, the campaign proved ineffective and
costly, Sardiyo said, and was subsequently dropped.

Now the fire department has embarked on another campaign that
includes community training for volunteers on fire prevention,
control, evacuation and rescue. So far 40 volunteers have
undergone training.

Yoni Aryoni, an officer from the fire prevention division,
said the campaign would continue, with students as the next
target .

"In the future, fire prevention and training should also be
introduced at school so that even children will know what to do
in case of fire," Yoni said.

Ideally, all neighborhoods should have fire extinguishers and
a water reservoir to fight a fire before fire-fighters arrive.
However, many people cannot afford fire extinguishers.

But at least, with increasing public awareness and the
availability of more volunteers, there will be fewer and fewer
fires. If a fire does break out, at least the public will be
ready to deal with it.