Negligence blamed in most fires: Official

Negligence blamed in most fires: Official

JAKARTA (JP): A fire official warned residents on Monday to be
careful in handling inflammable items in their houses because
most fires were caused by people's negligence.

Head of the City Fire Agency Suharso said most people did not
realize that sparks from unattended items, such as lit cigarettes
and stoves, could lead to fires.

"In many cases, outbreaks of fire were caused by smoldering
cigarette butts and stoves, as well carrying out activities near
an inflammable substance."

He urged residents not to steal electricity and follow proper
safety procedures when installing electrical appliances as part
of their fire preventive measures.

Suharso said the state electricity company PLN should promote
safety measures among the public.

"When fires caused by short circuits are reported, the company
usually argues that power installations have been carried out in
line with the procedures."

But he added that inspections revealed that many residents had
their power lines illegally connected to nearby electricity poles
without the company's knowledge.

"It is very dangerous and fires often ignite from that kind of
connection," he said, referring to rampant electricity theft,
especially in slum areas.

He said there were 124 fires reported in the first quarter of
the year in the capital.

"The figure shows that there is virtually no single day
without a fire in Jakarta."

There were six fatalities, including four domestic helpers who
died in a fire in Simpruk, South Jakarta. They died in their room
from smoke inhalation and burns.

Two others were severely injured in the fire.

Suharso also appealed to police to provide protection to
firefighters while carrying out their duties. He said
firefighters were often obstructed in their tasks by residents
who wanted them to concentrate on their homes.

"Four of my men were beaten up by emotional residents
recently," he said.

In outlining preventative measures, he said contractors of
high-rise buildings should meticulously plan fire prevention and
escape systems, such as installing fire detectors, sprinklers,
hydrants and firehoses that could reach all parts of a floor, as
well portable extinguishers.

He said most state-owned buildings did not comply with City
Regulation No. 3/91 on fire prevention.

"If we all abide by the regulation, the risk of fire outbreaks
could be reduced up to 90 percent." He added that only 500 of the
city's 1,000 buildings met the fire safety requirements.

The City Fire Agency employs 2,446 people and is equipped with
132 fire engines.(06)