The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) fire-fighting unit has launched a number of fire-prevention measures after examining vulnerable locations like nighttime entertainment venues, skyscrapers, condominiums and gas stations.

The Metropolitan Fire Police was transferred to BMA from the National Police Office two years ago, in accordance with the Decentralization Act. It is now supervised by BMA`s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office.

Fire-fighting department officers recently surveyed fire safety systems in high-rises, gas stations, apartments and small home businesses in the capital and found find that only 600 of 3,000 buildings checked were equipped with standard fire protection systems.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office Director Niyom Kannasut said his office had asked building owners to upgrade their systems and many had complied.

The fire department has also tried to educate residents in more than 3,000 urban communities about fire prevention and management.

Officials enumerated five simple steps to deal with a blaze, first among which was prevention, followed by informing the fire department, extinguishing the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading and escaping.

Niyom expressed concern about small industries operating out of commercial buildings, especially garment factories and LPG shops.

He asserted that these home businesses should be checked regularly because most owners did not care for staff or neighbors` safety and advocated stringent punishment for those guilty of causing fires through negligence.

Source