The Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP) has issued a comprehensive call to action in response to recent devastating market fires, emphasizing the urgent need for stringent fire safety regulations and proactive preventative measures. The association advocates for a multi-pronged approach that encompasses stricter adherence to building codes during design, construction, and maintenance of markets and other public structures, coupled with frequent fire safety inspections and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance. This proactive stance aims to transform the current reactive approach to fire safety into a preventative one, minimizing the risk of future tragedies.
Central to LoGSAPP’s recommendations is the importance of proper market planning. This includes organizing market structures into clearly defined sections to limit the rapid spread of fire, promoting effective waste management to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials, and designating high-risk areas for special attention, equipping them with appropriate fire safety measures. These structural and organizational improvements would create a safer market environment, reducing the likelihood of fires igniting and spreading.
Recognizing that infrastructure alone cannot prevent all fires, LoGSAPP stresses the vital role of education and training. The association calls for regular fire safety training for market vendors and staff, covering fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures, and the use of firefighting equipment. Coupled with intensified public awareness campaigns on fire risks and safety measures, these educational initiatives aim to empower individuals to prevent fires and effectively respond in emergencies. Regular fire drills and evacuation protocols would further reinforce these learned skills, ensuring a swift and organized response in the event of a fire.
LoGSAPP also proposes the establishment of dedicated Fire Response Units within markets, staffed by trained local personnel who can respond immediately before professional fire services arrive. Strengthening partnerships with local fire departments and familiarizing them with market layouts would further enhance response times. Clear marking and accessibility of emergency exit routes, coupled with regular inspections of electrical wiring and the installation of smoke detectors and fire alarms in key areas, would provide early warning and facilitate safe evacuations. These measures, alongside the strategic installation of sprinkler systems, aim to contain and suppress fires quickly, minimizing damage and potential loss of life.
Beyond immediate response, LoGSAPP emphasizes the importance of long-term planning through regular fire risk assessments and disaster recovery planning. Identifying vulnerable areas and implementing mitigation strategies would proactively reduce risks, while a comprehensive disaster recovery plan would provide crucial financial and logistical support to those affected by future fires. Encouraging vendors to obtain insurance for their goods and property would further mitigate financial losses, providing a safety net in the event of a disaster. LoGSAPP also strongly advocates for collaboration and community engagement, bringing together local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to implement comprehensive fire prevention initiatives.
LoGSAPP’s statement underscores the devastating impact of recent market fires, describing them as “tragic events causing considerable hardship for traders and their families.” The association calls for thorough investigations to determine the causes of these fires and demands accountability from responsible parties. Recognizing the disruption to local economies, the strain on national resources, and the significant damage to vital commercial spaces, LoGSAPP emphasizes the need for swift action and preventative measures. Expressing deep sympathy for the victims, the association pledges its commitment to working with all stakeholders to rebuild stronger, safer markets and prevent future tragedies. Their vision is to create sustainable and secure market environments that support the livelihoods of vendors and contribute to the well-being of communities.
