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Emergencies in high-rise buildings: Capacity-building needed: Fire Chief

18 Sep 2021

  • Highlights gaps in response capability for high-rise emergencies
  • Seeks better equipment and infrastructure
  • Calls for fire engineering to be taken seriously
By Yumiko Perera The Colombo Fire Brigade is not adequately equipped to respond to incidents in high-rise buildings, The Sunday Morning learnt. Speaking with The Sunday Morning, Fire Department Chief Fire Officer (CFO) P.D.K.A. Wilson stated that they had limitations in addressing certain situations, including responding to emergencies in high-rise buildings. The Fire Brigade had also highlighted that a lack of proper infrastructure in some high-rise structures may create gaps in fire safety, adding that it needs better funding to respond to a wide range of emergencies. “The main fire safety strategy in high-rise buildings is an in-built system where buildings are designed to a certain standard to be able to withstand potential fire hazards. However, due to the lack of proper infrastructure, the Fire Department had certain limitations in addressing certain situations,” Wilson said. “This is especially so when it comes to buildings that are taller than 10-15 storeys. So, as per the requirement in Colombo, upgrading our infrastructure is crucial to prevent any potential calamities,” the Chief Fire Officer stressed, adding that more buildings and high-rise accommodation were coming up in the city and its suburbs. According to Wilson, the Fire Service comes under the purview of local government institutions, with the Colombo Fire Brigade coming under the purview of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). “Acquiring infrastructure is usually done through centralised projects by the local government authorities. However, the infrastructure needed to handle emergencies that may arise at high-rise buildings is expensive, and local government institutions simply do not have the financial capability, especially given the present circumstances,” he noted. The Chief Fire Officer also emphasised the need to prioritise fire protection engineering in the country, pointing out that it is just as important as updating the building regulatory framework in terms of minimising and preventing potential hazards. Wilson went on to note that the Colombo Fire Brigade was hopeful that their requirement to improve facilities and acquire relevant equipment would be met soon. Several attempts to speak to Minister of Public Services, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Janaka Bandara Tennakoon for further insights in this regard proved futile.

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