BMA beefs up prevention against fires

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is beefing up prevention measures against fires breaking out among dry grass and leaves and waste dumps in the summer season, after more than 100 fires were found across Bangkok. BMA's Deputy Director for the Fire and Rescue Department Pol Col Tewanuwat Anirutthewa said fire prevention plans have been drafted up to prevent fires from breaking out during the coming summer season, as the situation is quite worrisome, particularly at abandoned buildings, where there are a lot of dry leaves and grass, as well as at waste dumps. He noted that since the beginning of this week, more than 100 fires have been reported to have broken out across the capital, prompting his office to order all fire stations to arrive at the scene within 10 minutes of being informed, in order to ensure that the fire would be put out in time. He said fire fighters have been mobilised around the clock at every fire stations and to thoroughly record down all risk areas to relay the information to the respective district offices for careful surveillance. He said in case of fire, authorities would be able to coordinate with three surrounding fire stations immediately, while the local police and city law enforcement officials to help close off the area to prevent traffic congestion, while the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has been tasked to cut off the power in case of the fires, and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) would be asked to increase the water pressure to help put out the fires quickly. After the fire is put out, the structure of the damaged buildings would be evaluated to prevent further collapse and affected victims would be compensated daccordingly. (TNA)