Fire Hazards in Extreme Heat: Threats and Precautions by RAXA

In recent weeks, India has witnessed an alarming increase in fire incidents due to unprecedented heat waves. Northwest and central India, experiencing record-high temperatures, have reported numerous deadly fires, particularly in buildings. The heat has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in infrastructure, leading to tragic incidents and highlighting the urgent need for stringent fire safety measures.

Current Fire Incidents and Statistics

The rise in temperatures has directly contributed to a surge in fire accidents across India.On 25th May, a massive blaze in a gaming arena in Rajkot, Gujarat, claimed several lives, followed by a tragic fire at a hospital for newborns in Delhi on 26th of May. Both incidents revealed significant lapses in safety protocols and building regulations.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) reported a record number of fire calls in May 2024, with over 220 calls per day. This spike in incidents is usually seen only during high-fire-risk events like Diwali. On May 29, 2024, Delhi experienced temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, straining both the power grid and emergency services. The rising power demand led to overloading and subsequent transformer fires, further complicating the situation.

Causes of Fire Incidents in Extreme Heat

The intense heatwave has placed additional stress on air conditioning (AC) systems, often leading to fires. Overloaded AC units and transformers are prone to overheating and malfunctioning, causing fires in both residential and commercial buildings. For instance, a high-rise apartment in Noida caught fire on May 30, 2024, due to an exploding AC unit. Experts attribute these incidents to the overheating of AC components, exacerbated by direct sunlight exposure.

The power demand in Delhi reached an all-time high of 8,300 megawatts, leading to overloading and transformer fires. This was evident in Delhi's Tilak Nagar, where a spark in an overhead transmission wire almost led to a major fire. The combination of high temperatures and overloading creates a hazardous environment, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Several other factors contribute to the increased risk of fire during extreme heat:

  • Congestion and Poor Urban Planning: Dense urban areas with extensive use of ACs create heat islands, raising local temperatures and increasing fire risks. Faulty planning and unchecked urbanization exacerbate these problems, as seen in the Rajkot incident where the lack of emergency exits led to casualties.
  • Negligence and Misuse of Electrical Appliances: Improper installation, use of non-ISI-marked equipment, and inadequate maintenance of electrical systems often result in short circuits and fires.

Precautions Recommended by RAXA

To mitigate the risk of fire hazards during extreme heat, RAXA recommends the following precautions:

1. Regular Maintenance and Safety Audits

  • Conduct regular fire safety audits to ensure compliance with safety norms and identify potential hazards.
  • Schedule frequent maintenance checks for electrical systems, especially AC units, to prevent overheating and overloading.

2. Advanced Fire Detection Solutions

  • Install advanced fire detection solutions to ensure early detection and prompt response to fire incidents.
  • Utilize modern fire suppression system solutions, including gas-based fire suppression systems, to effectively manage and extinguish fires without causing additional damage.

3. Electrical Safety Measures

  • Avoid overloading electrical circuits by limiting the number of high-power devices plugged into a single socket.
  • Use ISI-marked electrical equipment to ensure quality and safety standards.
  • Install appropriate Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) to handle the electrical load safely.

4. Infrastructure Improvements

  • Create shaded areas for external AC units to reduce direct exposure to sunlight and prevent overheating.
  • Ensure that buildings have adequate emergency exits and fire safety measures in place.

5. Community Awareness and Training

  • Educate residents and employees about fire safety practices, including the proper use of electrical appliances and the importance of regular maintenance.
  • Conduct fire drills and emergency response training to prepare for potential fire incidents.

At RAXA, we recognize the critical need for advanced fire safety measures, especially in the face of extreme heat events. Our dedicated Fire Division offers comprehensive fire safety solutions, ranging from fire detection systems to advanced fire suppression system solutions. We specialize in the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of various systems, including gas-based fire suppression systems, ensuring early detection and effective management of fire hazards. Our services extend to conducting thorough fire audits and offering expert fire consultancy, helping organizations identify potential risks and implement robust safety protocols.