Action over warnings
By Ali Amiri
Staff writer
In light of the recent fire incident at Tehran’s Seyyed Vali Bazaar, it has become increasingly evident that issuing warnings alone is not enough to ensure the safety of problematic buildings.
The glue warehouse, which caught fire on Tuesday morning, had received six warnings from the Fire Department and Safety Services of Tehran Municipality according to Hossein Nazari, deputy of urban services and the environment of Tehran Municipality. Despite these warnings, the building remained in use, ultimately resulting in a massive fire that put lives and property at risk.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that swift and decisive action is crucial when it comes to the safety of such buildings. Warnings, while necessary, are often insufficient in preventing disasters. Instead, authorities must take proactive measures to address the underlying issues that make these buildings unsafe.
One such measure is conducting regular inspections and enforcing strict safety regulations. By identifying potential hazards and mandating necessary repairs or upgrades, authorities can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. In cases where building owners fail to comply with safety regulations, penalties and fines should be imposed to ensure adherence.
In addition to enforcing regulations, authorities should also invest in public awareness campaigns that educate building owners and occupants about the importance of maintaining safe premises. By fostering a culture of safety, individuals will be more likely to take responsibility for the upkeep of their buildings and report potential hazards to the relevant authorities.
Finally, in situations where a building is deemed too unsafe for occupation, authorities must take decisive action to evacuate and, if necessary, demolish the structure. While this may be a difficult decision, it is essential to prioritize the safety of the community over the preservation of unsafe buildings.
To cut a long story short, the recent fire at Tehran’s Seyyed Vali Bazaar highlights the need for swift and decisive action when it comes to the safety of Tehran’s buildings. Issuing warnings alone is not enough to keep the same old story from happening again.
In all earnest, there is no difference between six or a million warnings if there is no follow-up action to actually prevent tragedies like the Plasco Building (destroyed on January 19, 2017 in a massive fire). Authorities must enforce safety regulations and take the necessary actions to protect lives and property.