MANY people assume that fire prevention and fire safety are the same thing. In reality, fire prevention is only one part of the broader concept of fire safety.
Fire prevention asks how we can stop a fire from happening in the first place, while fire safety goes further by asking whether, if a fire happens despite our preventive measures, everyone inside will still be able to evacuate safely.
Fire safety therefore encompasses the entire continuum of prevent, detect, contain, suppress, escape, respond and recover.
Proper electrical wiring, hot work controls and good housekeeping help prevent fires, while fire alarms, sprinklers, fire doors, compartmentation, emergency lighting, escape routes and firefighter access provide multiple layers of protection when prevention fails.
We should never become overconfident simply because a building has never caught fire before. The real question is whether every system will work as intended if a fire breaks out tonight and whether everyone will be able to get out safely in time.
True fire safety is not tested during quiet moments. It is tested when the alarm sounds and by how people respond at that material time.
Everyone must understand that emergencies do not necessarily give us a clear signal before they occur. Only those who are prepared are more likely to identify potential risks, take steps to mitigate them and minimise their impact.
As a community, we must ask whether we are prepared for eventualities that may threaten our lives, property, environment and business continuity.
The Latin phrase Si vis pacem, para bellum, meaning “If you want peace, prepare for war”, remains relevant. Its underlying message is the need to prepare ourselves before an emergency occurs rather than waiting until we are already confronted by one.
It is also critical to recognise that many emergencies and disasters begin as minor incidents. When an incident is not properly managed or contained, it can escalate into a major incident, followed by a crisis, disaster and eventually a catastrophe.
This is why I emphasise the “Golden Rule” of the first five minutes. A prompt and correct reaction during those crucial minutes can determine whether an incident is contained, how much damage occurs and how quickly normalcy can be restored.
This is where the 3Ps — Precaution, Prevention and Protection — become important.
Everyone should also understand the basic risk mitigation process, which is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating and reducing the likelihood and impact of threats.
Risk identification requires us to systematically identify potential risks affecting our lives, operations and assets. This can be achieved by reviewing previous incidents and historical data, conducting audits, using checklists and engaging with stakeholders to understand the risks around us.
However, communities must not be treated simply as recipients of risk management plans. They are often the first responders and among the most important partners in the entire process.
Government agencies cannot work alone or, as we sometimes say, syok sendiri. Communities possess local knowledge and can provide real-time information that government agencies may not immediately have.
Preparedness therefore includes developing and practising evacuation routes, knowing assembly points and safe zones, strengthening school-based education and awareness programmes and developing community disaster response teams.
By participating actively, communities can transform themselves from potential victims of hazards into champions of resilience and partners in safety governance.
The philosophy of “We want to see you before the fire, not after” should become part of our public safety culture because precaution, prevention and protection are always better than reacting after tragedy has occurred.
We must also learn from major fire tragedies around the world.
The Azadlig Avenue fire in Baku in 2015 and Grenfell Tower in London in 2017 demonstrated the devastating consequences of high-rise fires, particularly when combustible exterior materials contribute to rapid fire spread and occupants become trapped or overcome by smoke.
These incidents are relevant to Malaysia as high-rise residences have increasingly become the norm in major cities because of urbanisation and land scarcity.
Evacuating a high-rise building during a fire is not simply a matter of getting people out. It involves the physical limitations of the building, the performance of its fire protection systems and human behaviour under stress.
This is why Total Fire Safety requires the combined efforts of authorities, designers, builders, inspectors and communities.
We already have Acts, standards, guidelines and building codes, but regulations alone cannot guarantee safety.
Designers must design “healthy” and safe buildings. Builders must follow approved designs and use the correct materials.
Inspectors must ensure proper compliance, while communities and building occupants must carry out proper maintenance, practise good housekeeping and understand the 3Ps.
Materials used in buildings are another important concern. Under normal conditions, certain materials may appear harmless but once ignited they can become dangerous. Toxic smoke is particularly deadly because combustible materials can release harmful smoke when they burn.
Past high-rise fires have demonstrated how an initially manageable incident can become a rapidly spreading inferno when combustible façade and exterior materials are involved. Such tragedies expose weaknesses not only in materials but potentially in building regulations, certification, compliance and enforcement.
Malaysia experienced its own significant façade fire at the Employees Provident Fund building in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, in February 2018. Fortunately, there was no comparable loss of life, but the incident nevertheless demonstrated why material safety, compartmentation and enforcement must be taken seriously.
These incidents should make us ask ourselves: Are we safe, and what have we learned?
Regulatory non-compliance cannot simply be regarded as an administrative issue because, where fire safety is concerned, non-compliance can become a deadly risk.
Our Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) has adopted a commendable concept through Total Fire Safety, a holistic and multi-layered approach to fire precaution, prevention and protection. This approach recognises that fire safety is a shared responsibility and should not rest solely with the fire authorities or the Government. Every individual, organisation and community has an important role to play in creating a safer environment.
It is my sincere hope that Sarawakians, the Sarawak Government, BOMBA, relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities will continue to work hand in hand towards achieving Total Fire Safety throughout Sarawak. Through stronger cooperation, greater awareness and shared responsibility, we can reduce the risk of fires and protect lives and property.
As a starting point, we should examine our own surroundings. Are our homes, offices, factories and neighbourhoods adequately protected against fire? Is our maintenance culture sufficiently strong? Do we practise proper housekeeping and ensure that potential fire hazards are addressed promptly? Do we possess basic fire safety knowledge, and are we properly equipped to respond in the event of an emergency?
Ultimately, the answers lie with each of us. Feeling safe is both a privilege and a responsibility. We must therefore be willing to change our habits, strengthen our preparedness and take meaningful action for the safety and wellbeing of all.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at khirudindrahman@sslborneo.com.my.
