County sounds alarm over rising fire incidents

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. [File, Standard]

Mombasa Governance County Executive Committee Member Daniel Manyala has raised the alarm over rising fire outbreaks.

He said that in July, 16 fires were recorded, while in August 12 cases were reported.

Manyala said the incidents were linked to faulty electrical wiring, overloaded outlets, unsafe gas cylinder, and poor compliance with fire safety rules.

The CECM said the county is tightening enforcement of fire safety regulations, from post-construction inspections to mandatory fire safety clearance, and will not hesitate to penalise those who put lives at risk.

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"The increase in fire incidents is alarming and calls for decisive action. We recorded fires in residential and commercial premises," said Manyala.

He said the county is set to launch an e-service platform for anonymous fire safety complaints and impose heavy penalties on landlords who flout safety rules.

"Preparedness measures include the acquisition of 58 breathing apparatus, 48 firefighting tunics, and four fire engines. The near-complete Kiembeni Fire Sub-station will strengthen Kisauni coverage, while ongoing repairs to fire stations, including a new borehole in Changamwe, aim to improve our readiness," said Manyala.

Manyala said hazardous buildings may be vacated, repaired or demolished as mandated by the Kenyan Building Code.

He said fire drills have also been rolled out in both public and private institutions. He urged Mombasa residents to remain vigilant in emergencies by using escape exits and calling the fire department immediately.

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"Our goal is to protect residents, especially in populated areas, and ensure that every building meets the highest safety standards," he said.

Security expert Girrow Abdilkadir said that most fires witnessed are due to illegal power connections.

He, however, noted that poor spacing of houses in informal settlements contributes to many houses being razed.

Abdilkadir said that eight houses were razed over the weekend in Kadzandani, Bamburi, due to the inaccessibility by fire engines.

"Kenya Power should inspect for illegal connections that have become the leading cause of fires in these informal neighbourhoods. Also, the county government should emphasise proper spacing of houses to allow accessibility of fire engines during emergencies," said Abdilkadir.

Chief Fire Officer Ibrahim Basafar said that most recent fire cases occurred in Likoni and Kisauni, with others witnessed in Mshomoroni and Bamburi Mwisho.

He said that one of the fires in Likoni was caused by an overheated fan capacitor after the fan ran for long hours.

"The fan short-circuited, sparked, and ignited a mattress before spreading to other rooms," said Basafar.
He urged residents to have the wiring of their houses inspected every three years.