Sunday’s tragic accident, which claimed the life of 35-year-old Gordon Spiteri, has launched a much needed debate on the lack of fire safety regulations and measures in this country.
The young man, who had celebrated his birthday the day before, lost his life when a fire engulfed the apartment immediately below his, in Marsascala. The brave man, who has aptly been described as a hero, put his own life in danger, with fatal consequences, to help his neighbours exit the building.
The fire, it later emerged, was sparked by an electric heater – an appliance that is all too common in Maltese households.
The incident sparked a nationwide debate, with experts and non-expert alike weighing in, and others pointing fingers in different directions.
The tragedy was discussed at a conference held earlier this week, organized by the Chamber of Engineers, during which Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg pledged that fragmented fire safety laws would be consolidated as part of an upcoming building reform.
It is unfortunate, as many have pointed out, that once again the authorities are only acting after a tragedy has occurred. One now hopes that the matter is treated as a very urgent one and that all future construction plans feature adequate fire safety features. One also hopes that such regulations will be enforced. Fire safety is no laughing matter.
But as with many other issues, rules and enforcement alone are not enough. In fact, they go hand in hand with education. Unfortunately fire safety education is something that is largely absent in Malta. The subject, it seems, is something that is relegated to the occasional fire drill at primary and secondary schools, and some workplaces.
There is a prevailing mentality that a fire drill is an unnecessary nuisance. Education on how to prevent fires, and how to fight them using equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, is even more of a rarity.
One needs only to speak to a few people to realize that many do not know how a fire extinguisher works, what the different colour canisters are filled with, and what they should be used for.
Not many are aware, for example, that there are only two types of extinguisher that can be used on electrical fires – that using a foam or water extinguisher can possibly lead to electrocution.
This information should be basic, because an object that is designed to save lives and put out fires can, if improperly used, can lead to injury or worse.
People should also be aware of the grave risks posed by fire and smoke. While one might be tempted to run into a burning and smoke-filled building to save someone else’s life or some prized possession, we should be fully aware of the risks – of how one might get instantly disoriented in a dark room filled with acrid black smoke, where visibility is close to zero and breathing is almost impossible. Both bravery and ignorance can turn anyone into a victim.
Besides planning and education, our national fire fighting service also has to adapt to modern times – more specifically to the advent of the high rise.
In reality Malta has had one high rise building for over 17 years, but it is only now that high rise is becoming that norm that the authorities are speaking about acquiring the necessary equipment.
There is no time to lose. We have to act now, before tragedy strikes again.