House and building owners in Bangkok have been urged to check for fire risks and escape routes in their premises and surrounding areas and to ensure that their fire extinguishers are in good working order.
The advice was offered by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt this afternoon (Sunday), following a fatal blaze in Chinatown’s Sampeng Market, in which two people died and six others suffered the effects of smoke inhalation. Four shophouses, three cars, four motorcycles and many goods in the buildings were burned.
The governor said that, since most houses in Bangkok have window grilles, making it impossible for people inside to get out, the house owners and occupants should check areas in their premises which are vulnerable to fire and survey the escape routes in case there is a fire.
For high-rise buildings which are beyond the reach of water from fire trucks, he said that the building owners or care takers must check that the fire-fighting systems in the buildings are in good working order.
He added that city officials cannot check every household, but they are ready to provide advice or help if requested.
Another fire broke out in the Bon Kai community, in the Khlong Toei area, on Tuesday. Over 100 residents were left homeless as the fire destroyed more than 30 houses in the crowded community.
