Pattaya
fire engines line the street as firefighters extinguish a blaze on January
4, 2011 on Soi 7 and Pattaya 2nd Road in Central Pattaya.
Pratchaya Kerdthong
Pattaya officials are reminding businesses and residents
about the increased risk of fire during the dry months.
The city’s Public Safety Prevention and First Aid unit
recently sent staff to 300 hotels, shopping malls and entertainment venues
to educate them on factors that lead to fires.
“During the winter months, the weather is very dry and
windy. If we neglect fire sources or lack knowledge about prevention and
control, the chances of accidental fires and destruction are high,” said
public safety office head Surachai Sawasdivichian.
Fuel, heat and weather are the three leading factors in
accidental blazes. The government urges residents, business owners and
property managers to be mindful of rubbish and leaving dry, flammable
materials around.
Thailand is also not well known for its electrical
expertise and faulty wiring and short circuits remain the leading source of
industrial fires. Government fire prevention experts say careless behavior
in factories, wiring too weak to handle large amounts of current and old
circuit breakers are all factors that need to be addressed.
Finally, experts warn people to take care when storing
flammable liquids such as paint, thinners, gasoline and other
petroleum-based products. It takes only a spark from a welding torch to set
off an explosion.
City fire prevention officials said if people are extra
cautious, most fires can be prevented during the dry season. But hotels,
businesses and others should still maintain their fire alarm systems,
including making sure emergency lighting, fire exits and alarms are all in
working order.
In the event of a fire in Pattaya City, please call 199 or the 24-hour
direct line to Pattaya Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office at
038-424-678.
