RWAs propose fire safety cells to tackle fire accidents in residential colonies

RWAs in Hyderabad have proposed Fire Safety Cells in residential colonies to improve emergency response. The plan includes trained volunteers, fire drills in 500 societies, and a single-window NOC system. Officials discussed the proposal during Fire Service Week.

Hyderabad: The United Federation of RWAs, an apex body of RWAs in Greater Hyderabad, has proposed setting up Fire Safety Cells to tackle fire mishaps in residential colonies.

The proposal emerged after the Director General, Fire Services, had sought RWA participation during the ongoing National Fire Service Week celebrations, in the context of fire mishaps reported in recent times at apartments in several areas, said UFERWAS secretary general, RSV Badrinath.

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At a Fire Service Week meeting at the DG Fire Services office at Nanakramguda, Badrinath spoke about the role of residential welfare associations, saying that over 30,000 RWAs can act as first responders in gated communities and are critical to last-mile fire safety.

UFERWAS proposed the formation of RWA Fire Safety Cells in all colonies with more than 1,000 units, with trained volunteers for evacuation, basic firefighting and liaison with the nearest fire station. It also proposed fire safety drills across 500 pilot RWAs in the State. In addition, UFERWAS proposed a single-window Fire NOC helpdesk for RWAs to ensure compliance without harassment, said an RWA member.

Vikram Singh Maan, Director General, Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defense, explained the role of residential welfare associations in observing fire safety norms in RWAs.