Carlton fire report in a day or two

Disclosing this to reporters here on Monday, Jija Hari Singh, Director General of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, said occupants of the ill-fated building had effected a number of “outrageous” changes in order to expand the occupancy space. Shockingly, they had also blocked the staircase exits, she said. Fire fighting equipment was also not in proper condition, she added.

In the beginning, the high-rise building was constructed as per the approved plan. However, the occupants later resorted to several "illegal" changes. At several points, offices were built by encroaching upon the exit gate space.

"The occupants had converted the whole building into a virtual prison blocking crucial exit points. All these aspects have been mentioned in the report," Singh added. Maintaining that the fire brigade was not alerted about the mishap on time, she said precious lives could have been saved had the people used common sense and immediately called the service.

“Safe World- 2010”

Sensing the importance of effective disaster management in the wake of Carlton Towers fire incident, the Directorate of Home Guards, Civil Defence, and Fire and Emergency service will organise "Safe World - 2010", a two-day national seminar along with a disaster management exhibition in the City on March 18 and 19 at its office on Annaswamy Mudaliar Road.

The seminar-cum-exhibition, to be organised in association with the National Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi and in co-operation with the International Resource Development Centre, Bangalore will see discussion on various topics on disaster management.