Why Do Preventable Fires Keep Claiming Lives?

It is not only unfortunate but also unacceptable that a mentionable number of people lose their lives every year in fires that could have been prevented. And whenever a major fire breaks out, we hear renewed promises of stricter inspections and better safety measures. Promises were made, but similar tragedies continue to occur. According to a recent report published in this newspaper, electrical faults, unsafe buildings, inadequate inspections, weak enforcement of regulations and congested urban areas are behind these occurrences. Everyone knows this. Everyone also knows the remedies. Why, then, do preventable fires keep claiming lives?

Recently, at least 10 people died in a fire at the wooden TupTup Resto and Resort in Patowartek, Inani, Cox’s Bazar. According to media reports, the resort had been warned about safety concerns before the incident. Reports have also raised concerns about other vulnerable resorts in the area that could face similar tragedies. Therefore, we want to know what concrete measures have been taken to address these risks. 

In recent years, the figures for fire incidents across the country are equally alarming. In 2025, electrical faults caused 9,392 fires. The numbers were similarly high in 2024 and 2023, with 9,069 and 9,813 fires respectively. Dhaka Division alone recorded 7,179 incidents last year. Moreover, recent fires at Chawkbazar market in Old Dhaka and Drug International’s factory in Tongi have exposed the difficulties firefighters face in reaching affected buildings. It was exposed that narrow roads, traffic congestion, inadequate water supplies and unsafe structures often stand in their way. These problems are not new. Still, they have yet to receive their deserved attention.

More concerning are the consequences that extend far beyond damaged buildings and lost property. Families lose their loved ones, workers lose their livelihoods and survivors may carry physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. Firefighters also risk their lives during rescue operations. The Fire Service saved property worth more than Tk7,000 crore between 2023 and 2025, which is certainly commendable. However, such achievements cannot hide the fact that many fires could have been avoided through proper maintenance and basic safety measures. When electrical faults remain the leading cause year after year, the failure of inspections and enforcement becomes hard to ignore.

We believe fire prevention should become a priority rather than an afterthought. Building owners and business operators must ensure safe electrical wiring, working fire alarms, functional extinguishers and accessible emergency exits. These are basic responsibilities, not formalities to satisfy inspectors. Meanwhile, the authorities must conduct regular and surprise inspections, and take firm action against those who disregard safety rules. Repeated violations should lead to the suspension or closure of unsafe establishments. Concurrently, city corporations must improve road access and ensure adequate water supplies so that firefighters can reach affected buildings without delay.

It is heartbreaking to see people die just because someone else ignored basic safety requirements. We cannot bring back those who have died, but we can certainly prevent similar tragedies. Against this backdrop, we expect the government, regulatory authorities and business owners to move beyond routine assurances and take meaningful action. The Fire Service needs adequate equipment and manpower, but the responsibility for fire safety does not rest with firefighters alone. Everyone must play their part to ensure that another family’s loss does not become yet another reminder of our failure to act.