Fire and rescue service officials who attended a joint inspection on Monday (May 19) found that in a shopping complex near Mofussil stand in Kozhikode, which was on Sunday 18 May (May 18) gutted on Sunday (May 18). The Inspectorate revealed the absence of fire alert systems and smoke detectors inside the affected buildings. Fire exits were found blocked due to illegal interior modifications to create another storage space.
“For the installation of air conditioning, the building has been divided into separate compartments using plywood and aluminum composite panels. There were no plans that would understand changes during the key hours of fire ships.” He added that the modifications were made without obtaining a compulsory certificate of objection from the authorities.
According to officials, the absence of functional fire hydrants or any accessible water sources near the commercial complex forced them to replenish water from the manachire, which allegedly delayed and disrupted the continuity of the operation. The traders present on the scene expressed concern for a while lost during the refill process.
“A large number of flex panels firmly attached to the building were added to the challenge, allowing the fire to spread quickly around the structure,” a policeman said for the crowd management. He added that the burning plates represented a threat to nearby buildings and hampered efforts to detain flame.
Officer of fire and rescue services in retirement said that firefighters were able to respond efficiently, because thanks to the neighboring private bus and wide road they could access the building from several instructions. However, he pointed out that several other commercial buildings in the city remain inaccessible for firing offers – a serious problem that requires urgent attention.
Published – May 19 2025 17:18
