State to establish standard to reduce fire incidents

Following the special operation by the MNDF to reduce fire incidents in the country, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar has said that a safety standard to reduce fire incidents would be established.

Speaking to the press at the Kalhuthukalaa Koshi military base today, Minister Adam Shareef said that a safety standard would be established after the ongoing “Operation “Hiraas Faas.”

Cafés, restaurants, hotels, warehouses and garages are being inspected as part of the operation for fire hazards.

The Defence Minister said that their target is to finish the inspections by the end of the month and establish a standard for fire safety at such places.

After the standard is set, steps would be taken against those who fail to comply to the standards after a set period according to the Minister.

Speaking at the press conference, the Commander of the MNDF Fire and Rescue, Colonel Abdulla Zuhuree said that 744 locations were inspected as of yesterday which includes 75 percent of Malé City, 95 percent of Vilimalé and 23 percent of Hulhumalé along with 39 percent locations of Thilafushi.

He said that 75 locations couldn’t be inspected due to a lack of access and they are working to acquire the access to inspect those places.

Up to yesterday, 350 places lacked fire safety equipment and such equipment were installed at only 195 places.

MNDF said that 75 percent of places inspected yesterday were not insured.

In his address today, the Defence Minister said that insuring warehouses and garages are very important today.