Study on frequency of fire incidents and fire fighting capacity in different land use categories of Dhaka metropolitan area

Abstract

Fire, with its sudden appearance and destructive character, causes property losses and sometimes death and injury within a short time. High density of population and structures make the urban areas more vulnerable to fire hazard. In this context, fire incidents are very common in Dhaka city, especially in relatively densely populated areas. And the city is experiencing huge economic loss due to the increasing trend of fire incidents. To fight against these incidents properly the capacity of fire stations should be ensured according to the area specific land use features and population demand. The first objective of this research is to study the distribution pattern of the fire incidences in different land use categories of Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA). The study also identified the areas where frequency of fire incidents is higher. To study the land use characteristics and the firefighting capacity of the fire stations serving the areas with frequent fire incidences is another objective of this research. Data of fire incidents have been collected from the record book of fire stations during the year 2011-2013. Distribution of fire incidents has been analyzed according to different land use categories and structure types. The hot spots have been identified on the basis of density of fire occurrences using Kernel Density tool. Then three thanas have been selected from three broad land use categories like commercial and mixed use, industrial use and residential use having higher density value of fire incidents. Land use features like land use categories, type and height of the structures, access road width and availability of water body of three selected thanas have been revealed. Then detail fire-fighting capacity of the fire stations, serving these three selected areas, has been assessed comparing with some national and international standard with respect to coverage area, size of serving population, standard service area, capacity of manpower and vehicle capacity. Analysis has been done on the basis of population demand and respective land use characteristics. The basic problems associated with fire-fighting activities, identified by the fire officials is firstly the absence of fixed water source to extinguish fire. Narrow access road of a large number of buildings is another challenging issue for the fire staffs. Moreover, to serve the huge urban population manpower capacity of the stations is insufficient. The findings of the research may help the respective authority to take necessary steps to improve fire-fighting facility to ensure better fire safety.