Firemen face challenges in tackling infernos at tall buildings

April 5, 2022/ Khmer Times

Firefighters face numerous challenges in tackling fires in the capital because of narrow roads in densely populated areas.

Brigadier General Soum Sokhim, Deputy director of Phnom Penh Municipal fire prevention department, said fire trucks often had difficulty getting close to the fire, or find a suitable place to park their emergency vehicle.

“This is because of the narrow roads made worse by people who have occupied the sidewalks. Firefighters will also find it difficult to lay their hoses,” he said.

He noted that some house owners had built or extended their kitchen onto the sidewalks, making the street and alleyway narrower.

“Our men are also impeded by the lack of fire hydrants and will often not be able to locate one that nearby the fire.

“It is also an uphill task for firemen when a fire breaks out in high-rise buildings,” he said.

Brig Gen Sokhim lamented that fire-fighting water hoses were sometimes not long enough for the job.

“If a fire truck cannot get near to the fire, or if a fire hydrant is far away, imagine what it takes to fight a fire in high rise building,” he lamented.

Some gated communities have no fire hydrants which made it hard for firemen to get water as quickly as possible, according to Brig Gen Sokhim.

He said that gated communities should have fire hydrants for firemen to fill their trucks.

“There should be a hydrant every 200m and 300m,” he added.

Brig Gen Sokhim urged residents to equip their homes with fire extinguishers.

“They should keep it in a place where it is easily located but not in the kitchen,” Brig Gen Sokhim said.

“Fires are usually caused by incense sticks, candles or faulty electrical short circuits. Fire have also been found to have been caused by cooking pots left unattended.

Fireman Ou Sovisal, who has been stationed in Chbar Ampov district for two years, said lamp posts entangled with electrical wires also hampered fire-fighting effort.

“We also lack equipment such as suits, boots, hoses, hammer or cutter to open doors of a building on fire.”

Khiev Channa, a fire truck driver for seven years, said it was difficult to put out fires in high-rise buildings because they lack long hoses and high ladders.

“Our equipment in use is worn out and suitable equipment are not readily available,” he claimed.

V-view apartment manager Choub Sopheak said his buildings are equipped with fire extinguishers and fire alarms.

He added that tenants have also been informed on how to escape when a fire breaks out.

Restaurant owner Tong Chanminea said his restaurant are equipped fire extinguishers.

“We follow the advice of the authorities for the safety of our customers,” he said.

Deja Café staff member Yoth Rotha, 32, said there are fire extinguishers in the eatery.

“This is to make sure our customers feel safe when they see it,” he said.

“The fire started nearby my home and reached my house very fast. The fire trucks came but they could have come quicker,” he said.

“My financial loss was great and my family are still struggling to get back on our feet. We are still struggling to rebuild our home.

“Charities and philanthropists should help victims by donating food or cash to them,” he said.

Chok Sokhon, 74, was renting a house in the village, living with six children.

She said firemen could not do much because the fire was raging and spread quickly.

She said her landlord had built a small hut for her family to live in.

Last year, 18 people were killed and 35 injured in 670 fire cases.

Officials had said that the highest number of fire outbreaks reported were 117 in Phnom Penh, 59 in Kandal province, 54 in Siem Reap province and 41 in Kampong Thom province.

There are 1,590 fire-prone
areas throughout the country. Phnom Penh has 958 hot spots.

Em Siheng, 48, was one of the residents affected when the December 13 inferno destroyed 80 houses at Srah Chak commune’s village 3, in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district.

Japan gifted the Phnom Penh Municipal fire prevention department a fire engine with a 40-metre ladder, as well as a chemical-equipped
fire engine and two pumper engines last year to improve the city’s firefighting capability.

The equipment has helped city firemen battle fires in high-rise buildings and incidents involving hazardous materials more effectively.

National Police chief General Neth Savoeun also donated a fire truck with 30-metre ladder to the fire department.

Last year, 18 people were killed and 35 injured in 670 fire cases.

Officials had said that the highest number of fire outbreaks reported were 117 in Phnom Penh, 59 in Kandal province, 54 in Siem Reap province and 41 in Kampong Thom province.

There are 1,590 fire-prone
areas throughout the country. Phnom Penh has 958 hotspots.