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Urban Fires and Structural Vulnerability
Context
The recent fire tragedy in Hyderabad’s Gulzar Houz area that claimed 17 lives has once again highlighted systemic gaps in urban disaster preparedness, especially in the context of structural vulnerabilities, non-compliance with safety norms, and inefficient response infrastructure.
Structural Vulnerabilities in Urban Buildings
- Narrow Entrances and Staircases: The affected building had a single, tunnel-like staircase. In case of fire, such structural layouts act as chokepoints, hindering evacuation and rescue efforts.
- Lack of Setbacks: Absence of legally mandated side and rear spaces restricted access for fire tenders and limited ventilation.
- Combustible Materials: Heavy use of wood and lack of fire-retardant materials accelerated smoke accumulation and fire spread.
- Fire Safety Non-Compliance
- No functional fire alarms, extinguishers, or sprinkler systems were installed.
- Absence of fire exits and emergency lighting created chaos during evacuation.
- Deviations from approved building plans indicated systemic regulatory failure.
- National Building Code (NBC) mandates fire safety features in commercial and residential buildings.
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