In the past 24 hours, VUGD received 32 calls – 14 for firefighting, 11 for rescue work, but seven calls were false.
At 10:05 p.m., firefighters went too Sigulda, where two mobile homes with an area of 20 square meters and a car with an area of one square meter were on fire. the deceased was found in the fire. At 23.20 the fire was extinguished.
At 8:43 p.m., a call was received to Sarkandaugavas street in Riga, where household items and a floor of three square meters were on fire in the apartment on the second floor of a five-story residential building.one person evacuated from the smoky apartment before the arrival of VUGD, while the rescuers saved another person. Both persons were handed over to the doctors of the Emergency Medical Service. Another 14 people evacuated from the building before the firemen arrived. At 22.06 the fire was extinguished.
At 6:04 p.m., VUGD received a call to Jūrkalne parish of Ventspils region, where a one-story farm building and a firewood shed with an area of 90 square meters were on fire. A person was injured in the fire.At 8:52 p.m., the fire was extinguished.
Firefighters also went to calls where a residential house, the roof and floor of the building, two chimneys, a mezzanine cover, a sauna wall, a television and a sofa were on fire, in two cases burnt food left unattended, a lighting lantern and in three cases garbage.
How can communities work together to improve fire safety and support emergency responders?
A Conversation on Fire Safety and Emergency response: Insights from the Expert
Time.news Editor: We have seen a concerning uptick in emergency calls regarding fires and rescues recently. Can you provide us with a brief overview of the latest incidents reported by VUGD, including any casualties or injuries?
Expert: Certainly. In the last 24 hours, VUGD received 32 calls, with 14 concerning firefighting efforts and 11 related to rescue operations. Regrettably, we did see one tragic incident where a deceased individual was found in a mobile home fire in Sigulda. Moreover, there were multiple instances of injury. Such as, in the Jūrkalne parish fire, an injured person was reported when a one-story farm building and firewood shed caught fire.
Time.news Editor: It’s alarming to hear about the loss of life and the injuries. What factors do you think contributed to the number of fire-related calls we’ve seen recently?
Expert: Several factors could explain this spike.Seasonal changes can frequently enough lead to more active fire conditions, and we must consider human behavior such as unattended cooking or ignoring fire safety protocols. As a notable example, there were reported cases of burnt food and even a fire caused by discarded garbage.Education and awareness around fire safety are essential to prevent these situations.
Time.news Editor: speaking of safety education, what practical advice would you give to homeowners to reduce the risk of fire incidents in thier residences?
Expert: It’s crucial for homeowners to prioritize fire safety. Here are some practical tips:
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and check their batteries monthly.
- Create a fire escape plan that includes at least two exits from each room and practice it regularly with your family.
- Avoid leaving cooking unattended and ensure combustibles are kept away from heat sources.
- Be mindful of electrical appliances and don’t overload outlets, which is a common fire hazard.
- Properly dispose of ashes from fireplaces or grills in metal containers and away from flammable materials.
Time.news Editor: Those are extremely helpful and actionable tips. What insights can you share regarding the role of emergency services in ensuring public safety during such incidents?
Expert: Emergency services play a crucial role in both response and prevention. they are on the front lines when a fire breaks out, as seen in incidents such as the one on Sarkandaugavas street, where early evacuation likely saved lives. Additionally, they engage in community outreach, providing fire safety education and drills. Their quick response and preparedness can considerably reduce potential damages and casualties.
Time.news Editor: Considering the complexity of addressing fire incidents, what do you think the community can do to better support our first responders?
Expert: Community support for first responders is vital. Local initiatives like community training programs, volunteer firefighting, and neighborhood watch groups can enhance safety. Additionally, community funding for fire department resources can definitely help equip them with the latest technology and training.It encourages a collaborative approach to fire prevention and ensures that responders are well-prepared to tackle any incidents.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your valuable insights today. It’s clear that both individual and community efforts are essential to enhance fire safety and ensure a quicker emergency response.
Expert: Thank you for having me. Awareness and proactive measures can truly make a difference in our safety and resilience as a community.