On Saturday night, December 7, 2024, the town of Bosa, southwest of bogotá, was the scene of a structural fire that required a significant mobilization of the city’s emergency agencies, although no one was injured.
The incident happened in a warehouse located on Carrera 88C BIS with Calle 74B Sur, in the San Bernardino sector. When the situation came to light, teams from bosa, Kennedy and restrepo fire stations acted together to control the flames.As these reached electrical networks, the intervention of the Enel Colombia team was requested to avoid further risks.
Around 11:13 pm, firefighters managed to fully control the fire, after a direct attack from four working heads. Three tank trucks, four fire extinguishing machines, a rescue unit and a specialized machine for heights took part in the operation. this action also allowed for the preventive evacuation of five houses near the accident site.
In addition, The Secretariat of Social Integration (SDIS) will carry out a census to provide assistance to affected families, guaranteeing social and logistical support.
Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán spoke about the emergency and emphasized the work of the Firefighters personnel.
The Official Fire Department of Bogotá activated its Fire Examination Team to determine the exact causes of the conflagration. Meanwhile, he reiterates the importance of following preventive measures during the Christmas season, given the increased risk of fires this season.
Key recommendations include:
- Avoid using uncertified power strips to connect Christmas lights or other electrical devices, as they can cause short circuits.
- Turn off lights and electrical devices when you leave hometo prevent possible accidents.
The 17 stations of the Official Bogotá Fire Department will remain on alert to respond to any emergency reported through Emergency Line 123.
Since 2023, the Secretariat of Health of Bogotá has issued a series of recommendations for people close to fusion to take measures to avoid irreversible damage to their health.
They are clear that it is necesary to go to a health care center in the following cases:
- In children under 5 years of age: rapid breathing, “chest wheezing or falling in ribs” and persistent coughing.
- Fever in children under 2 months of age or older: fever that is challenging to control or lasts for more than 2 days; weakness, drowsiness or irritability. The child cannot drink or breastfeed or does not eat anything, vomits everything. If you have seizures or convulsions.
- In the general public: shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, or chest pain. Cough with a purulent eye or blood specks. Depression or excessive fatigue, as well as confusion or altered consciousness. A fever that is difficult to control or lasts for more than 2 days.
After analyzing the effects that may occur in the air after a high-intensity fire, the entity indicated that people should keep the windows and doors closed and cover the ventilation slits with a damp cloth.
- Clean the surfaces and floors of the house using cloths or rags moistened with water to prevent dust from rising.
- Avoid approaching the fire area to avoid smoke inhalation.
- Cover yoru nose and mouth with a mask or moist handkerchief if you are nearby.
- limit vigorous outdoor physical activity for vulnerable people such as children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, the elderly (over 60 years of age) and people with diseases such as COPD, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer on them.
What are the best practices for fire safety training in communities?
title: Understanding Emergency Response: An Interview with a Fire Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the critical world of emergency response, especially focusing on fire safety protocols, as exemplified by a recent incident in Bosa, Bogotá.Joining us is Dr. Laura Ruiz,a renowned fire safety expert with over 15 years in the field. Welcome, Dr. Ruiz!
Dr. Laura Ruiz: Thank you for having me! I’m excited too discuss this crucial topic.
Editor: Let’s jump straight in. On December 7th,2024,Bosa experienced a significant structural fire that required a large mobilization of emergency services. Can you explain the typical response process in such situations?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. When a fire is reported, the first step is a coordinated response from local fire departments. As seen in Bosa, multiple fire stations, including Bosa, Kennedy, and Restrepo, collaborated to tackle the situation efficiently. This multi-agency response allows for faster resource allocation and minimizes risks to both responders and the public.
Editor: It’s noteworthy that, although significant resources were deployed, there were no injuries reported. What factors contribute to a successful outcome in such emergencies?
dr. Ruiz: Several key factors are critical in ensuring the safety of both firefighters and civilians. First and foremost is the training of the fire department personnel. In this case, their experience and preparedness to handle structural fires likely played a significant role. Additionally, rapid communication with utility providers—like Enel Colombia in this instance—allowed for the safe management of the situation, especially when flames reached electrical networks, which presents severe risks.
Editor: Speaking of risks, what preventive measures can communities take to reduce the occurrence of such fires?
Dr.Ruiz: Education is essential.Communities can benefit from regular fire safety workshops and drills that teach fire prevention strategies and proper emergency response. Regular inspections of commercial buildings and warehousing facilities are also crucial to ensure they meet fire safety regulations.Furthermore, having accessible fire exits, functioning alarms, and suppression systems can drastically improve safety outcomes.
Editor: Very insightful! Regarding the warehouse in Bosa, what specific challenges do firefighters face while battling a fire in a commercial setting?
Dr. Ruiz: Commercial buildings often present unique challenges. They can contain hazardous materials, may have complex layouts, and often involve larger volumes of combustible materials. Firefighters must quickly assess these factors to devise an effective strategy. Moreover, the structures may not adhere to fire safety regulations, which can complicate operations. Therefore, pre-planning and knowledge of local facilities are vital for successful intervention.
Editor: Let’s talk about community involvement. How can citizens contribute to fire prevention and effective emergency response?
Dr. Ruiz: Community engagement is vital. Citizens should be aware of their local emergency procedures, participate in fire safety drills, and educate themselves about potential fire hazards in their homes and neighborhoods. Encouraging open communication with local fire services can also foster a collaborative environment where information about potential risks can be shared easily.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that both preparedness and community involvement are crucial in enhancing fire safety and response efforts.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues. Remember,we all play a role in fire safety.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe, and remember to stay informed!