NA debates fire prevention law

The 2-billion-kip loss from the recent fire outbreak in Phongsaly province's Bountay market was raised during a debate during the National Assembly 4^th session yesterday, when members suggested the session identify the clear responsibilities of house owners and relevant sectors in the new fire prevention law.

NA member for Phongsaly province Mr Khamchan Sakountava said the draft law did not clearly set out the responsibility of house owners who had caused fires, or those of the Fire Prevention and Control Brigade and the electricity sector.

He said the fire incident at Bountay market, which occurred several months ago, had been due to a short circuit in the electrical wiring, but the matter had not yet been resolved due to the lack of clear guidelines.

Several members also raised concerns about existing buildings that did not include emergency exits for people to escape in case of a fire.

In another incident in October, a fire broke out at Vanmala Guesthouse in Vatnak village, Sisattanak district in Vientiane, killing five people, who could not escape the building because there were no emergency exits. The victims died of smoke inhalation while trapped on the second floor of the guesthouse.

Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Mr Somvandy Nathavong said yesterday that he would work in cooperation with the urban planning department to ensure all new buildings have emergency exits and road access for fire trucks.

The members also debated whether the electricity sector should take some responsibility for fires that had been caused by electrical faults or surges in the electrical grid.

The Acting General Manager of Electricite du Laos, Mr Khammany Inthirath, responded that it was not right to enforce responsibility on the electricity sector, as its duty was only to supply electricity.

“People should always be aware of the need to use only standard electrical equipment, and to act sensibly to prevent household fires,” he said.

Household fires have become a major issue in Laos, and cost millions of dollars each year in damages, as well as leaving hundreds of people homeless.

According to the Fire Prevention and Control Brigade, almost 50 fires broke out in Vientiane during 2005, destroying 41 houses and causing more than 1.4 billion kip in losses.

Minister of Public Security Mr Thongbanh Seng-arphone cautioned yesterday that one house fire could destroy an entire family's livelihood in a short space of time.

“Our population is growing every year, and it's necessary that we pay more attention to fire prevention to minimise the ensuing losses,” he said.

He added that the law, which will comprise 11 chapters and 77 articles, will act as an instrument for authorities to fulfill their duties, as well as to encourage more foreign investment.

Mr Thongbanh said the drafting process of the law had begun in 1995, and has been the subject of debate at various meetings to gather comments and opinions from officials from relevant sectors, to ensure the law is as comprehensive as possible. (Vientiane times)