The issue of delayed fire reporting is emerging as a significant concern, contributing to preventable loss of life and property damage. Aliki Bia, a member of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, has expressed serious concerns over a trend where individuals prefer to announce fire incidents on social media rather than immediately contacting the National Fire Authority (NFA). This behavior is detrimental to emergency response efforts during critical times.
Bia pointed out that firefighters often face unwarranted community frustration regarding delayed responses, even though they work under hazardous conditions. “I’ve seen that a lot of people tend to put it up on their social media first, rather than calling NFA,” she stated. This alarming trend can be particularly dangerous, as she emphasized that reporting a fire on social media does not substitute for making an official emergency call.
A recent unfortunate incident that illustrates this issue was described by NFA Acting CEO Joel Israel, who cited a deadly fire in Nakasi. In this case, firefighters were alerted via social media ten minutes before they received any calls for help. Israel lamented, “So we attended, we did what we wanted to do, we managed to douse the flames, but unfortunately, we lost two lives.” He stressed the importance of public education, suggesting that timely reporting could make a crucial difference in outcomes.
Israel further highlighted that even a small delay of a couple of minutes in reporting a fire can significantly reduce survival chances. He also cautioned that unauthorized building extensions and the improper use of residential properties for storage are increasing fire risks, endangering both residents and emergency responders.
Raising public awareness about the necessity of immediate reporting is essential for enhancing safety and minimizing casualties and property damage. Educating the community on fire safety measures can save lives and fortify neighborhoods. There is an urgent need to change how the public interacts with emergency situations to ensure a more effective response to fires, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.