Better safe than sorry

With fire accidents at traditional markets have noticeably increased during the past few years, traders have called for setting more precautionary measurements to avoid great losses and further such incidents.

A representative of traders in Manama traditional market (souq) has warned of the repetition of the ‘Muharraq market scenario’ in Manama, if the authorities fail to take precautionary procedures immediately.

Manama Traditional Market Committee Deputy Chairman Mahmood Al Namliti said, “It’s sorry to see such an inveterate market as Muharraq’s being destroyed by fire two times in a period less than one year. We should not simply wait for the disaster to happen. Instead, we should immediately take preventive measures.”

“Fire accidents are not a rare phenomena in the Manama souq. Fortunately they were all small outbreaks and were successfully controlled with little losses. But, buildings at the old market are old and not equipped with safety gear such as fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems. Plus, the narrow alleys of the market make it difficult for fire brigades to enter the area, in case of a fire,” Al Namliti said.

The trader also called for raising more awareness by distributing leaflets and conducting lectures in different languages on how to avoid fire accidents and how to react in case they happen.

“Intensified field visits should be conducted to ensure that the shops at the old market are provided with safety equipment. An early fire detection system should be installed across the market,” he added.

A huge blaze engulfed a store in Muharraq traditional market, causing damages that were estimated to cross BD100, 000. Almost a year back, on June 2, 2014, flames erupted at the same market, burning several shops and injuring a few workers.

Isa Town Traditional Market was also hit by a devastating fire back in 2012, leaving 500 shops completely gutted, an incident that is commonly remembered as the “Isa Town Inferno”.

On March 2014, the market was hit again by a similar blaze. It took over a dozen fire engines and more than 35 firemen to control the fire with four hours.