Firefighters urge caution in Kwale County building practices
Kwale firefighters at Ibiza in Ukunda after they successfully put off a fire that was razing down a wholesale shop. Photo/Mishi Gongo
Firefighters from the Kwale Fire Department have urged Kwale residents to exercise greater caution when constructing homes or setting up business premises.
Their plea comes in response to recent incidents where poorly planned building practices have hindered emergency response efforts, particularly in the event of a fire.
“Our primary concern is the accessibility of buildings. We have encountered several situations where narrow or obstructed access roads have delayed our response, which can significantly impact the outcome of a fire emergency," said Kwale’s head of firefighters Mr Peter Njeka.
Mr Njeka said on several occasions, they have been forced to ask for help from other departments such as the Kenya Navy and the locals.
"Fire victims and other emergency cases' victims need special handling, but when there is no access road, it is the locals who assist… which is risky," he said.
The lack of proper planning in the construction of new structures has been a recurring issue.
Many buildings in Kwale especially Diani, have been erected without adequate consideration for emergency access routes.
This oversight can pose serious risks not only to the properties involved, but also to the safety of the residents.
Firefighters have highlighted several incidents where access issues have exacerbated fire damage.
In one recent case, a blaze at a local wholesale shop in Ibiza was intensified by the difficulty of maneuvering fire trucks through cramped and obstructed streets.
“Had there been proper access, we could have contained the fire more effectively,” Mr Njeka noted.
The firefighters' call to action is not just about immediate safety but also long-term community well-being.
“We need to work together to ensure that new developments include clear, accessible routes for emergency vehicles. This is not just about safety against fire incidents. It is about protecting lives and property,” he added.
He urged business owners to consider better planning and location choices for their establishments.
“It is important for businesses to be set up in areas with good access and safety measures,” he advised, adding that there is need for improved infrastructure to facilitate emergency responses.
