’Red heat from AC saved me from fire’

Emirates VP escapes disaster when his apartment caught fire gutting it in entirety

'Red heat from AC saved me from fire'

Emirates VP escapes disaster when his u00a0apartment caught fire gutting it in entirety

At 7.30 am yesterday, residents of the 20-storey El Palazzo Apartments at Malabar Hill woke up to thick smoke bellowing out of an apartment on the sixth floor.

In there, fast asleep, was Orhan Abbas (35), VP, Emirates Airlines. His driver and cook were in the servants' room.
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According to Sub-inspector T P Dewoolkar of Malabar Hill police station, Orhan, who is from the UAE, said he returned to India after a month's vacation in Dubai at 3.30 am on Monday and headed straight to his apartment at El Palazzo.

Orhan switched on the AC before going to sleep. In fact, that's what set off the fire. "It was a miracle that I woke up in time, because of the heat from the fire.

The cook and driver tried to put out the fire by using a fire extinguisher, but called the fire department when it raged out of control.

Chief Fire Officer P D Kargupikar said, "The entire three-BHK flat measuring 2,500 sq ft was filled with thick smoke and the two bedrooms were completely gutted. The fire quickly spread because of the wooden furniture."

Around eight fire engines were rushed to the spot and the fire was brought under control in 30 minutes. The estimated loss would be a few lakhs.

"In most high-rises, escape routes are blocked. Hand-pumps and sprinkler systems don't work and fire alarms and extinguishers are missing from most buildings.
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In fact, nearly 70 to 80 per cent high rises neglect fire safety measures," said Kargupikar.

Be prepared for a u00a0fire emergency

> Install and maintain fire alarms
> Beware of the building evacuation plan
> Keep fire extinguishers in every apartment and in lobbies and ensure residents and security staff know how to use them.
> Have regular fire drills
> Get your home and belongings insured
> Use the stairs to escape, not the lift
> Alert family members and neighbours about the fire/smoke
> Fire emergency number (101, 23085991, 2308592)
Courtesy: Mumbai Fire Brigade

If you cannot easily and quickly put out a fire then it's too dangerous to try. You should not use your fire extinguisher if:
You aren't sure it's the right extinguisher for the type of fire.
You're too nervous or forgot how to use it.
The fire is bigger than a typical trash can.
Flames are quickly spreading.
The fire looks as though it could block your escape route.

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