A Framework for Fire Safety in Informal Settlements by Arup outlines a comprehensive approach to address the critical issue of fire safety in unplanned, densely populated residential areas, often lacking basic infrastructure and services. This framework serves as a foundational tool for various stakeholders, including NGOs, community groups, fire and rescue services, researchers, investors, and government bodies.
Key Points:
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Global Context: Informal settlements, comprising slums, refugee camps, and internally displaced persons' camps, house about a billion people worldwide. These areas are characterized by limited resources, poor housing quality, and high vulnerability to fires and other hazards.
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Fire Incidence and Impact: Globally, fires result in over 130,000 deaths annually, significantly more than deaths due to natural disasters. Fires in informal settlements can devastate entire communities, affecting thousands of lives and causing substantial property loss and long-term impacts on livelihoods.
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Framework Objectives: The framework aims to motivate investments in fire safety by providing a structured approach to understanding and addressing fire risks. It encourages collaboration among stakeholders and seeks to develop accessible tools that empower communities to assess their fire risks and prioritize safety measures.
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Complexity of Fire Risk in Informal Settlements: Fire risk in these areas is multifaceted, influenced by socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and political dynamics. The framework acknowledges the complexity and advocates for a holistic approach to consider various aspects from household level to national governance.
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Lack of Attention and Investment: Despite recognizing fire as a significant risk, international attention and investment in fire risk reduction for informal settlements are insufficient. This framework seeks to fill this gap by offering a structured method for tackling fire safety challenges.
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Empowering Communities: The ultimate goal is to equip informal settlement communities with knowledge, resources, and support, enabling them to become resilient against fires. The framework is a starting point in this empowerment process.
This framework represents an initial step towards creating safer and more resilient informal settlement communities, aiming to guide stakeholders towards effective, efficient investments in fire risk reduction.
