Fire risks “not taken seriously enough”

ALTHOUGH the Balearics has one of the most efficient fire-fighting services and one of the toughest pieces of legislation in Spain, or indeed in Europe, to ensure fire prevention, many companies, buildings and establishments in the region lack emergency plans and a realistic overview of potential risks. At a conference on the subject held yesterday at the headquarters of the Balearic businesses association, CAEB, regional government Emergencies director, Joan Pol, said that there are “many” buildings on the Islands that do not have adequate provisions in place to cope with emergencies. “Although the Law stipulates that such plans should exist, it should be common sense that leads us to ensuring that sufficient steps have been taken to cope with the outbreak of fire on our premises,” he added. He was keen to point out that such measures are least in evidence in buildings where risks are considered to be low. In some cases, because these areas have been neglected, it is in just such places where “the most disastrous consequences” can occur. High risk establishments, such as hospitals, hotels and chemical plants, are more likely to have their emergency prevention plans in line with the Law.