Bhubaneswar, Aug. 11: The fire services directorate has decided to extend its support to homeowners to install safety measures in their homes.

Although it is not mandatory to install fire safety devices in private households that are less than 15m high according to the National Building Code of India, fire department officials said they would help house owners tackle fires.

"Though high-rise buildings higher than 15m must take fire safety measures, we are ready to help individual house owners seeking to install fire-fighting devices at their homes if they approach us," said Bhubaneswar's deputy fire officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi.

On August 3, five people, including four members of businessman and hotelier Satpal Singh's family, died in a fire at his palatial residence on Cuttack Road.

"Fire extinguishers available in the market cost a few thousand rupees. These maybe small, but the extinguishers can be extremely beneficial in stopping the spread of fire in case of a mishap. Besides, house owners can install fire alarms and smoke detection systems by spending an additional few thousand rupees," said a fire official.

Fire department officials also had advice for house owners who are not willing to spend thousands to buy ready-made extinguishers. According to an official, fire extinguishers can be made at home using a mixture of fine sand and baking soda in a container. These can be used to contain small fires caused by oil and petroleum products.

There have also been instances where visibility has been a hindrance for fire fighters during rescue operations as smoke engulfs an establishment.

"The house should be properly ventilated so that in case of any fire emergency, smoke can escape. Children should also be made aware about such emergencies as they are the most vulnerable," said the official.

Fire department officials also said house owners should make it a practice to inspect electrical appliances and wirings on a regular basis to avoid fire mishaps.

"Most of the time, fires originate from short circuits in electrical appliances. Electrical appliances such as air conditioners should be regularly inspected," said Majhi.

Fire department officials also urged apartment residents to properly check fire-fighting devices installed on the premises at regular intervals.

"They should conduct mock drills at regular intervals. This will enable them to evacuate the premises quickly in case of a fire. They should also keep an eye on the expiry date of fire extinguishers and replace them as soon as the date passes," added the fire official.