Fire Safety Measures Strengthened in High-Rise Residential Buildings in Astana

Astana is home to 1,138 high-rise residential buildings, each exceeding 28 meters in height or comprising 10 floors and more. The city is undertaking systematic efforts to prevent fires and enhance fire safety within these structures. Gabit Babayev, Deputy Head of the State Fire Control Department of Astana's Emergency Situations Department, discussed this at a briefing reported by the official website of the city's akimat.

To prevent fires and improve fire safety levels, the Emergency Situations Department of Astana is conducting systematic preventive work. Since the beginning of this year, 141 residential complexes have been covered by preventive measures.

The most common violations noted include blocked evacuation routes, malfunctioning or improper maintenance of fire protection systems, lack or inadequacy of fire extinguishing tools, and vehicles parked in ways that block access for firefighting equipment.

Special attention is directed towards ensuring unobstructed access for emergency vehicles to the courtyards of residential complexes. In coordination with local executive bodies, police officers, and under the supervision of the prosecutor's office, raids are conducted to identify and remove illegal barriers hindering emergency service access.

During these raids, illegally placed concrete blocks, posts, chains, and other barriers are detected, as well as vehicles parked in violation of regulations, obstructing the passage of firefighting vehicles.

"The Emergency Situations Department urges residents not to install barriers on residential property and not to park vehicles in a manner that blocks access for firefighting equipment. In the event of a fire, every minute counts. Even a few meters blocked by a vehicle or barrier can significantly hinder the work of firefighting and rescue units. Efforts to enhance fire safety in residential buildings continue. The main goal is not only to identify violations but also to ensure their actual removal, preventing conditions that could lead to loss of life or injuries," concluded the speaker.

Photo: gov.kz