Fire Risk
Due to the growing social needs and the rapid mechanical increase of population in urban areas, there is now a strong tendency to construct high-rise buildings for residential and commercial purposes in limited spaces. In today’s environment, it is essential to fully equip public buildings, where large numbers of people gather, with fire prevention and alarm protection systems that comply with both Mongolian and international standards.
Globally, 3.8 million fire incidents are recorded annually, resulting in the loss of 45,500 lives. Three-quarters of these fatalities occur due to smoke inhalation, and 57% of victims were not even in the room where the fire started, according to international research.
In Mongolia, as of 2017, a fire occurs every two hours, causing the death of over 50 people each year and inflicting property damage worth more than 3.5 billion MNT. Notable examples of fire incidents in public buildings include the Naran Tuul International Trade Center (2013) and Sunday Plaza (2013 and 2015).
What Causes Fires?
Fires are most often caused by human negligence.
This includes discarding cigarette butts without fully extinguishing them, burning open fires both indoors and outdoors without caution, leaving candles or oil lamps unattended near flammable materials, using gasoline to ignite fires, using substandard electrical cables, and operating uncertified electrical appliances that do not meet international standards.
How to Prevent Fires?
- Use certified heating and electrical appliances that meet international standards, and operate them strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid substandard wiring and connections.
- Clearly label and ensure easy access to the main shut-off points for electricity, water, and gas. Maintain accessible, functional water sources and fire suppression equipment.
- Regularly inspect the technical safety of electrical wiring, appliances, light fixtures, and moving parts.
- Know the locations of portable fire extinguishers and hydrants, and understand how to use them in an emergency. Be familiar with emergency exits.
- Keep hallways, staircases, emergency exits, and entrances clear at all times to allow people and fire equipment to pass without obstruction.
- Store flammable, explosive, and toxic substances such as gasoline and paint only in designated facilities, in proper containers, and never in residential or public spaces. Avoid storing combustible materials in basements or attics.
- Clean chimneys regularly and ensure that stoves, heaters, and flue systems are well maintained.
- Keep functional, compliant portable fire extinguishers in your home and vehicle.
- Before leaving home, turn off lights, unplug appliances, extinguish any fire in the stove, shut off the water supply, and securely close doors and windows. Keep fire sources and electrical devices out of children’s reach.
- Never leave cooking fires or gas stoves unattended. Do not light candles or oil lamps near flammable materials. Always fully extinguish cigarette butts before disposal.
- Never burn gasoline, garbage, plastic, or rubber. Place unextinguished ash in nonflammable containers to prevent ignition.
- Keep access areas clear for fire trucks and emergency vehicles at all times, as planned in building layouts, and clearly mark them.
- Install not only active fire suppression systems (sprinklers, hydrants) but also passive systems (smoke detectors, fire barriers).
By installing a reliable fire safety system in your property and investing in proper prevention measures, you will not only save lives—your own and others’—but also protect your property and belongings from this devastating hazard.
