“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity.
The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

Today’s (Feb 11, 2025) fire at Oshiwara’s famed furniture market has once again highlighted the extreme vulnerability of wooden goods to fire hazards. Oshiwara, known for its vast array of furniture shops offering both ready-made and customized pieces at negotiable prices, has become a go-to destination for furniture seekers for Mumbaikars. However, the concentration of wooden inventory, coupled with often cramped and flammable storage conditions, makes such markets sitting ducks for fires.

Wood, the primary component of most furniture, is inherently combustible. When stored in bulk, as in furniture marts, it provides ample fuel for fire. The tightly packed shops in Oshiwara’s furniture market allow fire to spread rapidly from one store to another, making containment a challenge. Many furniture markets, especially those with informal setups, do not adhere to strict fire safety regulations.

Common cause
Absence of fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and adequate ventilation can aggravate the situation. Short circuits, often caused by faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, are a common cause of fire in commercial areas. Furniture markets with limited regulatory oversight are particularly prone to such issues. Furniture polish, adhesives, and varnishes used in manufacturing and restoration contain highly flammable chemicals, making an already fire-prone environment even riskier.

The fire that broke out at the Oshiwara furniture market, near Swami Vivekanand Marg, required 12 fire engines and multiple jumbo tankers for containment. The blaze, which reportedly spread across 150 shops, was classified as a Level-II fire. Despite the severity of the incident, the timely response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade ensured that no casualties were reported. However, the economic losses suffered by shopkeepers and the disruption caused to the market highlight the pressing need for better fire safety measures.

Given the inherent risks, proactive measures are essential to mitigate fire hazards in furniture shops. Implementing a structured fire safety protocol can significantly reduce the chances of such devastating incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The Oshiwara fire serves as a grim reminder of how susceptible furniture markets are to devastating blazes. While wooden furniture remains an indispensable commodity, its storage and sale must be accompanied by stringent fire safety measures. Implementing proactive fire prevention strategies, training shopkeepers in safety protocols, and enforcing stricter compliance with fire safety norms will go a long way in safeguarding both lives and livelihoods. Only with sustained awareness and preparedness can furniture markets continue to thrive without the looming threat of catastrophic fires.

Dos and Don’ts for fire safety in furniture shops

DOs:

* Install fire extinguishers and sprinklers

* Conduct periodic checks to identify and fix faulty wiring and prevent short circuits.

* Keep emergency exits unobstructed to allow for quick evacuation in case of fire.

* Apply flame-retardant finishes to wooden furniture and store volatile substances in fireproof containers.

* Conduct regular fire drills and train shopkeepers and workers in basic firefighting techniques.

DON’T’s:

* Avoid using multiple high-powered appliances on a single circuit to reduce the risk of short circuits.

* Keep varnishes, adhesives, and polishes in well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources.

* Illegal or substandard electrical connections increase the risk of electrical fires.

* Ensure fire engines can easily access the market in an emergency by maintaining clear roads and pathways.

* Any minor fire incident or unusual smoke should be addressed immediately before it escalates.