Community based Residential Firefighting Strategy: A Case Study of Malang City

Abstract

Fires that occur in residential areas have a negative impact on the community, from both social and economic perspectives. In urban areas, where the high density of buildings and people is evenly distributed, the chances of loss of life and property are considerably high. Those changes are even higher in residential areas or villages located far from fire brigade access. The occupants should not wait for the assistance of the city fire brigade but should act to terminate the flame themselves to save their properties and lives. This study aimed to determine the awareness of fire safety measures in residential areas and fire safety behavior and the capability of residents to independently extinguish fires. A total of 122 participants participated in filling out an online questionnaire to find answers to possible strategies for handling fires in residential areas. Statistical analysis was carried out to see behavioral trends and some of the potential in the community to prevent fires in residential areas. This study discovered that the availability of water is mostly preferred for fighting fires in residential areas, that there is a lack of awareness of electrical as the primary source of fires and that a level of disbelief in the society’s ability to fight fires on their own. This study includes both individual and communal self-extinguishing strategies.