11-06-2025
What To Do If You're Trapped In A Fire: Lessons From The Dwarka Tragedy
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The recent Dwarka fire highlights why it's essential for high-rise residents to understand basic fire survival strategies, especially when help may take time to arrive
On Tuesday morning, a fire broke out on the seventh floor of Shapath Society in Delhi's Dwarka Sector 13. Within minutes, thick black smoke engulfed the upper floors, and flames leapt violently from the windows. As per media reports, trapped inside their apartment, two 10-year-old children— a boy and a girl—jumped from the balcony in desperation. They were declared dead at Aakash hospital. Their father, Yash Yadav, followed minutes later and also did not survive.
The fire brigade was alerted and fire tenders rushed to the spot, but the scale of the blaze escalated rapidly. The tragedy unfolded in real-time, faster than help could arrive, and more brutally than anyone watching could intervene.
As horrifying as the visuals were, they also raised a life-saving question: what should you do if you're trapped inside a burning building, and how can you increase your chances of survival before help arrives?
Don't Jump, Stay Put
In high-rise fires, the instinct to flee—especially when flames are visible—is overwhelming. But jumping from upper floors is rarely survivable unless it's from a very low height. Unless there is absolutely no other escape, it's safer to stay indoors and delay the fire's entry for as long as possible.
This is not just common sense—it's also embedded in India's official fire safety code. According to the Model Building Bye-Laws issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), high-rises must have enclosed staircases, protected by fire-rated doors, to serve as internal evacuation routes. These are meant to help residents escape safely without ever needing to jump or be rescued from outside.
If you're trapped and the flames are nearby, your first move should be to shut the door and seal the cracks with wet towels or clothing. This slows down smoke intrusion and gives you time to assess your options.
How To Stay Alive When Trapped
If smoke is already in the room, crawl low—smoke rises, and the air is clearer near the ground. Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth to reduce inhalation of toxic fumes.
Move to a balcony or window and signal for help. Use a flashlight or phone torch, wave a cloth, or shout loudly to alert rescuers. If you can call, give your exact flat number and floor.
If you live in a high-rise, consider investing in a foldable rope ladder that can be hooked onto balcony grills or window frames. Use it only if you've practised with it and are physically capable. Panic and inexperience can be just as dangerous as the fire.
Never use a lift. If the stairwell is free of smoke and heat, use it quickly and calmly. Otherwise, remain in the sealed space and wait for help.
The Essentials: Gear That Saves Lives
Every household in a high-rise should be equipped with basic fire safety tools. A small fire extinguisher can help put out a contained blaze. Don't just buy it, learn how to use it: pull the pin, aim at the base of the flames, and spray side to side.
Install smoke detectors, especially near the kitchen or living areas. These offer a critical early warning—often before fire is even visible. Fire blankets and rope ladders, when stored properly and mounted correctly, can be last-resort tools that save lives.
Preparedness doesn't end at purchasing these tools. You must learn to use them, test them occasionally, and ensure they're within easy reach—not packed away in an obscure cupboard.
Do's And Don'ts In A High-Rise Fire
DO
DON'T
What Buildings And RWAs Must Do
The responsibility of fire safety cannot fall solely on residents. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and building managements are legally required to renew fire safety NOCs, maintain functioning equipment like hose reels and alarms, and ensure all exits are accessible and free of obstructions.
Regular fire drills, clear signage, and trained security or maintenance staff can mean the difference between chaos and coordinated evacuation. The Dwarka incident raises urgent questions: Were the alarms working? Were the extinguishers maintained? These are questions every apartment complex should now be asking.
Prepare Before, Not During
In a fire, every second counts. By the time sirens are heard outside, it may already be too late. Your survival may ultimately depend on how well you are prepared.
The Dwarka tragedy is a wake-up call. Fires don't announce themselves. But with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, we can all be better equipped to face the unthinkable, and survive it.
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tags :
fire tragedy high rise buildings
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 11, 2025, 15:50 IST
News india What To Do If You're Trapped In A Fire: Lessons From The Dwarka Tragedy
