Fire hazards rise in Tashkent amid heatwave and unsafe practices

In recent days, the number of fires across Uzbekistan, particularly in the capital, Tashkent, has risen sharply. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 35 fires were reported in Tashkent alone over a 10-day period.

The causes of the fires vary, but the majority are linked to the public’s neglect of electrical safety. According to the head of the press service of the Tashkent City Emergency Situations Department, 15 of the fires occurred in residential homes, 6 at enterprises, and 14 due to other factors.

“In most cases, people fail to replace old electrical wiring during home renovations. They avoid hiring qualified electricians and instead attempt to do the wiring themselves, which significantly increases the risk of fire. The simultaneous use of multiple high-powered appliances causes overloads in the system,” a department representative explained.

Experts note that the concurrent use of air conditioners, electric chimneys, and other high-energy devices places excessive stress on outdated or poorly installed wiring. Without automatic circuit breakers, such overloads can easily lead to fires.

Open spaces and vehicles at risk

The onset of hot weather has also brought a spike in fires in open areas. Careless actions by citizens—such as lighting firewood during picnics and failing to extinguish it—have caused dry grass to catch fire.

“Even a discarded cigarette butt can ignite dry grass. We urge drivers and the public to remain vigilant,” said an emergency worker.

Additionally, the risk of fires in vehicles has increased. Chargers left in direct sunlight, reflective surfaces, and plastic or water bottles inside cars can concentrate light like a lens, potentially causing a fire inside the vehicle.

The "Dolzarb 30 Kun" ("Urgent 30 Days") campaign has now begun in Tashkent, aiming to raise fire safety awareness among the public. During this campaign, authorities will conduct strict monitoring of fire safety compliance at enterprises and in public spaces.

The dozens of fires recorded in just the first hot days of summer reflect a troubling lack of public awareness regarding fire safety. The carelessness of a single individual can endanger not only property but also lives.

Zebiniso Saparbaeva