The tragic incident of devastating fire at the Gul Plaza shopping mall has pushed the alarm button for other departments as it compelled them to think about using modern techniques to immediately counter fire response if erupted.
Now the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reviewed the plan to use modern firefighting techniques, including the use of drones for fire response in high-rise buildings.
In a high-level meeting, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa has directed a comprehensive survey and categorisation of all public and private high-rise buildings in the Federal Capital to ensure strict compliance with fire safety regulations.
He emphasised the mandatory implementation of fire safety measures, including clearly marked emergency exit routes in all high-rise structures. Officials briefed the meeting that prior approval of fire safety plans by the CDA is compulsory before the construction of any new building.
It was also informed that fire safety certification for all newly constructed public and private buildings, in accordance with Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) codes, is mandatory. The meeting discussed the adoption of modern firefighting techniques, including the use of drones, to improve fire response in high-rise buildings.
Chairman Randhawa directed that the essential requirements of Capital emergency services be fulfilled on an urgent basis to strengthen emergency preparedness.
Global market for autonomous firefighting drones
The global market for autonomous firefighting drones is projected to reach approximately $1.92 million in 2023 and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7%, reaching nearly $9 million by 2033, according to a report by FactMR, a Dubai-based global market research firm.
FactMR estimates that autonomous firefighting drones accounted for about 12% of the global autonomous drone market by the end of 2022. The study spans more than 30 countries, with the United States and Europe each contributing roughly one-third of the global market in 2023, while China represents an additional 11%.
Firefighting drones address critical gaps in traditional firefighting methods. Data from the National Fire Protection Association indicates that sprinkler systems are absent in 54% of high-rise apartment buildings, 45% of high-rise hotels, and 41% of high-rise commercial buildings in the U.S., while 7% of existing systems fail during fires.
