Fire safety campaign aims to reduce stove-related deaths in Soroca
Since the beginning of the year, 26 people have lost their lives in fires. Improper use of stoves and other heating sources, as well as recklessness while smoking, are the most common causes of these tragedies.
In the Soroca district, the number of fires has tripled compared to last year.
To prevent these disasters, firefighters, along with volunteers from several organizations, have been going door-to-door to educate residents on how to avoid such tragedies.
Elena Levandovschi lives alone. She heats her home with wood and says she is cautious when doing so.
"There’s nothing near the stove. I’ve placed two layers underneath it to prevent any fabric from touching it. I never dry anything on the stove," said Elena Levandovschi, a resident of Soroca.
In Soroca, there are still apartment buildings where people heat their homes with stoves and use gas bottles:
"We live on the top floor, but we’ve had a stove for many years, and I know how to use it safely. I never leave the fire on overnight. I light it during the day and turn it off at night."
More than 50 young volunteers have participated in the awareness campaign:
"Due to the rise in stove-related fatalities during the cold season, we decided to raise awareness and ensure that people follow these safety guidelines."
"We, the rescuers, urge citizens to be cautious, follow safety regulations, check the condition of their heating sources, and avoid starting a fire with flammable liquids in stoves," said Eugen Doga, Chief Officer at the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations in Soroca.
According to the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, 309 fires have been reported since the start of the year.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
