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Heat wave causing overload on AP’s power system and frequent power mishaps

The electric wires heat up, cause sparks and fire mishaps. Rate bites on electric wires opening them up with no insulation cover are also causing the fire mishaps, officials said.

Vijayawada: Rising temperatures are causing fire mishaps in several districts of Andhra Pradesh. Last month, 2,270 fire calls were received -- against 2,186 in March last year.


Electric short circuit is one of the prime reasons causing the electric short circuit mainly in industrial and commercial buildings. Use of air-conditioners, cold storage facilities and other electric equipment meant for various purposes for a prolonged period is cited as a major reason.


The electric wires heat up, cause sparks and fire mishaps. Rate bites on electric wires opening them up with no insulation cover are also causing the fire mishaps, officials said.


The fire department has noticed chimneys in hotel kitchens causing fire mishaps. Chimneys suck cooking oil and this gets deposited and remain uncleared for a long time. Any spark can result in the chimneys catching fire and burning the deposited oils.


This could happen even in the kittens of houses and flats in multi-storied apartments.


It was also noticed that fire mishaps happen due to charging of electric vehicles -- be it a two wheeler or four wheeler. As the houses/flats are equipped with three or five kv capacity power, and with a prolonged period of charging, the power load on transformers will rise. If electric wires and MCPs (motor circuit protector) are not of standard quality to bear such a heavy load, this would result in electric short circuit and an outbreak of fire either at the transformer or at the houses or flats, officials said.


As false ceilings, especially in flats in the apartments, have become common, any spark from any source can cause fire. The material used in the setting up of the false ceiling catches fire and spreads all over.


Chimneys mainly in hotels and restaurants, function halls and at other places where mass preparation of food is taking place must be cleaned regularly. The thick oil deposits there, over a period of time, can catch fire.


Recently, a fire mishap took place in a city restaurant here. The chimney caught fire from some source of spark. Fortunately, there were only eight to nine customers there at that time and all of them escaped unhurt.


A comparative look at the number of fire calls and the loss of property and loss of humans/animals between the fiscal years of 2023-24 and 2024-25 showed that the number of fire calls in 2024-25 rose to 14,434 against 13,615 in the corresponding period the previous year. But, loss of property and loss of life of humans/animals have come down to 198.85 crore and 482 respectively in 2024-25 -- against 402.26 crore and 486 the previous year.


Fire additional director G Srinivasulu said, “As the number of fire calls are rising especially during the summer, we appeal to the people to keep a proper check mainly on electric wires, transformers, chimneys and other electrical equipment. Use quality material and ensure safeguards, and keep checking on power load to avoid fire mishaps.”

( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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