Quest to train urban folk as first responders in fire

A resident of Lim Jetty wiping off the dust from a fire extinguisher at a home. Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

It is crucial that the community in George Town’s heritage enclave know how to react should a fire break out to minimise loss of life and property damage.

Narrow roads originally meant for bullock carts and pre-war houses with wooden rafters, beams and floorboards mean not only fire engines have a tough time getting to the blaze but conflagrations may flare up quickly along the tightly packed rows of heritage buildings.