Fire prevention concerns grow as study finds regulatory gaps in Latin America
More than half of all fires globally occur in Latin America due to limited fire safety regulations, according to a new report by the Latin American Fire Protection Network (Latam PCI), the Mexican Association of Automatic Fire Sprinklers (AMRACI), and the National Fire Protection Council (CONAPCI).
As reported by Chronica, the findings were shared during a live online event streamed across 12 member countries of Latam PCI.
The report, which represents the second regional analysis led from Mexico, identified a lack of consistent regulation as a key issue for the region and analysed the fire protection policies in various countries.
Mexico ranks last in workplace fire safety classification
The study placed Mexico last in occupational fire safety classification across Latin America.
It also found Mexico ranked sixth in fire protection equipment availability, behind Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.
Latam PCI, AMRACI, and CONAPCI stated the data highlighted the extent of fire risk in Mexico due to regulatory deficiencies.
The report pointed to a substantial gap in safety measures that could affect both public wellbeing and the protection of infrastructure.
Report calls for harmonised regulatory frameworks
The study identified the absence of a unified regulatory framework across Latin American countries as a major challenge for improving fire safety.
It proposed that the findings could serve as a tool to identify opportunities for policy development and standardisation of fire prevention practices.
The organisations involved in the study said there is an opportunity for Mexico to review its regulatory development and take specific actions to improve safety conditions.
Increased urban risks outpacing regulatory progress in Mexico
The report noted that while Mexico has experienced advances in population growth, infrastructure, and construction technologies, fire incidents have increased.
It found that regulatory improvements have not kept pace with changes in the urban environment and industrial activity.
The study emphasised that fire prevention affects all productive sectors due to the risks associated with processes, materials, and occupancy density.
Fire prevention in Latin America: Study finds gaps in fire safety regulations: Summary
Latam PCI, AMRACI, and CONAPCI published a fire prevention report indicating that over 50% of global fires occur in Latin America.
The study found Mexico ranked last in occupational fire safety classification and sixth in fire protection equipment availability among countries in the region.
The report was presented during an online event broadcast in 12 Latin American countries.
It analysed national regulatory environments and highlighted the lack of a shared framework across countries.
The study stated that increased risks in Mexico, driven by urbanisation and new construction, have not been met with matching regulatory improvements.
The report recommended addressing the current gaps to strengthen regulations and reduce fire risk.