Archaeological heritage of Kasaragod integral to Keralam’s history, says Minister

A devastating fire that engulfed Koder House, an 1808 building in Fort Kochi, has raised concerns over the safety of heritage properties in the coastal town. The incident, which exposed alleged lapses in the firefighting mechanism, prompted the Fire and Rescue Services department to take steps for strengthening safety infrastructure in the area.

Despite the three-story building being equipped with fire extinguishers, they proved insufficient to prevent the flames from spreading, fueled by strong coastal winds. A fire officer stated that the building did not require a no-objection certificate from the Fire department, but the incident has highlighted the need for early warning systems like smoke detection alarms and first-aid firefighting equipment even in small properties.

Ernakulam District Fire Officer Joji A.S. said the department would submit a proposal to the District Collector to install dedicated firefighting equipment, including water hydrants, to prevent future incidents. The heritage value of the properties and the possible impact on tourism were highlighted in the proposal. Firefighters faced challenges such as traffic congestion and narrow roads, making it difficult for firetenders from other parts of the district to access the location.

Property owners have since reevaluated the safety measures in their properties, and a former Kochi Mayor and heritage conservationist called for urgent action from authorities to address gaps in safety measures.