Two serious fire tragedies that occurred within a gap of six months took the lives of 158 persons between them in Tamil Nadu, writes S K DOGRA, Director of the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service. But what are the ramifications of the terrible blazes at a wedding in Srirengham wedding and at a school in Kumbakonam? The author looks at what factors create a very high potential for fatal fires, and the lack of safety awareness among the public must be understood and dealt with. Full version of text appears in 'Crisis Response Journal', available by subscription only. Click here for further details