In Tashkent, the Emergency Situations Department (ESD) conducted inspections on April 8 to check compliance with fire safety regulations at three markets. The inspections targeted the "Aviasozlar" farmers' market in Yashnobod district, a farmers' market in Shaykhontohur district, and a goods market in Chilanzar district, where serious violations were identified, including exposed electrical wires, malfunctioning or absent fire extinguishing equipment. As a result, certain sections of these markets were disconnected from the power supply, and their operations were temporarily suspended until the deficiencies are rectified.
In Samarkand, an inspection at the "Construction Materials" trade complex on Rudaki Street revealed violations such as exposed electrical wires, lack of fire alarm systems and extinguishing tools, and improper use of spaces as warehouses. Consequently, the complex's activities were partially and temporarily halted. In Urgench, the "Urgench" goods market was inspected, uncovering the use of household propane cylinders, open electrical networks, blocked evacuation routes, and other hazardous conditions, leading to a power cutoff and temporary suspension of operations.
ESD officials emphasized that the aim of the inspections is not to restrict business activities but to ensure a safe environment and prevent potential fires. In all cases, responsible parties have been instructed to address the deficiencies, and operations will resume once the issues are resolved.
These inspections were intensified following a major fire on April 5 at the "Beshkurgan" market in Chilanzar and a nearby gas station, where the ESD found a non-functional fire suppression system and other serious flaws. Previously, after fires at the Park in Mall shopping center and the Aviator trade complex in Yashnobod district, nationwide inspections were launched to enforce fire safety rules.
The ESD continues its policy of suspending operations at facilities with gross violations of fire safety regulations. While these measures are intended to enhance fire safety across the country, the prevalence of significant deficiencies in many markets and trade complexes raises concerns about public safety and regulatory enforcement.
Source: www.gazeta.uz