Barcelona City Council will mandate smoke detector installation in all new residential buildings as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy unveiled by Mayor Jaume Collboni. The new plan, extending until 2036, focuses on prevention and self-protection to enhance urban safety.

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Additionally, the City Council plans to install these detectors in Barcelona’s 12,000 social housing flats. These devices, costing between 10 and 20 euros, will be placed in high-risk areas like kitchens. The aim is to provide early warnings for fire emergencies. The City Council also recommends that all residents install these affordable detectors in their homes.

Currently, the telecare system provides free smoke detectors to individuals with memory issues, cognitive problems, or dependency. Sebastià Massagué, head of the Civil Protection, Prevention, Fire Extinction and Rescue Service (SPCPEIS), highlighted the importance of these measures. He stated, “The best fire is one that never starts.” He also noted that commercial premises with fire risks already require these detectors, and the Barcelona Fire Service has always recommended their use in homes.

Adapting to New Urban Risks

Mayor Collboni revealed this strategic roadmap for the Barcelona Fire Service, designed to adapt emergency services to new urban, technological, and climatic risks. The plan addresses challenges such as extreme heatwaves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, increased urban density, and new technological hazards like power outages. It also responds to a growing demand for emergency services across the city.

Albert Batlle, Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor for Security, confirmed the plan covers all emergency needs, from the mountains to the coastline. He mentioned the potential incorporation of Rural Agents to protect the Collserola natural park. The strategy also reinforces the dissemination of preventive advice and self-protection for everyday risks. It includes specific programmes for vulnerable groups, educational centres, and large events.

Major Infrastructure Investment

The plan outlines significant infrastructure developments for Barcelona’s emergency services. Construction of a new Centre for Emergency Operations Coordination will begin in January 2027. This centre, located at the Parc de les Tres Xemeneies, will replace the current facility on Carrer Lleida. It aims to improve emergency alert response and coordination among police, emergency, and health services. The new centre will also enable real-time activation of civil protection plans and integrate new technologies, data analysis systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence for emergencies.

Additional planned facilities include a new Eixample fire station, situated on Avinguda de Sarrià at the junction with Carrer Urgell and Carrer Londres. The plan also involves expanding the Zona Franca fire station and its training school. Furthermore, the City Council will rehabilitate fire stations in Llevant, Sant Andreu, Montjuïc, and Vall d’Hebron. It will also reinforce facilities in the Collserola area and aquatic rescue installations at Port Olímpic.

Boosting Firefighter Capacity

The strategic plan also focuses on strengthening the Barcelona Fire Service’s operational capacity. It aims to increase the current operational staff of 703 members to 800 by 2027. The City Council will also enhance the fire service’s vehicle fleet, acquire more drones, and introduce a robot for fire response. The plan includes improvements in firefighter training, mental health support for professionals, and the provision of advanced protective equipment for emergency interventions.

In 2023, the Barcelona Fire Service, established in 1833, conducted 26,041 services. Over 10,200 of these involved rescues, primarily in residential properties, and 5,327 were for fires or explosions. These figures represent an increase from 2022, when the service recorded 23,142 interventions, including 8,400 rescues and 4,718 fires.

This comprehensive strategy ensures Barcelona’s emergency services remain at the forefront of urban safety. The measures will significantly enhance the protection of residents and property against evolving risks in the coming years.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.