So if you've ever walked into a building in Pakistan and noticed those red fire extinguisher boxes just sitting there looking kind of decorative, you're not alone in wondering if anyone actually checks these things properly.

When it comes to fire safety in multi-use buildings, it is unfortunately one of those subjects that only really gets attention once an accident happens. Instead of leaving things at that, however, it may be helpful to examine fire safety requirements in multi-use buildings a little bit closer, especially if you intend to purchase, invest in, or simply live in such a building.

Why Fire Safety Gets More Complicated in Mixed Use Buildings

A single-story residential building presents one kind of risk scenario. A single-story commercial building provides a completely different kind of risk scenario. Multi-use buildings, on the other hand, have both of these kinds of risks present simultaneously.

A kitchen fire in the restaurant of a multi-use building affects not just its owner, but also its tenants on the third floor. This is precisely why fire safety measures for multi-use buildings are usually more stringent than for single-purpose buildings.

Some of the bigger concerns include:

• Different fire loads for commercial versus residential spaces
• Shared staircases and exits being used by very different types of occupants
• Kitchen and restaurant spaces needing extra fire suppression systems
• Parking areas, which are common fire risk zones in almost any building
• Electrical load differences between commercial and residential floors

What Fire Safety Actually Involves in These Projects

Fire safety is often considered to be nothing more than having fire extinguishers available. However, in order for an effective mixed use development to be established, it is a much more complex process. The following may apply:

•                    Fire detection systems such as smoke and heat alarms placed in different zones

•                    Fire alarm system which can activate per specific floor or building-wide depending on the situation

•                    Sprinkler systems, especially important in commercial kitchens and other large common spaces

•                    Fire-rated doors and walls reducing the speed at which fire travels between areas

•                    Emergency lighting which ensures visibility in case of a power failure

Staircases and Exit Routes Matter More Than People Think

And this is honestly the part that gets overlooked the most often. With the mixed use building, there will be many different types of occupants that need to evacuate the building simultaneously; children, old people, employees, customers; all of whom might have to do so in case of fire. It is required by the law that there should be:

•                    The minimum number of stairs required in terms of building size and occupancy

•                    No direct access to commercial kitchen or any other high risk area

•                    Signs must be posted clearly in the visible places, not just near the exits

•                    The emergency doors must remain unlocked and accessible all the time

Poorly designed evacuation system won't function in case of a real fire; it won't even function in case of drills.

Fire Safety Approvals in the Pakistani Context

Fire safety clearance is done by the Civil Defense office along with the respective development authority in the city concerned or housing scheme. It doesn’t end with just filing one form. Normally, what happens is:

•                    Filing of fire safety plans along with the building plans

•                    Inspection of sites at various levels of the construction process

•                    Test runs for the fire system that is installed before it is put to use

And this process takes time. In fact, many small developers tend to hurry through this process and treat it like a formality. And this leads to trouble later on.

Why This Should Matter to Investors, Not Just Residents

One thing that is sometimes overlooked here is the impact fire safety compliance will have on other aspects like the resale value of the building, cost of insurance, and how easy it is to get utility services approved in the future.

The structure that fails to go through proper planning in terms of fire safety compliance ends up having problems that may come back and bite the buyer in the future as well.

This is among the reasons why it is important to pay attention to how the developer handles the issue of fire safety compliance even in the initial stages of planning.

Axis 6 of Bahria Orchard Lahore is one such project in which it is important to consider the issue of fire safety planning due to the fact that it is currently under construction by Globe Estate & Builders.

Since the construction has not yet been completed, this is the stage at which the early investor would get advantage of cheaper prices before demand rises.

A Few Practical Things to Ask Before Investing

• Ask the developer directly whether fire safety approvals are part of the current construction stage or still pending
• Check if the building design includes separate fire safety measures for commercial and residential sections
• Ask about sprinkler systems specifically if there are restaurants or food related businesses planned
• Look into whether the developer has handled fire safety compliance properly in past projects
• Don't be afraid to ask for documentation instead of just verbal assurance

Where This Leaves Buyers and Investors

Fire safety might not be your first consideration when investing in a property because you have more exciting things to look forward to, but it does happen to be one of the many small factors that differentiate a well-planned project from a hasty one.

In the case of the Axis 6 in Bahria Orchard Lahore developed by Globe Estate & Builders, which is still in its developmental phase, this is one thing you should know as early as now, especially when prices tend to be lower when the project is still being developed.

Wrapping It Up

There are lots of things that go into a mixed use building, and fire safety is one of them that quietly works in the background to ensure the protection of all occupants within the building; residents, shop owners, and visitors.

Understanding the concepts of fire safety, fire detection system, and getting an approval are some of the things that will give investors an understanding of what they are actually investing in. In this case, Axis 6 being a project in development is an example of a project where you need to pay attention to such factors.