Hundreds of municipal workers and thousands of visitors at the city's Solelim station are being put in danger daily by a lack of minimal fire safety measures.
By MIRIAM BULWAR DAVID-HAY
Hundreds of municipal workers and thousands of visitors at the city's Solelim station next to Derech Hashalom are being put in danger daily by a lack of minimal fire safety measures, according to Tel Aviv's fire prevention department. As reported in Yediot Tel Aviv, the department found that serious safety flaws have existed for years at Solelim, which houses a petrol station, warehouses and mechanics' workshops, and said the area's closure should be considered.
According to the report, safety flaws at the station were first discovered back in 1996, but the city apparently turned a deaf ear to the warnings.
Now the fire prevention department has issued another grave report, saying that not even a minimal safety system exists at the station. The report said the city should immediately install sprinklers and smoke detectors, have the electrical system examined, install an automatic electricity shut-off system, and purchase the required fire extinguishing equipment.
"The standard of safety is low and the level of danger is high," the report said. "In accordance with this, and because of the usage of the place and the fact that the instructions of fire services in the past were not carried out, we oppose the continuation of activities, and stopping work in the area should be considered."
But the city was dismissive, with a municipal official saying the city plans to vacate the area in three years and there is no reason to invest large sums in it now. Nevertheless, the official said it was important to fulfill the recommendations of the fire prevention department, and a meeting would be held on the issue.