Fire-Outbreak Prevention Mechanisms in Tanzania’s Boarding Secondary Schools

This enquiry investigated fire-outbreak prevention mechanisms in Tanzania’s Boarding Secondary Schools (BSSs). Specifically, the enquiry drew on the claim that fire-outbreaks which take place in BSSs are avertable. Based on the claim, two lines of enquiry guided the study: What mechanisms have BSSs adopted to prevent fire-outbreaks; and how adequate are the adopted mechanisms in preventing fire-outbreaks in BSSs? In that regard, the qualitative approach was deemed necessary for the enquiry. The enquiry employed purposive sampling procedures to select 95 informants from four BSSs in five selected regions. Data was sought through interviews, observations, and documentary reviews. Findings revealed various mechanisms that BSSs deploy to prevent fire-outbreaks, inter alia fire emergency exits, fire-resistant furniture, fire-resistant roofs, reliable electrical wiring systems, security guard, and strict school bylaws. However, the mechanisms were largely inadequate, hence failing to prevent effectively fire outbreaks. Limited school financial resources and lack of fire safety awareness among school members caused the inadequacy. © Zedekian M. Nyagawa and William A.L. Anangisye, 2023.