Monday morning an explosion rocked Prague’s old town district. It is arguably the most popular area in the city.
While the explosion attracted international coverage, it wasn’t necessarily big news — about 35 were injured, no fatalities and a gas leak was the likely cause.
But the story resonated with me. It grabbed my attention because I have a deep connection to Prague. I spend time in Prague at least once a year; it is the closest thing I have to a second home — I really like the city, country and people that much.
Selfish as it may be, my first thought was for the safety of friends. After that, I recalled several years ago when I interviewed the now retired head of the Czech Republic’s fire service; I was working for a different fire service publication then.
We talked about the challenges of protecting Prague, with its narrow streets, influx of tourists and wide mix of building construction. When I asked what worried him most — what kept him up at night — about protecting Prague, his answer surprised me.
It was the infrastructure. He was most concerned about the aging natural gas lines. The concern is warranted. Prague has had several natural gas explosions in recent years.
His other concern was for the water lines feeding the hydrant system. Czech water is rich in calcium, which deposits on the interior of the water lines. If unchecked, calcium deposits will seal off the water mains.
Unlike things such as building code enforcement, fire departments have little-to-no control over water, gas and electric infrastructure. Yet, as firefighters in Kansas City and Prague know, when a gas leak explodes and burns, the first number people call is 911 — or 112 if you are in Prague.
Despite increasingly busy schedules, fire chiefs and their top officers must elbow their way into all meetings where the utilities are discussed. It falls to the fire departments to serve as the constant reminder that municipal infrastructure is not simply a fiscal matter, but a life-safety issue.