A GUIDELINE FOR ENFORCING THE CIVIL-STATE MECHANISM IN FIRE MANAGEMENT IN NONTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives were to describe the fire management in accordance with the civil-state mechanism of Nonthaburi Province; to indicate the problems and obstacles in fire management; and to construct a guideline for enforcing the civil-state mechanism for fire management. This research employed qualitative methodology by a case study. Researcher studied the documents, concepts and theories, related studies by a participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and focus-group interviews. Key informants consisted of twenty-seven officials from government sector, private sector, and civil society by purposive sampling and analytic induction. Findings revealed that firstly, the fire management based on the civil state mechanism, consisting of a master plan for disaster prevention and mitigation in Nonthaburi province delivered to the local government for planning; the plan implementation employed fire prevention with equipment and training for the community and various departments for a fire situation; an administrative examination conducted by a working group and a central unit based on the determined standards; and a proper continuous operational review by the public-relations model based on problem nature. Secondly, significant problems and obstacles in fire management partly derived from access to the area by road traffic restrictions and density; insufficient equipment for a cease-and-desist operation and no equipment; and participation in public activities. Finally, an important guideline for enforcing the civil-state mechanism for fire management indicated a community-network support; integrated government agencies in procuring sufficient equipment for operations; and public participation in fire prevention and mitigation.