Panama’s Fire Department has issued a strong reminder that the use of barbecues on balconies of apartment buildings is prohibited based on an international standard that dates from 2012.

The prohibition was introduced to prevent fires in apartments and to protect neighbors from smoke emanation.

" Panamanians lacks a culture of prevention. Why do I have to wait for something to happen to me to avoid it? Said Juan De Arco of the National Directorate of Fire Safety, Prevention, and Research.

In March of this year, there was a fire in a building in Punta Pacifica due to the use of a barbecue, so it is necessary to avoid this type of incident to save human lives.

"Buildings today have prevention systems, but the measure is for an unusual situation that can occur," said De Arco

The administrations of the PH must establish regulations and impose the corresponding sanctions on their buildings.

You have to establish the places where they can be made. We have not said that it cannot be done but that it is carried out in social areas on the ground floor and that they are fixed, not mobile, "said De Arco.