Support Grows for Tehran Firefighting Museum

Tehran Province's top cultural heritage official has thrown his support behind a growing movement for establishing a firefighting museum.

"The cultural heritage authority is ready to provide technical and administrative support for such an endeavor," Rajabali Khosroabadi, the head of the provincial office of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, was quoted as saying in a statement on the organization's website. 

Sixteen firefighters and four civilians died two weeks ago after the iconic Plasco building in downtown Tehran collapsed. The building smoldered for days and efforts to tame the flames were hampered by Tehran Fire Department's inadequate equipment. 

The idea to establish a firefighting museum was first proposed by Iranian actor and activist Reza Kianian who has heavily criticized Tehran Municipality and city council for failing to adequately equip the fire department.

The 17-story commercial building imploded and caved in on Jan. 19 after fire broke out on the upper floors for several hours.

"It is the duty of every cultural authority in the province to honor those who gave their life to ensure people's security and peace of mind," Khosroabadi said.

The official said the equipment of the firefighters who perished in the accident and the building's nameplate could be used to set up the museum.

Khosroabadi said his office has expressed its readiness to help establish a firefighting museum in a letter to Tehran Municipality.