The recent fire that occurred at a hostel in Wellington, New Zealand was a tragedy that took six lives. My heart goes out to the families of those who passed away. As news of the incident spread, it made me reflect on my own experiences staying in different hostels. All too often, especially in older hostels, safety regulations and fire codes aren’t enforced or followed.
I’ve stayed in hostels that are crammed with people, with questionable appliances, and no fire extinguishers. The hallways are narrow and there’s usually only one stairwell to get out. Some rooms are high above ground, with no outdoor fire escape or rope ladder, and no smoke detectors or fire alarms.
I remember staying at a hostel in San Diego, California and my dorm mate pointed out a very dangerous fire hazard. The oven and fridge were right next to the dryer/washing machine and they were all plugged into the same outlet. It’s situations like this that make me worry.
I understand that it’s often difficult for hostels to comply with safety regulations, but the tragedy in Wellington is a reminder that it’s something we should strive for. Hostels can be a great budget option for travelers, but it’s important that safety and fire codes are enforced to ensure the safety of all guests.