Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The summer season began earlier this year in Delhi, with temperatures rising from the last week of March. As the heat increased, so did the number of fire calls. This March, the Delhi Fire Service received 1,809 fire calls, compared to 1,328 calls the same month last year. Eleven people died in fire accidents in March, while 56 were either saved or injured.
“Usually, during summer, a small fire also takes no time to turn big owing to heat. A little ignition of a cigarette or even a spark from shoes, if they have a nail, can lead to a fire. In March itself, we have received at least 60-70 calls a day, and the number will easily be 100 calls a day in the coming weeks,” a senior fire official said, adding that 720 of the 1,809 fire calls were related to garbage fires.
Due to the rise in calls, fire officials have implemented several measures, including restricting leave for all staff members. Previously, the station officer was responsible for approving leave requests, but now the assistant divisional officer (ADO) will handle this duty to ensure maximum staff availability.
Delhi has 65 fire stations, all on alert, as is customary during summer. Also, the workshop staff, who typically receive rest days over the weekend, work around the clock to ensure that fire tenders are regularly maintained.
“All equipment required for firefighting is also being checked and repaired to ensure that everything is readily available in case of an emergency. We also advise the public to get the servicing done for air conditioners before using them, not to use them for long hours, or to leave them unattended. Besides, multiplugging of wires should be avoided as overloading also leads to fire,” the official added.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
