300 fire fighters gear up to tackle emergencies on Diwali

Hyderabad: With the festival of lights just hours away, the fire services department is ready with 300 fire fighters and special units equipped with backpack water jets to tackle fire mishaps.

Last year, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s fire prevention wing had reported 58 incidents of fire, three of which were termed ‘major’. This year, the fire wing is prepared with elaborate plans to attend to fire accidents. “Recently, new fire tender bullets were inaugurated in the city, which will also be pressed into action this Diwali, especially in narrow lanes. Spare vehicles will also be used to help people have a safe Diwali,” said Srinivas Reddy, district fire officer of Hyderabad.

The department will also deploy fire support vehicles, including mist-spraying equipment, at strategic locations such as the Old City, markets and congested colonies. Nearly 15 ‘hot-spots’ (the areas from where maximum number of calls are received) have been identified, which will largely be focussed on by the officials. Areas such as Musheerabad, Gowliguda, Moghalpura, Malakpet and Begum Bazaar have been identified as the most vulnerable places. “We will station a fire tender at Begum Bazaar and Gowliguda as these are among the most vulnerable areas,” said Reddy, referring to the fire accident that took place in Begum Bazaar during Diwali in 2012.

There are 15 fire stations which will be monitoring calls during the evening on Diwali. “We receive nearly 15 calls every 60 minutes on Diwali evening. Majority of the calls are received after 8 pm. Last year, the highest number of calls came from Gowliguda area -- 19 in two hours,” said Reddy.

The fire wing has also distributed pamphlets to spread awareness on how to avoid mishaps due to fire crackers. “In most of the incidents, we have observed that sparks emanating from fire crackers enter the premises and turn into a blaze. The fire is noticed by residents after a very long time, which causes more damage. People have to be more alert,” advised a fire wing official.

BOX

In case of emergency, call 101

Areas such as Musheerabad, Gowliguda, Moghalpura, Malakpet and Begum Bazaar to be most vulnerable

58 incidents of fire reported during Diwali 2015


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