Fire incidents: Rising trend needs to be curbed

The statistics with regard to the fire incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since the year 2018 is showing an increasing trend, thus indicating the rise of such incidents in the last five years. Reportedly, in 2018, the Fire and Emergency department Kashmir received 2790 fire calls. The year 2018 saw deaths of 64 people in various fire related incidents while 11 persons sustained injuries. 1800 structures, 50 shopping complexes, 59 vehicles and 216 electric transformers were damaged in the year 2018. In the year 2019, the department received 1841 calls while 45 persons lost lives and eight people were injured. The year also saw damage of 1409 structures, 72 vehicles and 46 shopping complexes while 91 electric transformers also were damaged in the fire. In 2020, the F&ED received 2373 fire calls and the year saw the death of 64 persons in fire related incidents across the Valley. 1578 structures, 39 shopping complexes, and 73 vehicles got damaged in fire related incidents while 145 electric transformers got damaged. In the ensuing year (2021) F&ED department received 1929 fire calls. The ensuing year saw 65 deaths in fire related incidents. Such a figure is testimony to the fact that the blaze incidents are increasing in Jammu and Kashmir. The experts believe that the use of electronic gadgets is one among the main reasons behind the rise in fire incidents. The department-people coordination is necessary to control the rising number of fire incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, the concerned department should hold symposiums and awareness programmes in this regard to create awareness among the masses to ensure that the blaze incidents are on decline so that the loss of lives and properties are prevented.