Fire incidents: Joint efforts pivotal

In the ongoing winter season, the Valley has been witnessing a surge in the fire incidents with the figures revealing that more than half a dozen distressed calls are being responded by the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) on a regular basis in different areas of the Valley. The number increases at a time when the figures indicate reduction in the fire incidents in 2025 compared to 2024, indicating that the safety and preventive measures are being followed. However, with no end to the fire incidents across the Valley, the questions are being raised once again as every winter; the Valley witnesses a disturbing trend. The persistence of frequent fires suggests that the efforts to create awareness may not be reaching the grassroots effectively or are not being taken seriously by the public. Equally important is the role of citizens. Overloading of electric sockets, use of substandard heating appliances, unsafe placement of kangris and negligence in maintaining wiring remain common. In many cases, people ignore repeated warnings until tragedy strikes. There is also a need for the department to intensify its winter-specific outreach, especially in densely populated and fire-prone areas. Door-to-door campaigns, involvement of local committees, religious institutions and educational institutions can help reinforce the message. Regular inspection of commercial establishments, hotels and congested residential localities must be made stricter during the winter months. Fire incidents are preventable if both the authorities and the public act in unison. The fire incidents leading to the loss of lives and properties needs to be controlled, thus simultaneously, the public and authorities must stay united to reduce the number of such incidents to ensure the precious lives are saved and the properties are protected.