Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 2: The Fire and Emergency Services Department (F&ES) has ramped up its preparedness as fire incidents typically see a spike during winter. Officials said the department is well-prepared and on alert, with teams fully equipped to respond promptly and minimise damages.
The Deputy Director of the F&ES, Er Aqib Hussain said the department is vigilant and proactive, especially during the ongoing dry spell, which has contributed to an increase in fire-related cases mostly involving Chinar trees and dry grass.
“The department is on alert to handle the fire incidents during the upcoming winter season. With the number of incidents increasing, our team is well-equipped to respond promptly and minimize damage,” he said.
Er Hussain said that to mitigate risks, the department has issued safety guidelines, urging residents to avoid storing flammable materials, such as charcoal, in attics or other vulnerable areas of their homes.
The Deputy Director further said that when the department receives a fire call, the response time is within minutes. “We first assess the type of fire and then dispatch the appropriate teams. We have fire tenders, normal water tenders, DCB tenders, and hydraulic platforms for dealing with high-rise buildings,” he added.
Data accessed reveals that a total of 6,031 incidents, including fire emergencies and rescue operations, have been managed across the Union Territory so far this year. As part of its preparedness, the department has prioritised awareness campaigns, it adds.
In 2024, over 2,500 fire safety programs were conducted, reaching 159,108 students across 1,239 educational institutions, according to the data, which added that 54,450 participants from the general public were engaged in fire safety awareness efforts.
