With its dedicated efforts, it saved 1005 lives and saved property worth Rs 960 crores.
During the last seven years, it saved 2,301 lives and property worth Rs 4,667 crore in more than 62,000 calls attended.
Majority of the fires took place in residences, factories, storage yards, etc. Two major reasons for the fires are electrical short circuit and careless smoking habits.
As is a common feature, many times, the approach of emergency services to the fire site will be delayed due to traffic, encroachments, parking of vehicles on the roads, etc. Many do not keep parking areas within the buildings. Instead, public areas are used for parking. The entrance steps and/or ramps to many buildings will be on the road, thereby reducing the road width.
When buildings collapse due to fire or other reasons, because of above reasons, the available road will be filled with debris or parked vehicles prevent approach of fire services and this makes the fire fighting / rescue task very difficult.
National Building Code gives the requirements clearly with sufficient offsets / margins. Similarly, while seeking approvals from local government authorities, these margins may be shown in the drawing, but when comes to subsequent construction, hardly any space is kept free.
But, who will suffer. These building owners and tenants only will suffer in an emergency due to restricted access. But, the department and police will receive flak for not reaching in time or not able to extinguish / contain the fire.
Inspite of all these limitations, still the above numbers speak the invaluable contribution. And, one should not forget the risk taken by them. While risking their lives, they struggle to protect the lives and property. One may comment that they take salary, but who will risk their life for salary. It is their selfless dedicated action in the service of the public, that needs appreciation.
