PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Service (UFES) controlled 133 fire incidents across Dehradun district during May, a month marked by extreme heat and record breaking temperatures. Dehradun chief fire officer Abhinav Tyagi said the department’s quick response helped prevent major losses and saved crores worth of residential and commercial property.
According to the Tyagi, the highest number of calls was received by Dehradun fire station with 58 incidents, followed by Vikasnagar with 18, Rishikesh and Selaqui with 17 each, Tyuni with 13, Doiwala with 9 and Mussoorie with one fire call.
Some of the major incidents included fires at Panacea Hospital, a fast food corner near Chhe Number Puliya and a guest house in Transport Nagar. A major fire at an automobile workshop in Rasoolpur under the Vikasnagar area was also among the significant cases handled by firefighters. Apart from these, the department responded to several fire incidents involving forests, houses, shops and electric poles across the district.
The CFO said the department improved its response time during emergencies. Fire tenders reached most locations within five to seven minutes despite traffic and narrow roads. Fire bikes equipped with water mist technology were also used in crowded areas to control fires quickly.
“The department’s main goal was to reduce response time and prevent major damage, which was successfully achieved,” he added.
