Water tankers at 41 locations, fire tenders at 23 sensitive spots ahead of Diwali
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services (UFES) has arranged water tankers at 41 locations and fire tenders at 21 sensitive spots across the city to deal with fire emergencies during Diwali, officials said. The measures have been taken to ensure a quick response to fire incidents, particularly in crowded markets and other vulnerable areas during the festival.
The Dehradun chief fire officer Abhinav Tyagi said that the UFES has coordinated with Jal Sansthan to arrange the water tankers across the district. The department has identified around 23 points where fire tenders will remain stationed on these points and sensitive locations so that rescue and firefighting operations can begin without delay. Around 150 manpower have been used in the festival season for people’s safety, Tyagi said.
He said that more than 90 per cent of the fire hydrants installed across the district were currently operational. The department was inspecting them regularly, while efforts were under way to repair the remaining hydrants.
To keep a close watch on crowded areas, fire stations under each Tehsil have been directed to conduct three rounds of patrols daily using firefighting vehicles. The patrols aim to identify risks and ensure that teams can respond quickly to emergencies.
The department has also urged traders to follow fire safety rules, avoid overloading electrical connections and ensure that electrical appliances are used safely. Shopkeepers have been asked to keep enough space in markets for fire tenders to move freely.
Tyagi said that public cooperation and timely precautions were important to prevent fire incidents. Firefighting teams will remain alert throughout the Diwali celebrations to handle emergencies across the district.
