HASAN HADI / Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services (UFES) recently acquired 25 Portable Pump Carrying Vehicles (PPCVs) to strengthen firefighting operations, especially in narrow lanes and congested areas. However, despite the onset of the peak fire season, the vehicles have reportedly remained parked for nearly a month and are yet to be deployed at fire stations across the State. They are reportedly awaiting a formal flag off.
The delay has raised concerns, as these vehicles were purchased to improve emergency response times and help firefighters reach locations inaccessible to large fire tenders. According to officials, the vehicles will be allocated to fire stations after chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally flags them off.
Officials said the new vehicles are specially designed for areas where large fire tenders face difficulty in reaching. The PPCVs can quickly enter narrow streets and crowded localities, helping firefighters respond faster during emergencies and fire incidents.
Each vehicle can carry four to five personnel and is equipped with essential rescue equipment, including stretchers, ropes, first-aid kits and portable fire pumps. The portable pumps can draw water from nearby ponds, rivers or water tanks and spray it directly onto a fire, allowing firefighters to start operations even before larger fire engines arrive.
According to the UFES, the addition of these vehicles is expected to reduce response time and improve firefighting and rescue operations across the State. Officials believe the move will help save lives and reduce property damage during emergencies.
The vehicles have been purchased using funds received under the 15th Finance Commission and are expected to play an important role in improving emergency services across the State.
