PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
With the fire season set to start in the State from April 1, and the Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services (UFES) claims to have completed its preparations for the challenging period. The UFES is also planning to provide at least two water curtain nozzles in each fire tender in every district to enhance response especially when there is a risk of poisonous gases leaking. A mock drill was recently held to prepare for the upcoming fire season. During the drill, the fire personnel demonstrated the use of a water curtain nozzle.
Officials said that the water curtain nozzle is an important piece of equipment used by the fire service. It is mainly used to stop or control the spread of poisonous gases during a leak. Recently, the fire department also conducted a mock drill using the water curtain. The cost of this equipment is around Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000. It is not a high-tech device; rather, it is a traditional firefighting nozzle, but it is very useful in emergency situations.
UFES deputy director SK Rana said that the water curtain nozzle is also called a Mayuri branch. It is not a high-tech nozzle, but its use is very important. He explained that this piece is especially useful in places where there is a leakage of poisonous gases such as ammonia, acetone, chlorine, or other harmful gases. The water curtain helps reduce and neutralise the impact of such gases.
Rana also said that this equipment is also useful in areas where the heat is very high or the fire temperature is extremely intense, making it difficult for firefighters to go close to the spot. In such situations, firefighters place the water curtain branch between themselves and the fire and use a jet of water to cool down the temperature. In this way, it also works as a cooling water curtain.
He further said that the department is planning to ensure that every fire vehicle in all districts has at least two water curtain nozzles. Some have already been provided, and the process of supplying more is currently underway.
According to officials, there were 2,343 fire incidents reported in the State in 2025, out of which five were fake calls. In 2024, a total of 2,455 fire incidents were reported.
