PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In view of the heightened fire risk during Deepawali celebrations, the Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services has deployed fire brigades and emergency teams at 129 strategic locations across all 13 districts of the State. The step aims to ensure public safety and enable quick response to any untoward incidents during the festival, when the use of firecrackers, diyas and decorative lighting significantly increases the chances of fire related accidents.
According to the deputy director of Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services Sandeep Rana, seven locations have been identified in Almora, three in Bageshwar, 11 in Chamoli, six in Champawat, 27 in Dehradun, 16 in Haridwar, 14 in Nainital, 11 in Pauri, five in Pithoragarh, four each in Rudraprayag and Tehri, 14 in Udham Singh Nagar and seven in Uttarkashi districts. He said that detailed guidelines and preventive instructions have been issued to all district fire officers, keeping in mind the risks posed by fireworks, electrical decorations and increased public gatherings during the festival.
He stated that the sale of firecrackers is only being allowed in designated areas where traders have been issued valid licenses. Selling firecrackers in restricted or residential zones will not be permitted and the respective district administrations have been asked to strictly enforce these regulations. Rana added that specific deployment points have been marked for the positioning of fire brigade vehicles to ensure immediate access to vulnerable areas. In crowded markets and narrow lanes, specially equipped backpack-set motorcycles have been deployed to reach sites that are inaccessible to large fire engines. Small and large fire trucks have also been positioned in other areas for rapid response.
Joint teams comprising police personnel, fire service officials and district administration officers are conducting regular inspections to prevent illegal storage and sale of firecrackers. Any violations detected will attract strict legal action, he said. “Fire brigade teams are stationed across both hilly and plain districts, especially near locations where the sale and purchase of firecrackers take place. In case of an emergency, the nearest team will be dispatched immediately,” Rana said.
He further added that fire service teams remain on round-the-clock standby throughout the year to respond to emergencies such as fire accidents, road mishaps or natural disasters. In congested urban zones, smaller vehicles and motorcycles equipped with firefighting tools are being used to ensure faster movement through traffic and narrow streets.
Appealing to citizens, Rana urged people to celebrate Deepawali safely by maintaining distance while bursting firecrackers, avoiding the use of fireworks in crowded or enclosed spaces and keeping water or sand nearby to douse any accidental fire. “The cooperation of the public is crucial in ensuring a safe and joyous Deepawali for all,” he said.
