Telangana Fire Department puts entire staff on alert in view of Diwali

The local officials have identified the high risk zones and based on this survey, arrangements have been drafted across the State

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Department has put its entire staff on alert across the State in view of Diwali festival to meet any fire mishaps originating due to crackers or electrical lighting. Leaves of officers working at fire control room and men at the stations were cancelled and put on alert round-the-clock.

To meet the contingencies and respond to distress calls from various places including residential areas, commercial establishments and companies while burning of crackers, lighting of lamps or candles and due to short circuits, a detailed action plan was drawn out and circulated to all fire stations.

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“The local officials have identified the high risk zones and based on this survey, arrangements have been drafted across the State,” said an official of TSDRFD.

The hubs where cracker shops are permitted to conduct business are categorized as high risk zones and a fire tender is stationed there to meet any exigencies. The industrial hubs are categorized as second high risk zones and vehicles are stationed according to the previous incidents of fire mishaps. The department issued around 6,500 temporary licenses to business for the festival across the State.

A surge in complaints of fire mishaps was observed usually between 6 pm and midnight during Diwali when people decorate shops using serial bulbs, heavy fancy lighting or light firecrackers, officials pointed out. “Establishments, where combustible material is stored in large quantity, are more prone to fire mishaps. Precautions have to be taken by the managements on fire safety, an official said.

A meeting with the TGSPDCL and HMWS&SB officials was also held to chalk out an action plan in case of major mishaps.

Dos for fire safety during Diwali:

• Purchase firecrackers from a shop that is run in an open place

• Purchase crackers from licensed vendor

• Light fire crackers in open spaces only

• Keep a bucket of water and sand nearby

• Prefer wearing cotton garments, synthetic fabrics can catch fire easily

• Always have adults supervising children while bursting crackers

• Dispose of fire crackers properly