As Diwali approaches, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) announced on Monday that it is implementing comprehensive plans to ensure a smooth “festival of lights”.
To maximise personnel availability, the department has cancelled all leaves and day-offs for its officers and staff on October 31 and November 1, positioning fire-fighting equipment at 39 locations throughout the city.
DFS chief Atul Garg stated, “Approximately 3,200 firefighters will be on duty to handle emergencies… we are fully prepared”. He emphasised that all casual leaves, earned leaves, and day-offs have been cancelled to ensure sufficient manpower for any fire-related incidents.
Garg noted that the fire services control room typically receives the highest volume of calls during Diwali, necessitating that firefighters remain alert at all times.
Fire department officials indicated that the DFS will station a water tender at each of 23 high-traffic locations from 5 pm to midnight on both October 31 and November 1. These locations have been chosen based on a review of yearly fire-related calls during the Diwali festival.
Additionally, on November 1, motorcycle (back-pack) units will be deployed at nine different spots, and Quick Response Teams (QRT) will be stationed at seven locations.
Key areas for water tender deployment include Tilak Nagar, Lajpat Nagar Central Market, Lahori Gate, Nangloi, South Extension, Sonia Vihar, Mehrauli, Alipur police station, Rani Bagh Market, Gandhi Nagar Market, Mahipal Pur Chowk, Mundka metro station, Azad Market Chowk, Jaipur Golden Hospital, and Radha Soami Satsang.
Vehicles equipped with fire-fighting tools will also be positioned at places like Connaught Circus, Safdarjung, Shankar Road, Laxmi Nagar, Janakpuri, Paiwalan, and CBD Shahdara.
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“The department is increasing deployment at various locations to minimise travel time,” the DFS chief added.
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Diwali, celebrated on October 31, is a major event in the national capital, with festivities commencing a day earlier.
Garg shared data on fire-related calls from previous years, reporting 208 calls last year, 201 in 2022, 152 in 2021, 205 in 2020, 245 in 2019, 271 in 2018, 204 in 2017, 243 in 2016, 290 in 2015, and 211 in 2014.
He instructed all senior officers to ensure the proper maintenance and readiness of fire vehicles under their control and to conduct inspections of fire stations to confirm the availability and functionality of the maximum number of fire units and equipment.
(With inputs from PTI)
