The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services is in a state of readiness with 87 fire-tenders to ensure an accident-free Deepavali, said M. Shahul Hameed, Joint Director of Fire and Rescue Services, Western Region.
The Western Region comprises Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Dindigul districts and it has eight divisions for nine districts with 61 fire-stations and two rescue stations in the Nilgiris and Hogenakkal.
Mr. Shahul Hameed told The Hindu that demonstrations and rallies have been conducted to create awareness among students and members of the public on safe handling of fireworks. Apart from this, the Department also has released a short film with message on safe Deepavali celebrations. It was being screened in propaganda vehicles and local television channels.
He said that a mapping of fire-prone pockets has been done based on the statistics of the previous fire accidents and fire tenders are being stationed in such areas. This year, the Department will also position its mini fire tenders known as compressed air foam systems in Coimbatore, Salem and Dindigul.
These vehicles with a capacity to hold 100 litres of water and compressed foam will help in combating fire in narrow lanes and by-lanes. In addition to this, fire-tenders mounted on motorcycles will also be ready at Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Erode, Tirupur, Salem, Krishnagiri and Dindigul to ensure swift action.
