Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services has formed flying squads to conduct surprise checks at shops selling firecrackers in the city and to ensure that regulations are being strictly followed.
Speaking to mediapersons after attending a fire drill at the Ispahani Centre in Nungambakkam here on Thursday, TNFRS director R. Nataraj said the squads would also initiate action against firecracker shops found violating the norms specified in the license issued to them.
“Selling of firecrackers at bookshops, grocery stores or any other outlet other than an exclusive licensed fireworks shop will not be permitted. Firecracker shops not adhering to the fire safety and distance norms will come under the scanner,” Mr. Nataraj said. All 292 fire stations in the city would have flying squads.
While the city police are the licensing authority for the firecracker shops, the Fire Department issued the ‘No Objection' certificate.
Fire drill
Firemen under the supervision of Divisional Officer, Chennai City Central, S.Veeramani, conducted the fire drill. Staff of the offices and business establishments and visitors to the complex were involved in the drill. The firemen demonstrated rescue methods, including use of skylift with water hose, first-aid and quicker evacuation of the building. The use of foam to extinguish fire was also demonstrated to the participants during the hour-long drill.
