The Fire Department in Chittoor district, despite facing acute shortage of staff, has actively participated in many rescue operations, apart from fire-combating assignments during 2015-16.
The personnel saved 276 human lives and livestock during the November floods last year. In view of the South-West Monsoon arriving in June, the officials have procured two specially designed boats for rescue operations.
Chittoor district, with a population of over 4 million, has only 15 fire stations as against the minimum requirement of 80. Against the sanctioned strength of 275 personnel, including officers and field staff, 30 per cent of posts are vacant. Following heavy movement of VIPs at Tirumala, Tirupati, Srikalahasti and elsewhere in tourism spots, invariably about five fire engines would be constantly engaged in their service, while only 12 vehicles would be available for fire-combating emergencies spread over 65 mandals.
District Fire Officer V. Srinivasa Reddy told The Hindu that during 2015-16 there were 743 calls related to fire mishaps and 142 calls related to rescue operations.
“During the November floods, we could save 276 people in various marooned hamlets, but unfortunately with 52 casualties. Apart from this, our personnel could save many lives, particularly school children, in emergencies of drowning in tanks and ponds. Our personnel were also happy that they had saved livestock and pet animals in large numbers. Going by the November 2015 experience, we have now procured two boats and other life-saving equipment,” the official said.
Mr. Reddy said that shortage of staff did not come in the way of the department personnel reaching out to the public during emergencies. “We get calls related to drowning, snake poisoning and road accidents and forest fires. the Without waiting for police and forest officials to act, our personnel jump into action and coordinate with the line departments. During rescue operations, the presence of our personnel always provided immense moral strength to the public,” he said.
Awareness campaigns
He said that an awareness campaign would also be undertaken soon in the rural areas, targeting schools close to tanks and ponds so that the incidence of schoolchildren getting drowned could be prevented to the maximum extent.
