The State government has given its assent for establishing new fire stations in seven locations — (Athur) Dindigul, Modakurichi (Erode), Sengavalli (Salem), Asanur (Erode), T. Nagar (Chennai), Rayakottai (Krishnagiri) and Muthandikuppam in Cuddalore district.
A senior fire and rescue services department officer here said that the government had also approved construction of own buildings for existing fire stations in 10 locations in the State, which include Bodi and Andipatti in Theni district and Batlagundu in Dindigul district.
Though the fire tenders were in good condition, the government had decided to withdraw vehicles which were 15 years old. About 10 lorry tankers and 61 other types of vehicles used by firemen would be replaced, he told The Hindu here on Tuesday.
On the lines of a rescue team functioning at Hogenakkal, a team would be positioned at Kotagiri in Nilgiris district, he said. As there were incidents of tourists experiencing trouble in tourist spots, it was proposed to establish a trained team at Kotagiri.
Similarly, as frequent fire calls were reported in Mayiladuthurai (Nagapattinam district) and Kurinjipadi in Cuddalore district, additional water tankers had been sanctioned for use in these two towns.
Ambattur division
With a number of industries and high rise buildings present in and around Ambattur, a new division with Ambattur as headquarters would be established in suburban Chennai. The fire and rescue services department office at Egmore would also become a state-of-the-art premises the officer said.
