DFS provides selfless service in hotspots
New Delhi: Whether it is saving people from deadly fire or rescuing trapped persons from sewers or helping animals, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) is once again giving selfless service to the nation. The DFS has been pushed into service for disinfecting COVID-19 hotspots in the city.
"During any fire incident, people run away from the blaze but we are the one who goes close to flames to rescue the victims. We are very proud that we are giving our services to the nation at the present scenario," said Ajmer Singh, Sub Officer from Prasad Nagar fire station. According to DFS, about 24 firemen from two fire stations at Prasad Nagar and Shastri Park are involved in the drive.
Atul Garg, Director, DFS told the Millennium Post that the staff in these two fire stations are only involved in the sanitisation process. "We have trained our staff and also provided them with safety equipments including gumboots, protective helmets and gloves. We have sanitised Markaz area, Nizamuddin, Bhogal, Zakir Nagar, Jangpura and Jangpura extension," he said adding their morale is high at the time of crisis.
During the sanitisation process, firemen wear PPE suits. "At the time of sanitisation, we ensure that we don't touch anything and also avoid contact with other people. For several years we have been tackling various kinds of fire
incidents but COVID-19 scenario is new to us, so we are taking precautions to save other people as well as ourselves from virus," said Mahinder Singh, station officer, Prasad Nagar fire station.
Another fireman Nirbhay Singh Meena said: "Whenever I go for duty, my children always remind me to remain safe and take precautions. Our job is to save the lives of people and animals, which I have been doing since 1996. I feel very proud that I am contributing to the fight against COVID-19."
According to DFS data of 2019-2020, about 308 people died in various incidents like fire, road accidents, and 1,638 were injured. Around 31,157 calls were received by the fire department and about 32 medium and serious fire incidents were reported in Delhi.
"In 2018-2019, as many as 297 people died and 1,597 were injured. About 31,264 calls were received. The National Capital witnessed 31 medium and serious fire incidents," data shows.
"Every year, April 14 is observed as the National Fire Service Day. Week-long demonstrations, public awareness programs are conducted but this year due to COVID-19 all other programmes have been cancelled except paying homage to martyrs at Rohini," DFS director said.
