4 bikes to be deployed during Kali Puja for better firefighting

Kolkata: The state Fire and Emergency Services department has decided to deploy four motorcycles mounted with basic firefighting infrastructure for each fire station headquarter in the state, on the day of Kali Puja and the following day for more effective firefighting.

A high-level meeting was chaired by state Fire and Emergency services minister Sujit Bose on Wednesday, for finalising the fire safety measures during Kali Puja.

There are 140 motorcycles with firefighting arrangement in the department's fleet, which come in handy during fires in very narrow lanes and bylanes.

The introduction of such motorcycles was the brainchild of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had seen two-wheelers being used effectively in firefighting during her visit to Germany in September last year.

"We are setting up a number of mobile fire stations at various places in Kolkata and its adjoining areas, which have been identified as areas that are prone to fire hazards. This will help us intervene quickly if there is report of any fire," Bose said.

The mobile fire stations will be set up at Tiljala, Topsia, Tangra, Tollygunge, Bhowanipore, Behala, Amherst Street, Bowbazar, Chapadali in Barasat, Naihati, Bantra in Howrah and some other places.

The department will also set up 18 stalls at several Puja pandals in the city and districts, for creating awareness about fire safety and security. All these Kali Puja pandals attract a lot of people every year.

The Fire department presently has 144 fire stations in permanent buildings and two in temporary infrastructure.

Director General of Fire Services Jagmohan has written to Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma a few days ago to consider a proposal of banning sky lanterns, which have resulted in a number of fire incidents during Kali Puja last year.

The Bidhannagar Commissionerate has enforced a ban on sale and use of sky lanterns at four police station areas, namely Airport, Rajarhat, New Town and Narayanpur, located in close proximity to Kolkata Airport. They have a history of causing hindrance to smooth flight operation as well.