Perennial fire hazard

In recent months, scores of homes-particularly shanty dwellings in various colonies-have been reduced to ashes in Dimapur, leaving hundreds homeless. These devastating incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive fire safety measures to prevent further tragedies. The foremost priority after such incidents, is on immediate relief and rehabilitation of the fire victims. The authorities need to seriously rethink on the policy in dealing with such calamities so that there is no delay. The other is over fire prevention measures that ought to be given top priority. Fire safety, however, is not solely the responsibility of firefighting services-it also falls under the jurisdiction of civic authorities. In many states, fire safety regulations are strictly enforced during the construction of buildings, requiring owners to obtain fire safety certifications. Strict implementation of fire safety norms in Dimapur is crucial to ensure public safety. With the increasing number of shops and commercial establishments, authorities must enforce rules prohibiting the storage of inflammable substances in congested areas.Additionally, restaurants, hotels, and bakeries using LPG or coal-based cooking must undergo regular fire safety inspections. Any negligence in these establishments could lead to disastrous consequences. Another area of concern is the narrow and encroached roads in various colonies, which obstruct fire engines from reaching affected areas swiftly. Authorities must take strict action to clear encroachments and ensure accessible pathways for emergency responders.Vehicle garages located in densely populated areas also pose a serious fire hazard. The presence of petroleum-based lubricants, fuel residues, and inflammable waste materials significantly increases the risk of uncontrollable fires. Since such fires cannot be extinguished with water, chemical foam fire tenders must be deployed in strategic locations to handle fuel-based fires effectively.It needs to be emphasized that strengthening the Nagaland Fire Service Department is crucial in various ways. This requires equipping the department with modern fire-resistant protective gear, advanced firefighting equipment, and well-trained personnel. With Dimapur and other districts experiencing rapid urbanization, the growing population and increasing number of residential and commercial structures demand a greater number of fire tenders and trained fire personnel. A thorough review by a specialized committee is essential to assess current firefighting capabilities and plan for future expansion.One of the glaring issues witnessed during recent fires was the lack of protective gear for firefighters. Brave fire personnel battled raging flames without adequate protective clothing, exposing themselves to serious health risks. Many of these fires involve burning plastics, paints, and chemicals, which release toxic fumes. Prolonged exposure to these noxious gases can cause severe bronchial ailments and long-term health complications for firefighters.Another pressing concern is the breakdown of fire tenders during refilling operations. Such failures disrupt firefighting efforts and can cost valuable time, potentially worsening the destruction. To mitigate this risk, authorities must consider establishing large water reservoirs at strategic locations to ensure uninterrupted water supply during fire emergencies. Unless immediate steps are taken to enforce fire safety regulations, Dimapur remains vulnerable to potential catastrophes. Fire prevention and preparedness must be treated as a priority rather than an afterthought. Authorities must act swiftly to modernize firefighting services, regulate construction practices, and implement strict safety measures- because failure to do so could lead to even greater disasters in the future. This is to be understood since dry and windy months ahead, are harbinger to outbreak of fires.