A surge in incidents keeps fire dept on toes

In the past one-year alone, 423 deaths caused by fire have been reported in the capital indicating towards a surge in fire incidents.

In the past one-year alone, 423 deaths caused by fire have been reported in the capital indicating towards a surge in fire incidents.

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According to Delhi Fire Services (DFS), it received more than 21,000 calls and 2,598 people were injured in such incidents between April 2009 and March 2010.

A total of 21,314 calls were received at the Fire Control Room during the period as against the 16,452 calls made in 2008. During the same period in 2008, 380 deaths were reported and 2,225 were injured in various fire incidents.

DFS director R.C. Sharma said the city would get 19 more fire stations during the XIth Five Year plan.

“Sites have already been acquired for construction of the fire stations and many more are in the process,” Sharma added.

The DFS director said at nine sites work is in progress and 10 are in the final stages of completion.