A handful of staff and inadequate number of vehicles without the latest equipment have left residents of the Millennium City a harried lot. They fear will the city’s fire service department be able to control the situation in case of a disaster.
The recent incidents have put the administration on its toes. The Gurgaon fire service department, which had sent a proposal to the state government to procure more vehicles and staff, is hopeful of getting some help, as the government has decided to strengthen its fire services across the state.
The city houses several multi-storeyed buildings and factories. The buildings are as high as 90 metre. However, the government has turned down the department's demand for a 101-metre-high hydraulic platform (snorkel). Its two snorkels are able to reach up to 42 metre only.
“We have already sent a proposal regarding the replacement of outdated fire tender vehicles and increasing the number of staff,” said SC Sihag, additional district fire officer, Gurgaon.
The recent incidents at a factory in the industrial development corporation, a paint factory in Sector 14 a garbage godown at Sector 10, etc — all could have been brought under control with the help of private agencies, which have the latest equipment.
{{/usCountry}}The recent incidents at a factory in the industrial development corporation, a paint factory in Sector 14 a garbage godown at Sector 10, etc — all could have been brought under control with the help of private agencies, which have the latest equipment.
{{/usCountry}}The department admits if fire breaks out in a high-rise building, it will be difficult for the staff to bring the situation under control. They will have to depend on private agencies for hydraulic vehicles, foam tenders and water mist vehicles.
"We hope to get water mist, foam tenders and other necessary vehicles from the government soon," said Sihag, adding that most vehicles of the department are more than 10-year-old.