City becomes more fire safe with 10 new fire tenders

Ludhiana: Addition of 10 fire tenders, one of which is advanced, is expected to make the department more effective in controlling fire incidents. However, along with fire tenders, more fire fighters are also needed. The Fire Brigade does not have adequate staff, especially drivers to run fire tenders and control fire incidents.
At present, there is one permanent driver and 17 drivers on contract. In order to make the fire tenders operational, more staff is required. Officials claimed that they were finalising the process of getting more staff , especially drivers to handle the new fire tenders through PESCO.
Against 147 regular posts, only 30 have been filled while 117 are vacant. Against four regular posts of fire station officers, there are three and against 15 sub fire officers, there are two. There are 67 leading firemen and 50 are working through PESCO.
Sources said that more drivers will be demanded and more fire fighters will be recruited. Officials have demanded at least 30 drivers and 40 firemen. According to norms, one fire tender requires at least 12 firefighters for three shifts.
In the new addition there are nine fire tenders while one is advanced fire rescue tender in which first aid will be available. According to norms, one fire tender is required for every 50,000 persons. The city has over 17 lakh population within city limits and fire brigade officials go to nearby villages outside limits too. Now, the fire brigade department will have 35 fire tenders in total. Fire officials said that they had a fire rescue tender which was lying unused and in poor condition. This new advanced fire rescue tender will have all features and safety measures required to administer first aid to any person injured in a fire incident. Other fire tenders are also advanced and equipped with sensors. Firemen are apprehensive about their ability to use them properly.
Confirming the move, zonal commissioner Neeraj Jain said, “At least 10 new fire tenders have been received under the smart city mission. These fire tenders will be allocated at different fire stations according to requirement. Now, we have 35 fire tenders and other required vehicles in the fire brigade department.”
He added that they would get approval for hiring more staff in the fire brigade but they will be temporary because permanent recruitment will take place at the government level.