New fire station may come up near Chamundi foothills

Fire stations in Mysuru combat fire incidents using this type of vehicle that is fully equipped to douse fires. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Mysuru is searching for suitable government land somewhere closer to the foothills of Chamundi Hills here to establish a new fire station to cater to the areas located around the foothills and also to the localities off the outer ring road (ORR).

The new fire station was announced in the Budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a sum of ₹3 crore has been allocated for the same. This will be the fifth fire station for Mysuru city and the last fire station established here was in Hebbal industrial area, more than a decade ago.

Mysuru was in need of fire stations, considering its rapid expansion. Many high-rise buildings have come up with commercial development also seeing a major development.

Mysuru already has four stations - Saraswathipuram, Bannimantap, Hebbal, and RBI campus. All taluks have fire stations in the district.

Recently, a major fire was reported in the Chamundi Hills, and the fire personnel had a tough time dousing the blaze that destroyed a large tract of forest land. The officials in the department are seriously exploring the availability of government land for setting up the station.

A minimum of one acre of land was essential for establishing the fire station. Facilities, including ground and staff quarters, were essential for setting up a full-fledged station.

Mysuru’s Chief Fire Officer Jayaramaiah told The Hindu that suitable land was being searched for establishing the new fire station. The availability of government land was being explored in locations around the foothills of Chamundi, Ring Road, T. Narsipur Road, Lalithadripura, Bandipalya, and so on.

“The land availability has been explored at four to five locations. The higher authorities will be informed of the availability, based on which a decision will be taken,” he said.

To a question, Mr. Jayaramaiah said population density and industrial development are among the factors considered for the announcement of a new fire station here.

With the searing summer heat, the fire authorities have been getting at least four fire-related calls almost every day. “We are fully prepared to tackle fires this summer,” he added.

“Most of the calls pertain to ground fires in the city. In some places, it is difficult for us to access the fire due to a lack of approach roads. We make alternative arrangements to tackle the fires in such cases. People should refrain from torching dry leaves/vegetation as fires usually spread fast especially when the weather is hot,” the officer said.

Mr. Jayaramaiah said new vehicles have been sought for the fire stations here since the existing vehicles have turned old, and registration of such government vehicles completing 15 years has been cancelled, as per the policy decision.

“The requirement of vehicles has been sent to the government. It may take some time to get the new vehicles. But we have made plans to manage the situation with the existing fleet,” the officer said.