Despite frequently risking their lives in the line of duty, Nagaland Fire Service firefighters appear to be getting a raw deal in terms of inadequate safety gear and other equipment. This was the message received by this Reporter during an interview with C. Renbenthung Lotha, the O.C. Fire & Emergency Services department Dimapur.

He revealed that when responding to an emergency, emergency personnel must battle fire and other natural elements without the basic safety equipment. He admitted that the problems they faced were not new, but they became worse as they had to fight fires without basic equipment, leaving them vulnerable to fire hazards and sometimes poisonous fumes.

Rebenthung also revealed that the department appeared to lack the necessary resources to provide fire fighters with high-quality protective clothing and equipment to protect them from highly flammable environments, high temperatures, and convective and radiant thermal flux.

He revealed that many serious injuries were sustained by fire fighters as a result of their lack of safety clothing and equipment. “Firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations that require intensive physical work in a hazardous environment,” said Rebenthung.

He claimed that, despite repeated requests to higher authorities, nothing concrete had been done to provide basic and high-quality protective clothing and equipment to fire fighters.

The OC Fire Station implied that the onus appeared to be elsewhere, rather than on the safety and welfare of the personnel confronted with dangers while battling fires.
He also made a strong case against colony residents’ lack of concern for having normal roads within their colonies.

Rebenthung stated that some of the bylanes were so narrow that it was difficult to imagine a fire truck entering the area to put out fires. He also stated that instead of being helpful by not crowding the scenes of fires, the public milled around and blocked the scene, making it impossible for fire personnel to perform their duties.

Dimapur Fire Station Central had four old fire tenders, two preserved water tankers, and 49 fire fighters on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said.

Between January 1 and December 31, 2021, the fire station received 28 fire calls, with eight major fire outbreaks, two at Lohorijan (Assam), Naharbari colony, St Mary (Church Road), Mishikito village, Thilixu area, Purana Bazar, and Ura Villa Colony, and 20 minor outbreaks. In 2020, the station received 26 fire calls, according to him.

He revealed that the majority of fire calls were received between the months of March and December, which happened to be during the windy season and winter months, when heaters, holiday decorations, winter storms, and candles all contributed to fires.

Renbenthung maintained that most of the fire outbreaks occurred due to negligence and uncertified and cheap wiring. He also appealed to people to douse fireplaces in kitchens as most fires start from there.

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