Observance of National Fire Service Week-2016 in progress at Orissa Fire and Disaster Response Academy at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar Tuesday. OP Photo
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Bhubaneswar: The state government would set up 45 more fire stations in the state this year, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here Tuesday.
“The Orissa Fire Service being an essential public service, our government has sanctioned fire stations for all the blocks in the state and there are 290 fire stations functioning in the state. The government aiming at setting up of 45 more fire stations this year, Orissa will have a highest of 335 fire stations in the country,” Patnaik said in his address at 61st National Fire Service Week celebration at the Orissa Fire and Disaster Response Academy premises near Baramunda here.
“The ensuing summer months will be tough for Orissa Fire Service because of water scarcity. Officer and firemen must stay prepared to meet any kind of emergency during these months,” said the CM.
Patnaik said there must be adequate protection and safety measures in place apart from effective coordination between development authorities and the fire service department to prevent fire mishaps. This organisation, which has been renamed fire and emergency services, is also the first responder in other emergency situations, he said. This was evident from Deogarh opera party bus tragedy which occurred two days ago. “Fire service personnel were the first to reach the spot and commence rescue operations,” he observed.