Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Nov 13: The city of Port Blair was rattled on Diwali night yesterday by two major fire incidents, igniting widespread concern over residential safety amidst reckless firecracker usage, particularly rockets, in thickly populated areas. The first blaze engulfed three houses at Phoenix Bay, while the second one devastated three shops at Dairy Farm. Surrounding buildings also suffered considerable damages in both the cases, it is learnt.
The Fire Service unit of Andaman and Nicobar police, already stretched thin due to manpower shortages, faced an overwhelming challenge. As they battled the flames at Phoenix Bay, news of the Dairy Farm fire necessitated a swift redeployment of resources, including diverting some fire tenders. Despite these hurdles, the firefighters’ relentless and focused efforts successfully contained the fires within 4 to 5 hours, preventing further spread and potentially more significant destruction.
Locals residents testimony as well as initial reports indicate that indiscriminate firecracker use, was a probable cause of these fires. This theory echoes repeated warnings about the dangers posed by such fireworks in densely populated areas. The unpredictable nature of rockets significantly heightens the risk of accidental fires.
These incidents also underscore the urgent need for upgrades within the fire service department, including bolstering the ranks with more fire service personnel.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported from either incident. However, the financial damages are substantial, and the fire department is presently assessing the extent of the losses and determining the exact causes of the fires. These incidents have not only highlighted the risks associated with improper firecracker use but also the critical need for enhanced fire service capabilities and safety regulations during festivals like Diwali.
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