Port Blair, Nov 14: In the wake of two major fire incidents that occurred in Port Blair on the evening of 12th November 2023, the General Secretary of the Andaman Moplah Service Organization, Mr. Abdul Siddique, has written a formal letter to the Director General of Police of Andaman and Nicobar islands.
He mentioned in his letter that the incidents, which took place in the Phoenix Bay and Dairy Farm areas, have raised significant concerns among the islanders due to the alarming magnitude of the fire mishaps. The incidents involved explosions of cylinders and the rapid spread of flames to nearby areas, creating a frightening scenario for the residents.
While acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the current fire personnel, Mr. Siddique expressed in the letter that the addition of more personnel and key resources could have potentially aided in quicker containment of the fires. Considering the increasing population density in Port Blair, Siddique emphasized the urgent need for a robust fire safety plan for the city.
The letter highlighted the challenges faced by the Fire Department, citing issues such as the lack of recruitment over the past 15-20 years, resulting in a shortage of manpower. Mr. Siddique also pointed out the importance of area-specific resources for prompt responses to incidents within the city.
The General Secretary urged the Director General of Police to examine the situation closely, emphasizing the necessity for preventive measures and strengthening the Fire Department. He requested to ensure the Fire Department operates at its full potential to address and contain fire incidents effectively.