All 538 fire stations on standby for Durga Puja safety
Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has taken comprehensive measures to ensure fire safety at Durga Puja venues across the country, keeping all 538 fire stations ready to respond to emergencies during the festival.
Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Junaid disclosed the preparations at a press conference at the department’s headquarters in Dhaka on Saturday.
He said fire stations would remain on standby throughout the festival, monitor safety at puja mandaps in their respective areas and maintain round-the-clock communication with local administrations and puja committees.
During inspections, fire service personnel would assess potential fire risks and advise organisers on necessary preventive measures.
They would also publicise the telephone numbers of nearby fire stations and the 102 emergency hotline, he added.
Temporary fire stations operating at different locations would remain on high alert, while officials at divisional, district and zonal levels would stay ready to inspect puja venues and respond to emergencies.
The director general said the central control room and all divisional control rooms would operate round the clock. On receiving an emergency call, they would direct one or more nearby fire stations to respond immediately.
Divisional and district offices, along with fire stations, would maintain continuous coordination with local administrations and take necessary decisions and implement measures in line with their directions, he said.
At immersion sites, the department would deploy personnel and volunteers, road rescue equipment and ambulances. Lighting units would also be deployed at night where necessary.
Control rooms would operate at the department’s headquarters and divisional and district headquarters to ensure uninterrupted communication with fire stations under their respective jurisdictions.
Emphasising public awareness, Sultanul Afreen said, “Awareness is protection,” and sought media cooperation in promoting fire safety alongside the department’s own initiatives.
