Alice Yhoshu
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ost of us are unaware of fire hazards and equally unprepared for such incidents. Till such time it directly affects you, a fire is more often than less regarded as someone else’s problem. And when the flames light up in your domain ..its too late.
All that can be done is to minimise the damage it can cause.
Fire break-outs are unpredictable and they have varied origins, therefore, an aware and responsible public can contribute much in checking any break out and prevent major devastation to life and property, especially when weather conditions are dry.
For the fire and emergency services personnel, the dry and windy months of February, March and April are considered the most fire-prone time of the year.In the month of March alone this year, fire services in the state capital were reportedly pressed into action for 33 times. This includes several house fires, 15 incidences of jungle fire and a few on VIP duty, and this is just within the jurisdiction of Kohima district.
Fire officials in Kohima, say most house fires are sparked off from electrical short circuit. This happens when the electrical wires have outlived their warrantee and when connections are done by non qualified personnel Another area of concern is the practice of storing LPG cylinders and stoves in the same room where there is a hearth, a feature present in many household kitchens. The first safety rule for LPG users is to house them in an area where there is proper ventilation.
Fire officials also state that the frequent jungle fires, are caused by the carelessness of hunters and picnickers as well as farmers who jhum hillsides to cultivate the areas.
It is shocking that many people still tend to dismiss forest fires as mere unfortunate incidents resulting from the acts of careless trekkers or hunters and remain ignorant of the impact of the loss of biodiversity on life.
That we the public need to be sensitised to the menace and danger of fires is epitomised in the frequency of fires taking place in the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama area. In just a span of three months, from January to March this year, several fire incidents in the vicinity of Kisama were reported, of which 6 incidents are found in the records of the Kohima Fire & Emergency Services.
Towards this end, the nationwide observation of ‘Fire Services Week’ whicc begins today, Monday wherein the first day is set aside for mass awareness campaigns on fire hazards and safety measures, should be welcomed by all responsible citizens to learn fire prevention measures as well as how to respond effectively during a fire breakout.
As part of the ‘Fire Services Week’, the state Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) has earlier informed that awareness and public education programmes through various methods such as fire safety and evacuation drills, public lectures, demonstrations and mock drills will be carried out across nine districts in Nagaland- Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mon, Wokha, Phek and Kiphire.
