Surveys, training camps... Pune goes the extra mile

Concluding part of the five-part fire-safety series focuses on Pune & Pimpri Chinchwad where fire officials are on their toes to spread awareness among citizens, taking cues from Delhi hospital blaze

- AJINKYA KAWALE

About three dozen personnel from eight substations have assembled at the fire department headquarters in the twin city of Pimpri Chinchwad in Pune for training in emergency rescue operations. Demonstrating the use of a new pulley system, an instructor is explaining the scope of rescue to firemen during sensitive situations such as fire, earthquake, or a medical emergency.

Although surveys and training programmes for firemen and fire officers are regularly organised at the Pimpri Chinchwad Fire Brigade Headquarters, their necessity has become more critical following the recent surge in fire incidents across major cities in India.

In Pune, which is home to numerous manufacturing units, coaching centres and universities, fire accidents have been reported in the past. Its outskirts, including areas like Talawade, Kalewadi and Bhosari in Pimpri Chinchwad, known for their industrial units, warehouses and scrappage sheds, have also witnessed fire incidents, especially during peak summer months.

During their surveys, fire personnel said around three out of ten establishments in the city do not follow fire safety norms. "We are in the process of surveying about 8.8 lakh businesses in Pimpri Chinchwad. There are challenges with fire safety when it comes to areas such as slums and encroachments, as well as unregistered businesses," said fire officer Gautam Ingawale. For instance, a fire broke out at an institute in the heart of the city this month, claiming the life of a hostel manager at the centre. The same week, in another incident, huge flames engulfed factory sheds in Pimpri Chinchwad's Chikhali.