The Department of Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Nagaland’s recent announcement to submit a report on Preventive & Control measures for future wildfires to the State Government on January 9 is a welcome step in the right direction. The announcement came after the department officials visited the Dzükou Valley on January 7 to ascertain the damage caused by ongoing wildfire and to survey the area.
Since December 29 last, the ecologically sensitive Dzükou Valley, a major tourist spot and home to rare flora and fauna, has been under a major wildfire and despite collective efforts by all stakeholders to douse the fire, remnants of the fire linger.
The comprehensive guidelines, however, should have come a tad earlier. The Valley, with gusty wind coupled with dry conditions, particularly during winter, is an extremely fire-prone area. The last major fire occurred in November 2018.
Away from the Valley, fire incidents seem to be increasing with alarming frequency in Nagaland in the recent past. When two major fires occurred in the State capital over the course a week in December 2020, this column has reminded how an apathetic attitude to fire safety standards poses danger. After assessing recent reports, it noted that electrical short circuits were the most common cause of accidental fires in inhabited areas and called for adherence to simple safety standards as preventive measures.
It is understood that fire safety is a State’s subject and in Nagaland, the F&ES, set-up in late 1960s, then as a part of the Police department, but later bifurcated with an independent directorate under Home Department from April 1990, is mandated for fire safety and regulation.
The stated objectives of the F&ES, according to its website, are to save lifes and property and to conduct rescue operations and disaster management. With the rapid urbanization, development and other constructional activities, the need is felt to state and organize it in a manner that the facility of fire service reaches the common man and losses to national wealth are restricted and controlled effectively, the department stated. With tourism activities gaining momentum in recent times, the department’s responsibility has increased manifold.
According to F&ES data, from 2013 to 2016, there were 870 fire calls (671 from inhabited areas and 203 Jungle fires) and 12 deaths. It resulted in estimated property loss of Rs 71.30 crore and 12 deaths, while an estimated property of Rs 277. 63 crore were rescued during the incidents. Many outside the ambit of the department must have gone unreported. The losses are not only monetary. The precious loss of lives, emotional turmoil and biodiversity are intangible and long-lasting.
In this regard, the department and the State Government have well-defined tasks at hand in preventing and combating potential fire hazards.
At the outset, awareness towards fire safety and other regulations seem to be unforthcoming. A drive towards such measures would ensure prevention as well as ‘fire-fighting’ abilities.
Most wildfires, unlike other natural disasters, result out of human actions. Prevention, conversely, depends on them. Any preventive measures and recommendations must be mindful of this attribute.
The concerned authority should also ensure that relevant guidelines on building construction activities are implemented. The National Building Code of India (NBC), a comprehensive building Code first published in 1970 and last amended in 2015, could be an ample guiding instrument.
Particularly, the code on ‘Fire and Life Safety’ containing the fire safety norms through detailed provisions on fire prevention, life safety and fire protection, should be most instructive.
As a State’s subject, the key responsibility for fire protection and prevention lies on the shoulders of the State Government. A comprehensive report on Preventive & Control measures on fire incident is the crucial first step.
