- Dr Asangba Tzudir
Dry and windy season is a grim reminder of hazard associated with fire. Going by statistics, in the last few years incidences of fire have been on the rise. Between January 2024 to January 4, 2025, altogether 43 fire incidents were reported from Dimapur and Chümoukedima districts alone. Now, when it comes to fire and emergency preparedness in the state, it is heartening to see that there are only 21 fire stations in the state as against the required 48 fire stations as per the technical survey conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on the topographical, demographic aspects, population and administrative set up of the state.
Now, that is just the bare minimum and which is still not achieved. However, for emergency preparedness, the worst case scenario should be brought into context while laying the preparedness plan like a case of multiple incidents of fire at the same time, and which will require additional fire tenders. While the presence of adequate number of fire stations is imperative, for adequate response in times of fire emergencies, the preparedness of the fire brigade including fire tenders is crucial so that fire tenders can reach the place in quick time and control the fire before maximum damage is caused.
Due to rapid urbanization places like Dimapur and Kohima especially have become very congested and which only increases the degree of risk associated with fire. As such, the preparedness plan should also include aerial fighting. The State may not have a dedicated helicopter fire brigade but during wildfire incidents the state has collaborated with the Indian Air Force which deployed helicopters equipped for aerial firefighting. Further, along with fire fighting preparedness what is more important is the ‘Prevention and Audit measures’ which calls into context the National Building Code of India 2016, and which serves as a model code for local governments to adopt or modify as per regional requirements. The key features include Structural safety; Fire and life safety; Building materials used; barrier free access; plumbing and sanitation; sustainability and green buildings; Smart city planning, and occupancy classification such as residential, commercial industrial etc. With the pace of rapid urbanization, it is time to seriously reflect on the safety regulatory norms prescribed in the National Building Code.
The adoption of precautionary and emergency disaster preparedness measures at every level is important keeping in mind the phrase “safety first” and which will go a long way in preventing and combating disasters. Each and every individual have distinct roles to play and act responsibly. The general public also needs to know about the safety measures including the layout of their locality so that the associated risks can be assessed. Emergency kits and communication plans are also important as an emergency response measure.
Nonetheless, an incident of fire often becomes a spectacle for many, and being a witness becomes more important than being helpful that taking pictures and videos becomes more important than helping with a bucket of water, while also obstructing fire tenders.
In sum, for fire and emergency preparedness, the bare minimum requirement must be in place beginning with the requisite number of fire stations. This should be a taken up on a priority basis. Secondly, emergency preparedness should be based on the worst case scenario in consideration of the growth patterns. The ‘kushi-kushi’ attitude also needs to change and for which the legal and regulatory aspects needs to be put in place. Finally, there is need for greater awareness on the aspects that comes with ‘safety first’ as a principle that prioritizes safety above everything else. However, for now, the principle of ‘safety first’ does not apply unless at least the bare minimum requirement is in place.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
