F&ES issue tips for awareness, safety
Kohima, March 30 (MExN): Nagaland along with the rest of the country will be observing fire service week from April 14 to 20. For successful observation of the week, the directorate of fire & emergency services, Nagaland, Kohima has been making elaborate preparation.
The fire service week will be marked by mass awareness campaigns on fire hazards and safety measures by conducting public education programmes through various methods such as fire safety and evacuation drills, public lectures, demonstrations, mock drills etc, according to Neilasa Sopfü, DIG (F&ES).
A programme on awareness on fire prevention and safety will take place on April 16 at Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mon, Wokha, Phek, Chumukedima and Kiphire. The significance of “fire Service Week” dates back to the fateful yet historical day on April 14, 1944 at Bombay Dockyard popularly known as the “Great Bombay Dock Fire.” It was on this day a massive and devastating fire broke out on a ship, the “S.S. Fort Strikene” which was carrying 1200 tons of explosives.
Subsequently, 336 persons died and 1040 were injured including 66 fire service personnel. There were enormous fires across 100 acres and 14 other ships were also subsequently set ablaze by the explosions, which were recorded 1000 miles away in Shimla. Firemen along with military and naval personnel eventually extinguished the fires. Norman Coombs, the chief fire officer of the Bombay Fiore Brigade was also badly burnt in the fire and was awarded the “Bar to the King’s Police and Fire Service Medal” for his gallantry, a distinction normally awarded posthumously.
Consequently upon which the “Fire Service Week” is celebrated on every 14th April in commemoration of the 66 gallant officers and firemen of the Bombay Fire Brigade who laid down their lives in fighting the great fire. This day is also observed as martyrs’ day to pay homage to those brave firemen who lost their lives while performing their duties.
