NMC’s bravehearts battled towering infernos, doused 1,512 fires with elan

Nagpur: In a bustling city like Nagpur, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s fire and emergency services department stands as a steadfast guardian, responding tirelessly to emergencies and ensuring the safety of its residents.Over the course of the previous financial year 2023-24, spanning 365 days, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's fire and emergency services department witnessed an active year, marked by a myriad of challenges and achievements.

Throughout the year, the fire department diligently responded to a staggering 1,512 fire and emergency calls, highlighting their unwavering commitment to public safety.With an average of more than four calls per day, the city’s firefighters remained on constant alert, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.As temperatures started rising from March, the fire department faced a surge in fire-related calls. In March alone, firemen attended 85 calls. In May (2023) too, the department attended 83 calls. November, notorious for firecracker-related incidents, recorded the highest, 96 calls.In one year, the city registered 699 incidents of fire — 149 major, 144 of medium intensity, and 406 minor ones. These incidents resulted in property damage amounting to Rs 21.83 crore. However, the fire department's efforts managed to save properties valued at Rs 80.17 crore during the same period.Data further revealed that the city witnessed 149 major, 144 medium and 406 minor fire calls which damaged properties to the tune of Rs 21.83 crore, while the department claimed to have saved properties to the tune of Rs 80.17 crore.The fire department also responded to 813 emergency calls throughout the year. Tragically, these incidents claimed the lives of 72 individuals comprising 61 men and 11 women. Additionally, 251 people, including 97 women, sustained injuries during these emergencies.Of the 813 emergency calls, the one year data revealed that 72 persons, including 61 men and 11 women, had lost their lives, while 251 persons, including 97 women, were injured.Climate-related emergencies were on the rise, evident in April’s 144 emergency calls primarily stemming from waterlogging and tree uprooting due to thunderstorms. July also saw a significant number of emergency responses totalling 96.In September 2023, when a flash flood struck the city due to the overflow of Ambazari dam, the fire department swung into action, swiftly responding to 166 emergency calls, including 48 related to incessant rains, showcasing their resilience and dedication to public service.In the face of diverse challenges, the Nagpur fire department’s staff strength of 206, including 144 permanent and 62 contractual personnel, deployed at nine fire stations, have shown unwavering dedication and commitment to safeguarding residents. “We not only cover NMC limits which comes to around 227sqkm, but also attend calls in Nagpur region,” said officiating chief fire officer BP Chandankhede. The fire department also extended its work to animal and bird rescue as they responded to 179 animal and 28 bird-related trapped calls.