By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Emergency Response Centre (ERC) of GVK EMRI – Meghalaya on Sunday (February 26) received a total of 10 fire related calls – the highest in a single day, informed a source from the company.
A house on fire was reported from Garikhana and another two houses at Rwiang, Nongstoin at 8:52am and 12:23am, respectively. Calls relating to highly combustible products like hay stalk and bamboos on fire was reported from Mairang at 11:09am, Madanriting at 1:20pm and from Lumkshaid, Mawprem at 11:09am. Fire incident in the industrial area and a factory was reported at Barapani at 12:16pm, Khliehtyrshi at 12:50pm and Mawlai Mawiong 8:35am. Forest fire related calls in Mawlynrei and Lumparing at 12:35pm and 5:59pm, respectively. All these fire incidents took place on February 26.
Alarmed about the rising fire cases on a single day an official of GVK EMRI held a discussion with D Sangma, Superintendent of Police (SP), Fire Service, Meghalaya regarding the reasons and ways to prevent such flames from destroying properties, nature and lives of humans. The SP informed that the Fire Service Department received a total of 24 fire related call in and around Shillong on Sunday (February 26).
He informed further that the “Fire Season” starts from December to April which is the peak time for the Fire Service in the state mainly due to the dry and windy weather and the cause is more owing to human errors and very less by natural process. “Burning charcoal and electric short circuit top the list of fire incident in the state,” said Mr Sangma and urged the people to make sure that sources of fire like burning coal, cigarette, matchstick and camp fire during picnics should be properly put off to prevent fire from spreading. He also said that proper wiring and concealment of live wire to prevent short circuit and proper maintenance of cooking stove and LPG stove.
The other points discussed during the meeting was on disseminating of information on the dos and don’ts to the general public and proper coordination between the Fire Stations and GVK EMRI for a swift response to fire related distress calls, especially areas with network problem.
