With winter approaching and fire-related incidents on the rise, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, has issued directed all Deputy Commissioners of the Valley to implement strict fire safety measures in their districts.
The office of the Divisional Commissioner in a circular observed that despite awareness campaigns, a substantial number of fire incidents continue to be reported across various districts of the Kashmir Division, particularly during the winter months.
These fire incidents have resulted in significant loss of life and property, primarily due to electrical short circuits, improper handling of heating appliances, and unsafe storage of combustible materials.
The circular has directed all Deputy Commissioners to undertake the preventive, supervisory, and enforcement measures within their respective jurisdictions.
The DCs have been directed to formulate and implement a comprehensive District-Level Winter Fire Safety Plan in coordination with the Fire & Emergency Services Department, Power Development Department (PDD), Public Health Engineering (PHE), Health Department, and Municipal & Panchayat authorities. The Department of Fire & Emergency Services shall designate one District-Level Nodal Officer for the purpose.
The administration has been asked to launch intensive public awareness drives through electronic, print, and social media platforms to sensitize residents about the safe handling of electrical and heating appliances, LPG usage, and fire prevention measures.
The district administration has been directed to ensure that PDD teams conduct random inspections of residential and commercial wiring, with particular attention to high-risk areas prone to overloading, congested urban centers with wooden structures, and substandard electrical installations.
The Fire & Emergency Services has been directed to undertake fire safety audits of congested urban localities, government offices, hospitals, schools, markets, and residential clusters.
It has been asked to ensure that identified deficiencies are rectified within a fixed timeframe.
The administration has been asked to take strict action against the improper storage of combustible materials, such as dry grass, firewood, and LPG cylinders, in congested localities or residential premises.
On hamam and gas heater safety, the administration has been asked to conduct awareness and inspection drives for hamams and LPG/gas heaters, particularly emphasizing the removal of LPG cylinders from bedrooms during night hours.
The circular directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict compliance of the directions and maintain zero tolerance for negligence in fire safety enforcement.
