This morning, while catching up on the latest news, I was shocked to read about a massive fire that broke out last night in the slums of Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh area. The visuals from the news showed firefighters and locals working together tirelessly to contain the raging flames. Thankfully, the fire has now been contained, and cooling operations are underway. Further details about casualties are awaited.
Just two days ago, a major fire at Lok Nayak Bhawan destroyed the regional office of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The damage from the fire is estimated to run into several crores, though fortunately, no lives were lost. The fire occurred late at night, and 90 permanent and 24 contractual employees were working at the office at the time. It took a grueling 10 hours of intense firefighting efforts, with the use of fire tenders, mini tenders, and a hydraulic ladder system, to bring the flames under control.
Fire can create multiple hazards, including flames, heat, gases, and smoke. All of these combustion products pose significant risks, potentially leading to serious injuries or fatalities. The effectiveness of extinguishing agents can vary greatly depending on the type of fuel involved in the fire. For instance, using a portable water extinguisher on an electrical fire could lead to dangerous electric shocks due to the water's conductivity.
Firefighters rely on their extensive knowledge of fire risk assessment and effective extinguishment techniques to carry out successful rescue operations. They put their lives on the line every day to ensure safety and minimize harm. To honor the memory of the 71 brave firefighters who lost their lives in the Mumbai Dock explosion on April 14, 1944, National Fire Service Day is observed annually on this date. April 14 is also marked as "Martyr's Day" to pay tribute to these heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Firefighters work tirelessly around the clock, and there is no downtime for them. They are not born with the skills necessary to excel in their roles but must undergo constant training and re-skilling to be effective in their work of saving lives. These training sessions cover essential topics such as anti-arson techniques, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials control, and public fire safety education. Firefighters' ability to control and manage fires quickly is crucial, as fires can spread rapidly. Continuous training is key to maintaining their high level of skill.
The demand for firefighters is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In India, the need for firefighters is also steadily increasing as the country's fire services receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has projected a requirement of Rs. 7,000 crore to the 13th Finance Commission for the revamping of fire and emergency services across India.
Aspiring candidates who wish to pursue a career in firefighting must pass at least the 10th or 12th class (HSC) exams, along with obtaining a Heavy Vehicle Driving License and completing a certificate course in fire fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, from State Fire Training Centers. Currently, there are about 300 fireman/fire safety jobs available in the government sector.
The ‘National Fire Service Week’ runs from April 14 to 20 across all major industries in India. Core EHS, as a pioneer in leading the EHS domain and India’s most preferred EHS service provider, is conducting various fire safety awareness sessions for employees, on-site contractors, and workers at our clients’ sites across the country. These sessions aim to prevent and manage fire-related emergencies effectively.
To learn more about fire safety and get trained in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting, you can join our expert-led training programs, available both on-site and online. Visit Core EHS Training for more information.