Srinagar, Apr 14: Paying homage to the firemen killed fighting raging fire at Bombay Docks on April 14, 1944, the Fire and Emergency Services Kashmir on Wednesday observed National Fire Services Day and planned a series of events to commemorate the week across the valley.
 Pertinently every year, fire services week commences from April 14 across India to commemorate the anniversary of 500 people including 66 fire services officers who died in a fire at then Bombay dockyard. 
 “The fire incident had consumed as many as 500 and left 1140 people injured,” duty officer, Muhammad Yaseen at J&K Fire and Emergency Services office Batamaloo said.
 “In 1944, a ship S Fort Stikine carrying ammunition and explosives mysteriously caught fire which engulfed other 14 ships. Such was the magnitude of the incident that explosions were heard as far as Shimla,” he said.
 Yaseen said from that time the practice of observing this week was in vogue adding the day was also observed to pay tributes to the local firemen who die while rendering their services to the people. 
 Briefing Greater Kashmir about its awareness programmes throughout this week, Director General Fire and Emergency Services, G A Bhat said the programmes would be launched to minimize fire incidents. He said machinery of fire services would be displayed at a place for which the venue is yet to be identified.
 “During this week (Apr 14-21) awareness programmes would be held at schools and colleges. Students would be cautioned about the causes of fire and its prevention. The people would be aware about the fire caused by Liquefied Petroleum Gas which is the number fire causing agent.”
 Bhat said media would be also used to reach to the masses. This year’s theme is “Our Commitment-Fire Accident Free Society”,” he said.
 He appealed people to replace old wires, MCBs and take proper care while handling gas cylinders. Moreover the people should lend support to fire persons fighting fire, he added.
 “It is collective responsibility of everyone to cooperate and play positive role while fighting fire,” Bhat said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST