JAMMU, JUNE 15: Jammu district has recorded an alarming ninety two percent   increase in    fire incidents during last five and half month claiming 2 human lives  and damaging property worth crores of rupees.
 Sources in Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services said that a total of 640     fire incidents were reported this year till date with 318 alone in the month of May. 
 The   fire incidents reported this year include 52 in January, 28 in February, 42 in March, 50 in April, 318in May and 150 in June till date, which claimed two human lives, left four injured and reduced property worth crores to ashes.
 Against the figures of five months for this year, only 690 fire   incidents were reported in the year 2011 claiming 6 human lives and injuries to 25 persons, besides loss of property   worth Rs 3.5 Cr, while in 2010 the number  was 717 with   nine deaths  and injuries to 56 persons , besides  loss  of property worth Rs  4 Cr
 In May 2012, 69 Crop, 19 forest, 83 bush, 28 electric transformer and 98 short circuit  fire incidents  were reported. Akhnoor and RS Pura witnessed maximum number of fire incidents during this period.  
 The major fire incidents which took place this year were Narwal fruit and vegetable Mandi, Mattress factory at RS Pura, Scrap yard at Bhagwati Nagar near Amarnath Yatri Niwas and Mohmaya forest fire.
 Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services SK Bhan said “Most of the fire incidents reported were ascertained to be the result of negligence of the people including carelessly throwing burning cigarette butts in standing crops unmindful of dry and hot weather conditions”
 He informed that May and June with dry and hot conditions are the most vulnerable months for igniting fire even on minor negligence. Apart from these reasons fire incidents happen due to short circuits also.
 While giving details about the firefighting technology and equipments with the department, Bhan said “We apply Mixed Fire Technology to extinguish fire by using  water and foam as it create bubbles and make a layer on the burning spot which cease the supply of air and restrict fire to spread to other areas. We have sufficient manpower and equipments to deal with fire incidents including nine potable pumps, thirty fire tenders, one telescopic ladder and multipurpose foam tender”.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST