Odisha Fire Service gets teeth, can now register FIR against fire safety violators

BHUBANESWAR: In a first for the state, the Odisha govt has empowered fire officials to register FIRs at fire stations in opposition to those found flouting fire protection norms and likewise seal their establishments. However, the fire officials can't arrest somebody. They can at very best hotel FIRs and prosecute the offenders in courts.

Till now simplest the police, excise and wooded area departments were empowered to register instances in relation to different offences below their jurisdictions. Earlier, the Odisha Fire Service (OFS) team of workers didn't have the power to initiate such stringent movements. All that they might do was issue notices to violators asking them to put the fire protection mechanism in place.

It should, then again, be noted that the newly framed laws of the Odisha Fire Safety Act don't practice to personal properties. But flats are bound to adhere to the fire protection mechanism.

Director basic of police (fire provider and home guards) BK Sharma, who on Monday sensitized his team of workers to the brand new provisions at a seminar in Bhubaneswar, mentioned this will likely instil a way of concern as well as accountability a number of the erring folks and establishments.

Sharma mentioned the fire stations got the special energy after the state govt on October four notified the principles of the Odisha Fire Safety Act, which was enacted in 1993. "Though the Act existed, our personnel were not empowered to register cases at fire stations nor could they seal the buildings that flouted fire safety norms. Since the rules have been framed last month, fire stations can now be tough with violators," Sharma instructed TOI.

At the seminar, the fire provider team of workers were briefed concerning the new fire protection laws and roles of fireplace stations. "We will soon launch a series of awareness seminars and workshops for hospital staff and owners, shopping malls and theatres where adequate fire safety is a must. They will be sensitized to the installation of adequate fire safety equipment and regular fire safety audit," mentioned Sharma.

The OFS will rope in experts from across the nation for ideas on tactics to additional beef up the fire protection mechanism. Manufacturers of fireplace protection devices can be invited to the state to exhibit their products.

The issue of fireplace protection assumes importance in the wake of the fire tragedy at SUM Hospital in October final yr, during which 20 other people were killed. More recently, five persons of a distinguished businessman Satpal Singh's family were killed in a fire at his house in Bhubaneswar on August 3. Sharma mentioned a power will begin to identify structures that flout fire protection norms. "We want to educate people about the necessity of fire safety. There are buildings that completely violate fire safety norms. We will identify those buildings and strictly ask them to adopt fire safety measures," Sharma mentioned.

"Since firefighters are also engaged in rescue operations during calamities, the OFS plans to convert the fire stations into fire and emergency response centres (FERK). Our personnel are first responders to any man-made or natural calamities. We will organise adequate training programmes for them to enhance their skill in carrying out rescue operations during disasters. They will be specially trained in underwater rescue operations," Sharma mentioned.