Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has taken comprehensive measures to ensure fire safety at Durga Puja venues across the country, with all 538 fire stations ready to respond to emergencies during the festival.
Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Junaid disclosed the preparations at a press conference held at the department’s headquarters in Dhaka on Saturday.
He said fire stations would remain on standby throughout the festival, monitoring fire safety at puja mandaps in their respective areas and maintaining round-the-clock communication with local administrations and puja committees.
During inspections, fire service personnel will assess fire risks and advise organisers on measures to address them.
They will also publicise the telephone numbers of nearby fire stations and the 102 hotline for emergency assistance, he added.
Temporary fire stations operating in different locations will remain on high alert, while officials at divisional, district and zonal levels will stay on standby to inspect puja venues and respond to emergencies.
The director general also said the central control room and all divisional control rooms would operate round the clock. Upon receiving an emergency call, they would direct one or more nearby fire stations to respond immediately.
All divisional and district offices, along with fire stations, will coordinate continuously with local administrations and take necessary decisions and implement measures in line with their directions, he said.
At immersion sites, the department will deploy personnel and volunteers, road rescue equipment and ambulances. Lighting units will also be deployed at night where necessary.
Control rooms will be maintained at the department’s headquarters and divisional and district headquarters to ensure continuous communication with fire stations under their respective jurisdictions.
Calling for greater public awareness, Sultanul Afreen said, “Awareness is protection,” and sought the media’s cooperation in raising awareness about fire safety alongside the department’s own efforts.