The police department paid homage to the fire and rescue service personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the rescue operation in the year 1944. April 14 is observed every year as the National Fire Service Day to remember those 66 fire fighters who lost their lives during the explosion that took place at freighter SS Fort Stikine at the Victoria Docks in the then Bombay Port.

At Gandhi Road fire station in Dehradun, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nivedita Kukreti paid homage to the fire fighters who laid down their lives during rescue missions. Addressing the gathering present on the occasion she said, “From 22 fire stations to 33 fire stations with three units, we have come a long way in these 19 years. At present about 970 fire fighters are working day and night in the state and about 11 new units are ready to be opened.”

Giving details about the progress of fire department in Dehradun, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Sandeep Rana said, “In Dehradun we have five fire stations in total. In the year 2018 in all fire stations we received 706 reports regarding fire related incidents in the district. Responding to these incident reports, we managed to save lives of many humans and animals apart from saving property amounting to about Rs 43,81,23,200.”

He further added, “With rapid urbanisation in the state there has been a rise of about 600 per cent in fire related incidents. In the past few years with active fire fighting the importance of passive fire protection has also increased. This is why for raising the awareness of citizens, April 14 to 20 is observed as as National Fire Service week, during which various programmes will be held. Further, we have computerised all fire stations so that fire services can be provided through online medium too.”

Fire fighting and rescue skills were also demonstrated by personnel on the occasion.