Faridkot gets fire tender, but has no driver

FARIDKOT : Even when the city reports no fire, the fire department in Faridkot is destined to be in ‘fire-fighting’ mode always. Sample this: now that the fire department has finally received a new fire tender — its second — there is no driver attached with it. So, in case of a fire, again, only one tender will reach the spot.

A team of 12 including two drivers and ten firemen are deputed with the fire department. This workforce is divided into two shifts of six men each with one driver in each shift.

An officer in the fire department said, “One driver is available in each shift. In case of major fire, we need more fire tenders. Now, that we have the vehicle, we need to hire more drivers. We need a staff of at least four drivers or we will continue to depend on the help from fire stations in the neighbouring cities. In case of a situations that require a quick response, crucial time is wasted in calling help.”

At the centre, firemen do not even have uniforms to tackle major fire accidents.

"We are employed on contract basis and the government does not insure us. We do not have fire suits and no hydraulic platforms. We do not even the requisite number of oxygen cylinders. A cylinder lasts for 35 minutes, but our lives are always at risk as we struggle for replacement. The fire building is in shambles. We don’t have space to sit and usually there is no electricity in the office.”

The officer added that there is only one hydrant to fill the water in 5,000-litre tank of the fire tender. This can also be used only sporadically as it fails to function due to frequent power cuts. “We need another hydrant near the fire station and ideally it should take 2-3 minutes to refill the tank. Now, it takes 25 minutes,” the officer claimed.

Local MLA Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon said, “The government is committed to welfare of the firemen. We are giving equipment to the fire stations on priority. Soon, they will be fully equipped.”

TWO DRIVERS AND TEN FIREMEN ARE DEPUTED WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY WORK IN TWO SHIFTS WITH ONE DRIVER EACH; THE SECOND VAN IS THUS RENDERED USELESS