Fire stations to be set up across all upazilas in phases: Home minister

The government is constantly working to increase the capacity of the fire service and as a part of implementing the plan, steps have already been taken to set up fire stations in all upazilas, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said today.

The minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the government to set up fire stations in all upazilas, which is being implemented in phases.

"So far, there are 436 fire stations across the country and some 129 new fire stations will be set up by 2021. Besides, there are also plans to set up 11 more modern model fire stations in the industrial areas of Gazipur, Narayanganj, Dhaka and Chattogram," said the minister.

Along with it, three separate projects are underway to set up 155 fire stations in the gaps in coverage across the country, he said, adding there would be around 720 fire stations after implementing the plans.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating "Fire Service and Civil Defense Week-2020" via video conference yesterday from the ministry.

The minister further said that the government is also working to increase the manpower of the fire service. In 2009, the total manpower in fire service and civil defense was only 6,175, but now it rose to 13,100, said the minister.

The government is moving to reform the organogram of the fire service to increase its manpower to more than 25,000, said the home minister.

He said that an initiative has been taken to set up Bangabandhu Fire Academy for better training of fire service personnel. Once it is introduced, it will be possible to give advanced training to fire fighters of the country, he said.

Presently, the fire service has the ability to douse fire and conduct rescue operations up to the 19th floor, he said, adding that the capacity will be raised to the 21st floor as vehicles with 68 meter ladders will be added next year.

Photo: Jamil Khan

There were only 63 ambulances in the fire service, which has already been increased to 185: ambulances will be provided to each of the fire station in phases, he said.

Commenting that people consider the fire service as a friend in danger, the minister said, "Wherever I have seen accidents on the road or in the river, the firefighters have stood by the people with their services."

"I think the observance of this Fire Service and Civil Defense Week will enhance the professionalism of the staff and increase public engagement with them," he said.

Fire Service and Civil Defense Week-2020 started across the country from today (Thursday) with the aim of raising nationwide awareness on the theme "Training, Plan and Preparation; speed up disaster management".

This week will be celebrated till November 21 through various programmes conducted by the Fire Service and Civil Defense.

According to the Fire Service, the main objective of this week's celebration is to raise awareness among the people and involve them in the activities of the fire service.