Bush-fire alarms keep Gangtok Fire Station busy

GANGTOK, 16 March: The Gangtok Fire Station has been keeping busy for the past few days putting out a rash of forest fires. Due to the reasonably dry spell compounded by clearing of fields for maize [in which the weeds are usually burned out], the Gangtok Fire Station has been receiving reports of many bush-fires from different parts across the district.

Yesterday as well, a fire alarm came in from the forested patch at Middle Shyari below Deorali and from Phodong in North Sikkim and teams from the Gangtok Fire Station moved immediately and started operations there.
It is learnt that with the help of Forest and Police teams and local residents, the fire was immediately brought under control at both places.
Speaking to NOW! today, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Gangtok Fire Station, Prakash Rai, mentioned that the fire station teams are always kept on alert ensuring prompt response to forest fire calls.
He informs that the Gangtok Fire Station has also been generating awareness among the general masses on fire safety measures as well as forest fires.
He also pointed out that civic negligence was the main cause behind forest fires and stressed that it was every individual’s duty to be careful and remain alert to avoid forest fires in their respective areas.
The DCFO stated that the people should come forward to save the forest as the forest department, fire department and police cannot do so only on their own.