Every upazila will have fire station: home boss

The government is constantly working to increase the capacity of fire service, and it has already taken steps to set up fire stations in all upazilas, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday.

The minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave direction 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 authorities will set up some 129 new ones by 2021. Besides, there are also plans to set up 11 more modern model fire stations in industrial areas of Gazipur, Narayanganj, Dhaka and Chattogram," he said.

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

He made the remarks while inaugurating Fire Service and Civil Defence Week-2020 via video conference from the ministry yesterday.

Home Ministry Security Service Division Secretary Md Shahiduzzaman and Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md Sazzad Hussain also joined the video conference.

Asaduzzaman said the government is also working to increase the workforce of fire service. In 2009, the total workforce under Fire Service and Civil Defence was only 6,175, but has risen to 13,100.

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

He said an initiative was taken to set up Bangabandhu Fire Academy for better training personnel. Once set up, firefighters will be able to receive advance training.

Presently, fire service can douse fires and conduct rescue operations up to 19th floor of a building, he said, adding that the capacity will be raised to 21st floor, as vehicles with 68-metre ladders will be added next year.

There were only 63 ambulances under the service, which has increased to 185. Authorities will provide ambulances to each fire station in phases, he said.

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

"I think observance of Fire Service and Civil Defence Week will enhance professionalism of staffers and increase public engagement," he said.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Week-2020 started across the country from yesterday, aiming to raise nationwide awareness on the theme "Training, Plan and Preparation: Speed up Disaster Management".

The week will be celebrated till November 21 through various programmes conducted by the service.