Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has issued a critical appeal to residents, urging strict compliance with fire safety standards established by the disaster management department and Bihar Fire Services. This call to action aims to prevent fire incidents during the high-risk period from March 15 to June 15, when conditions are most hazardous.
Heightened Risks and Public Awareness Campaigns
Thiyagarajan emphasized that strong westerly winds during this timeframe significantly elevate fire risks, particularly in rural areas. These regions face severe threats to crop fields, granaries, and standing crops, which can lead to extensive damage and economic losses. To combat this, the DM has instructed disaster management officials to launch widespread public awareness campaigns. These initiatives are designed to sensitize the community about essential safety protocols and preventive measures.
Fire Safety Week and Infrastructure Preparedness
In a proactive move, Thiyagarajan announced "Agni Suraksha Saptah" (Fire Safety Week), scheduled from April 14 to 20, 2026. This week will feature intensive awareness drives across both villages and cities, focusing on educating the public. He stressed the importance of adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and timely advisories issued by the department, noting that even a small flame can escalate rapidly if not controlled promptly.
The DM directed officials to ensure all fire hydrants, whether government or private, remain fully functional. Additionally, fire vehicles and pumps must be maintained in operational condition round the clock, with drivers and resources ready for immediate deployment. He also mandated that electric wires be installed at safe heights, specifically over 12 feet, to allow easy access for fire tenders during emergencies.
Patna's Firefighting Resources and Response Capabilities
Patna district is equipped with 88 active fire vehicles, showcasing a robust infrastructure. This fleet includes three water bowsers, each with a capacity of 12,000 litres, 22 water tenders holding over 5,000 litres each, and 39 mixed-technique vehicles that carry 350 litres of water and 50 litres of foam. The arsenal also features five hydraulic platforms, five foam tenders, and 12 bullet bikes for rapid response.
The district operates nine fire stations, comprising six urban and three rural facilities, with subdivision-level officers overseeing operations. Currently, the response time stands at an impressive two minutes, a benchmark that Thiyagarajan praised and directed officials to maintain consistently.
Specific Safety Guidelines for Residents
Thiyagarajan provided detailed safety guidelines for both urban and rural settings. For gas cylinder safety in kitchens, residents are advised to:
- Keep safety caps securely tied
- Check for leaks using water
- Store cylinders in an upright position
- Place stoves at a higher level than cylinders
- Shut regulators first when not in use
- Keep wet cotton cloth and water buckets readily available
- Install portable ABC-type fire extinguishers
- Avoid loose clothing and never leave stoves unattended
In rural areas, additional precautions include maintaining drums of water, sand buckets, soaked gunny bags, battery lights, and ready pumps or pipes near ponds. Residents should avoid smoking near threshers or granaries and ensure proper electrical wiring to prevent sparks.
Administrative Coordination and Emergency Response
The DM called for the development of village-level route charts to identify sensitive spots and ensure functional walkie-talkies in all fire vehicles. Public dissemination of "Do's and Don'ts" will be carried out through various channels, including hoardings and campaigns, to maximize reach.
Thiyagarajan assured that in the event of major incidents, officials will reach sites promptly to provide relief. This includes aid such as polythene sheets, cash assistance, clothing, medical care, and house damage surveys within 24 hours. The administration remains committed to coordination across departments for effective prevention and response, urging citizens to stay vigilant and report any incidents immediately to ensure swift action.
