Inadequate Resources

THE inadequacy of fire fighting equipment in the Kathmandu Valley was amply exhibited in trying to control the Tuesday blaze at Makhan Tole of the metropolis. It is true that there are various reasons why blazes occur, but the preparedness level ought to be optimum to fight them when they take place. With the growing population and the houses packed together so close on a tiny plot of land, a fire that occurs in one house due to whatever reason can affect the adjoining buildings. Moreover, the storing of inflammable materials and the always threatening short circuits haunt the people residing in the valley. Such unfortunate events take place mostly during the summer months when the humidity level is low, and fire can spread easily and fast. All fires cannot be prevented, but the fire brigade has to be ever ready to be able to extinguish any type of fire. However, the sad fact remains that though progress has been made in many sectors, the office responsible for meeting such emergencies are not well equipped.

The case is not of the Valley alone but towns across the country. The number of fire fighting engines is dismally low. It is stated that there are only five fire fighting engines in the capital, which is totally inadequate. Seeing the dangers that fire can pose in leading to the loss of lives and property, it is necessary that the concerned authorities think over it and take immediate steps to enhance the capacity of the fire brigades so that they can act efficiently and effectively in controlling fires when they break out. A related problem is the narrow alleys and streets of the cities, which makes it difficult for the fire brigade to reach the disaster site as quickly as possible. In all this, the courage of the existing fire brigade must be praised for doing with so little to contain fires in the valley. It is not only more manpower that is needed, modern methods must also be imported to fight fires. Training firefighters is also a must. As an incentive to the firefighters, appropriate firefighting equipment, including their personal gear, ought to be provided. Looking at the increase in the number of housing establishments and the ever-growing population, the number of firefighter, too, must be increased after a clear study of the needs of the Kathmandu Valley in this respect.

Source: The Rising Nepal, April 27, 2007