Imphal, July 18: Director of Manipur Fire Service Department, Kh Chandramani Singh (IPS) has stated that the department is facing acute shortage of manpower.
Addressing media people at the Serial press conference of HODs being organised by DIPR Manipur at its premise, the Director of state Fire Department said that with a skeleton 239 fire fighters the department is managing 17 fire stations/sub-stations spread across the state. However, the sanctioned strength of fire fighter is 407.
The Director said that recently state government has sanctioned for opening of 6 new sub stations at Yairipok, Wangjing, Tadubi, Saikul, Noney and Nambol. Department is equipped with advanced equipments; it has 37 water tenders, 1 water Bouzer, 16 Quick response vehicles, 2 Foam Tender, 1 Mini Rescue Tender, 1 Simon snorkel, 1 recovery van, 2 truck and 43 fire portable pump.
FIRE STATISTICS
Even if the department is facing shortage of staffs, the Manipur Fire Service Department is rendering a good service. The Department handled 869 fire calls and 18 special service calls during the year 2013-2016, said the Director of Manipur Fire Service.
Further he also informed that in the last three years (2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16) the department has saved 25 human lives. In the year 2013-14 total estimated value of property amounting to Rs 26,42,53, 373 were saved while values of property amounting to Rs 17, 68, 11, 680 and Rs 63, 75, 09, 299 were saved in the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively, said the Director of Manipur Fire Service.
While 21 human lives were lost in the last three years, and estimated value of property worth Rs 17,05,72, 577, Rs 18,90, 72, 920 and Rs 22, 83, 28, 611 were lost due to fire mishaps occurred across the state during the year 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively, added the Director.