Diwali Special- Khatron Ki Khiladi: The government has the data of accidents and deaths due to fire, but not the figures of women firefighters who saved their lives.

The captivating views of the houses and streets lit with the light of diyas… Every year on Diwali, colors of lights are seen across the country. Although firecrackers have been banned in many states, but even then people do not desist from fireworks. In such a situation, the accidents due to fire on this festival of lights also increase. Firefighters are always ready to stop this. Not only men, but women are also included in this group of firefighters. However, no one has any solid data of these women who put their lives at risk.

Female firefighters missing from official figures

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, about 60 per cent of the people who lost their lives in domestic accidents in the country in 2020 were due to fire. There are about 57 thousand government fire fighters in the country to deal with these accidents. But there is no official figure of how many female firefighters are there in total. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that when it comes to firefighters, one remembers the red colored fire brigade car and the team of men. So somewhere the officials forgot to count the women.

Devendra Kumar Shami, Fire Adviser in the Ministry of Home Affairs It is said that the number of fire fighters in the country including government undertakings and private companies is close to 1.25 lakh. There is no exact figure of the presence of women in these. However, recruitment of women fighters has now started in a few selected states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa and Rajasthan. In the rest of the states, women firefighters are either not present, or they are few and far between. However, officials also believe that women have gained confidence and they are also adopting this risky profession.

Not a single female firefighter in the country’s capital

Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Service It is said that at present there is not a single female firefighter in the capital of the country. One reason for this is that this profession is considered very risky. Women hold back due to the mentality that considers themselves weak. But now slowly the time and thinking is changing. In the year 2017, about 100 firefighters were inducted in Mumbai. The Airport Authority of India had also inducted women fire fighters in Kolkata.

Appearance has not changed in 19 years, only 13 women are taking training

Dr. Gautam Kumar, Assistant Professor, Nagpur National Fire Service College Told that in the year 2002, when female firefighter Harshini Kanhekar had enrolled in this college, then she was the only woman. It was the only fire engineering college in the whole of South East Asia. During her training in Delhi and Kolkata, Harshini saved many lives. That too was the occasion of Diwali. After independence, a woman engineer was recruited for the first time in the fire department. Now after 19 years there are total 13 women engineers in the present batch of the college.

Nagpur National Fire Service College is the only Fire Safety Engineering Training Center in the country

How to control a fire without staff and resources

There are only 3,700 fire stations in India, whereas 8,500 fire stations are required by the prescribed standards. There are neither adequate personnel nor equipment at these fire stations. Departmental officers are sending annual demand letters, but the facilities have not been received yet. People have to bear the brunt of this. Fire service departments of different states in the country are facing a shortage of about 87% employees.

Female firefighters facing the risk of cancer due to stressful life

Dr. Divesh Goyal, Medical Oncologist at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur It is said that due to smoke, women in fire brigade jobs are at higher risk of cancer. In this job, women are present 24 hours a day in the service of the people. In such a situation, the stress level increases many times, which makes it a victim of many diseases. Frequent headaches, anger, or lack of sleep can also be directly related to stress. When the stress level exceeds the limit, it can affect everyday functioning. Therefore, women associated with this profession should make a habit of exercise to maintain better mental and physical health. The bed should be comfortable, so that no matter how long you sleep, you can have a sound sleep.

In case of fire, call on 112 and 101 numbers

Arun Kumar Singh, Chief Fire Officer (CFO), District Gautam Budh Nagar, UP Said that the department is fully prepared to deal with the emergency related to fire on Diwali. Wherever the fire brigade is needed, we will help. The fire brigade will immediately leave in case of fire. People can give information on the mobile number issued by the fire department. You can call on 112 and 101 numbers in your city.

What are the precautions to be taken in case of fire?