SRINAGAR: Fire Service Day was observed at the headquarters of Fire and Emergency Services (F and ES), Batamaloo, with the launch of Fire Service Week across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from April 14 to 20, 2026.
The programme was led by Director Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar, who along with officers and personnel paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion, observed annually as Fire Service Day. A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Addressing the event, the Director said the Fire Service Week aims to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and public awareness. This year’s theme is “Safe School, Safe Hospital and Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention.”
He informed that during 2025, the department responded to 6,039 fire calls, 59 rescue operations, and 53 false alarms. With 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles and 2,157 personnel in service, the department managed to save property worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore, while losses were contained to around Rs 300 crore.
The Director said fire incidents declined by 1,994 cases, marking a reduction of nearly 25 percent compared to the previous year, attributing the improvement to sustained preventive measures and increased public awareness.
Highlighting community participation, he said 10,794 awareness programmes under initiatives such as “Har Ghar Fire Fighter” reached over 10.7 lakh people across the Union Territory. He added that 3,728 fire safety audits were conducted in hospitals, schools, hotels, and commercial establishments to ensure compliance with safety norms.
The department also played a significant role in disaster response, including rescue and dewatering operations during recent floods, as well as fire safety arrangements for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025.
During the Fire Service Week, the department will conduct awareness campaigns, mock drills, evacuation exercises, lectures, and live demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir to promote fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Director urged citizens to adopt basic fire safety practices and contribute to building a fire-safe society, reiterating the department’s commitment under its motto:“We Serve to Save.”
