Srinagar: In the last six years 486 human lives have been lost while 510 were injured in fire incidents across J&K, an RTI query has revealed.
According to details as reported by news agency KNO, the Fire & Emergency Services Department has received a total of 26,354 calls reporting fire incidents from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023.
Response to an RTI query filed by activist MM Shuja disclosed that during this six-years, 486 people lost their lives, and 510 were injured in various fire incidents. Nine employees/firefighters of the Fire & Emergency Services Department also lost their lives while performing their duties.
Breaking down the figures year by year, it was revealed that in 2018, the department received 5,314 calls reporting fire incidents, resulting in 104 fatalities and 99 injuries.
In 2019, there were 4,307 calls with 103 deaths and 105 injuries. In 2020, there were 4,072 calls, resulting in 86 deaths and 58 injuries.
In 2021, there were 4,277 calls, with 106 fatalities and 62 injuries. In 2022, there were 5,833 calls, leading to 68 deaths and 140 injuries.
However, the data from 2023 showed a slight improvement, with the lowest number of fatalities recorded in the past six years; only 19 lives were lost and 46 individuals injured, despite the department receiving 4,451 calls regarding fire incidents during that year.
The RTI data also reveals that there are currently 168 Fire and Emergency Services stations throughout Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, catering to the region.
The Jammu range has a total of 129 fire-tenders with a deficiency of 34, while the Kashmir range has 201 fire-tenders with a deficiency of 66.
Furthermore, 476 employees retired from the department between 2018 and 31.12.2023, while 734 employees were recruited during the same period.
Regarding the total number of employees working in the department along with the deficiency of staff (Gazetted/Non-Gazetted) as of the present date, the RTI reply indicates that the total sanctioned strength of gazetted staff is 28; currently 13 of these positions are occupied while there is a deficiency of 15.
The total sanctioned strength of non-gazetted staff is 3,610, with an existing strength of 2,321 and a deficiency of 1,289.
In response to a query about fire stations with medical facilities for employees as of the present date, along with details of available medical staff, it was revealed that both the provincial headquarters of Srinagar and Jammu have one medical unit each, with facilities provided by medical officers and para-medical staff on deputation from the Health & Medical Education Department.
