The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Fire tenders at vulnerable spots

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Sunday, Apr 20, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Fire tenders at vulnerable spots

Deepa H Ramakrishnan

— Photo: M. Karunakaran

Always ready: One of the fire tenders stationed in Perungudi.

CHENNAI: Gearing up for the searing heat ahead, the Fire and Rescue Services Department has stationed fire tenders at 25 spots in the city that have been identified as sensitive and vulnerable to fires.

“The tenders will be moving around the areas throughout the day so that if need be, they can reach the site of fire swiftly,” said S.Vijayasekar, Deputy Director (North West region) of the department.

“Areas such as Royapuram, Asprin Garden, Ernavur, Esplanade, slums near Chitra Theatre and Nochikuppam have been identified because they are crowded and have more thatched huts. We have also been training volunteers in fire safety in these areas and performing drills and distributing educational pamphlets,” Mr.Vijayasekar, who also holds additional charge of Northern Region, added.

“Life comes first. There have been many cases of death when people go back to get their belongings.”

Water to extinguish fire was not a problem even during summer, he said, adding they had tied up with Chennai Metrowater, so as to have water supplied immediately on demand. In hutments with very dry thatches in summer the common causes of fires include those that are kerosene stove and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder-related, electrical short circuits and carelessly thrown lit cigarettes.

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