The Delhi Fire Service has restricted casual leave, earned leave and day-offs for senior officials and staff from November 6 to 8, while placing fire stations, emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment on high alert across the capital during Diwali.
The measure has been introduced to ensure a prompt response to fire-related emergencies that may occur during the festival period. Local fire officials have inspected fire stations and quick response vehicles in their respective jurisdictions to check the availability and operational readiness of fire units and equipment.
The inspections cover breathing apparatus sets used by firefighters, foam and foam branches for fires involving petrol, diesel and other flammable liquids, delivery hoses that carry water or foam under pressure, suction hoses used to draw water from tanks and reservoirs, and branches or nozzles that direct water onto flames.
Officials have also been instructed to make arrangements for batteries and the repair and upkeep of fire units. This includes checking sirens and warning lights and ensuring that the maximum possible number of fire vehicles are roadworthy and ready for deployment.
The preparedness exercise also includes communication systems. Fire authorities have been directed to repair or provide wireless sets and ensure that walkie-talkie sets are available in fire units, including standby vehicles. These measures are intended to support coordination between fire stations and crews during emergency operations.
The service has made additional deployments at different locations to reduce response time and potential losses, according to an official quoted by the Times of India. “We have made extra deployments at different locations to reduce response time and losses. The fire stations and appliances are also kept in readiness to meet any eventuality,” the official said.
The arrangements highlight the operational demands placed on Delhi’s emergency-response network during a period when fire-related incidents can be expected, according to the report. For residents, the readiness of vehicles, equipment, communications systems and personnel will directly determine how quickly fire crews can reach incidents across the city.
The leave restriction and equipment checks will remain in effect through November 8. Fire stations and appliances are being kept ready during this period, with extra units positioned at different locations as part of the Delhi Fire Service’s Diwali response arrangements.
