JAMMU, APRIL 14 (KNS): Aimed at raising awareness among the public regarding fire prevention and precautionary measures, the Fire and Emergency Services department is observing Fire Service Week with launch of several programmes throughout the week.

The day is also being observed to commemorate those gallant Firemen who laid their lives for safe guarding life and property of masses during rescue and fire-fighting operations.

The main Commemoration Parade was held at Gandhinagar Jammu besides at provincial and district level during which high tributes were paid to martyrs.

In this regard, the main function was held at Fire and Emergency Headquarters Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, in which Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar was the chief guest.

Following commemoration parade, two minute silence was observed in memory of Martyrs and also wreaths were laid on the memorial by Alok Kumar and other senior officers and Jawans  of the department.

While speaking on the occasion, Director paid homage to the firemen who laid down their lives for noble cause “We Serve to Save” and highlighted the significance of observing 14th  April as Fire Services Week.

Emphasizing the role of Fire & Emergency Services, he discussed the devastation caused due to fires and natural calamity, He emphasized upon the officers to constitute special teams for giving demonstrations during the week regarding fire safety measures in Industrial establishments, educational institutes, Hospitals  and other institutions besides conducting essay competitions of students and debates on this year’s slogan, To Prevent Fire: “AWARENESS IN FIRE SAFETY FOR GROWTH OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AGNI” at Range/ District Headquarters. He also applauded the role of Firemen who did a commendable job during recent fire fighting and rescue operations in J&K.

Later, Director also released a video presentation with theme song, posters, banners with regard to Fire Services and declared the Fire Service Week open which is being observed from 14th to 20th April-2023. He also issued instructions for organising sports events, free medical check-up for general public, evacuations drills, essay competitions, fire audits, besides cultural events.

Similar functions were also held at Range Headquarters  Batmaloo, Srinagar besides at Command level.(KNS)