Heat wave, rising temperature | DFES issues advisory to minimise losses due to fire incidents

Jammu, May 26:   J&K Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an advisory vis-a-vis fire prevention during heat wave and rising temperatures.

Director, Fire & Emergency Services, J&K Alok Kumar stated that the advisory was being issued in the public interest, keeping in view the increasing temperatures and heat wave in the Union Territory, especially Jammu province; soaring temperatures across Kashmir and high risk of forest fires in view of the warning issued by the Jammu & Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA).

As per the advisory for preventive measures to be taken from fire safety point of view to minimize the losses due to fires, people have been advised to remove flammable materials such as piles of dust, leaves, sticks and cardboard from the living area as they may ignite under strong direct sunlight.

“Keep your cables tidy and do not overload sockets; give the electric panels, gadgets rest and cooling breaks after intervals; trip off the electricity of the houses when out of the premises and avoid placing electric cables under furniture, carpets etc. and near plastic sheets or flammable objects,” the advisory read.

It advised to store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach to avoid any mischief by children; avoid cooking during peak hours; open doors and windows to ventilate cooking area adequately; douse the cigarette butts with water and place them in a fire- proof container and not to toss them on the ground.

“Extinguish fire pits and campfires when done; pay attention to local ordinances for trash burning; use caution when using flammable liquids; don't throw lit cigarettes carelessly out of your moving car and don't leave the trash or stubble in burning condition. Farmers should avoid burning trash or stubble. In case of urgency it shall be completely burnt in their presence and ensure that there is no chance of its re-ignition of fire,” the advisory read.