AP Fire Brigade Gets More Calls Due to Severe Heat Wave

Vijayawada: With severe heat wave prevailing in the state, fire stations in Andhra Pradesh are witnessing an increased number of calls related to fires.

During the month of May, fire department has already received 586 calls of fire in which 28 lives have been lost. Fire brigade, however, have rescued 18 people. Property worth ₹6.03 crore has been lost in these incidents while property valued at ₹24.19 crore has been saved.

In the previous month of April, comparatively, fire personnel received 1,810 calls, resulting in loss of six lives but rescued seven.

In May 2022, fire brigade received 1,682 fire calls and saved four lives, while 12 people died. In April 2022, fire services got 1,701 calls. Fire personnel saved four persons while eight died.

Fire authorities maintain that severe heat wave conditions are leading to more number of calls from various establishments. The origin of fire is often an electric short circuit. People use air-conditioners in houses, offices or commercial establishments to beat the heat, where short circuit can cause a fire mishap.

Recently, in Vijayawada, a cell tower installed on the terrace of a G+3 building caught fire due to electric short circuit.

Fire services additional director (North Range) G. Srinivasulu said, “With rise in day temperatures abnormally, we are receiving more number of fire calls from several establishments, with short circuit being the source of fire. We appeal to people to exercise caution while using electrical appliances. They must call 101 in case of any fire, so that it could be put out before it leads to loss to life and property.”

Incidentally, AP fire services department has resumed issue of online fire NOCs after a brief disruption due to technical issues. Those wanting fire NOCs can now apply online to the department.