KOZHIKODE: The district fire and safety officials on Friday launched the first batch of ‘community volunteer team’ to help the department in fighting fire mishaps. The decision to train the people in fire-fighting was taken in the wake of increasing number of fire accidents in the district and the shortage of trained hands to tackle the issue. To begin with, 150 people were selected from Palayam market, SM Street and Velliyangadi, who were trained on Friday at the sports council hall. The programme was launched by Mayor Thottathil Raveendran and Collector U.V. Jose. The team was trained to carry out rescue operations in case of fire in their vicinity.
“They can take preliminary steps to tackle fire mishaps by the time our officials reach the spot”, said district fire officer Arun Baskher. The firemen will coach them in handling fire-fighting equipment, their installations and evacuation during an emergency. “We will instruct the people to remain calm under such situations and understand the safety measures. The initiative will be spread to other parts of the region,” he said.
