Fire Service

Fire Service in A & N Islands before World War II was being run by the Military Police. They had few fire fighting appliances and equipment.
After re-occupation of these islands by the British, the firefighting was entrusted to the Police Department and for this purpose, a squad consisting of 2LHC, and 12 PCs under the charge of 1HC was formed at Police Lines. The squad was only two trailer pumps and a water tender. The squad continued up to 1950. The Fire Brigade establishment shifted to Aberdeen in 1950. During the year 1952 strength of Fire Service was increased. In 1957 Fire Stations Chatham was established. During 1965 one post of Inspector created and some equipment purchased. Fire Station Marine Jetty was established in 1961. At present 23 Fire Station is functioning in these Islands with modern firefighting equipment.
Major Fire incident:- Wimberly Gunj- 1955, Junglighat-1959, Court Building-1970, Agriculture Office and store building – 1972, Aberdeen Bazar – 1974, Aberdeen Bazar – 1998.
A & N Fire Service is functioning as a separate unit under the control and supervision of Chief Fire Officer, Superintendent of Police (Fire), Inspector General of Police (L&O) and the head of the department is Director General of Police, A&N Islands.

Fire Service

It attended 332 Fire Calls & 567 Special Calls in the current year (till 31/08/2024).
Property lost during the current year (till 31/08/2024) is,19,01,94,110/- (Approx.)
Property saved during the current year (till 31/08/2024) is 1,51,14,23,240/- (Approx)
Service Rendered by A & N Police Fire Service:

In the event of a fire, always remember that time is precious and every second counts. Follow the following tips:-

Stay calm, don’t panic and don’t run.
Raise alarm and alert everyone in your premises.
Escape first and then call for help.
Use the nearest available exit routes.
While leaving the premises, close all doors and windows behind you if possible but must ensure that nobody is left behind and you are safe.
Use only escape routes because they are built for the purpose.
Use Staircases. “ Don’t use Lifts”.
If you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob and the cracks between the door and door frames to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is surely closed, then use your alternate escape route.
If you are trapped in the smoke-logged area, lie down and keep your nose close to the floor and crawl towards an exit point.
If you become trapped in your room, close the door and block any gaps which might let smoke or fumes through. Shout from the window to attract the attention of rescue team as well as others.

Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
Never go back into a burning building for any reason.
Teach children not to hide from firemen. If someone is missing, tell the Firemen. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.
Don’t secure open fire and smoke check doors as they limit the spread of fire and smoke when in a closed position.
Don’t be tempted to clutter the stairs, corridors and lobbies as they are your escape routes.
Never use the lift in case of fire. Always use the staircase.
Do not stop to collect belongings.
Don’t shout or run. This tends to cause panic in others.

S.No	Type of Extinguisher	Class	Material involved in fire	Hazard Area	Extinguishing Methods	Warning
1.	Water CO₂	A	Organic Solids. e.g. wood, paper, cloth etc.	Office, Hospitals, Theaters, Banks, Restaurants etc.	Penetrates cools. Even deep-seated “A” class fire.	Do not use on live electrical equipment.
2.	Mechanical Foam (AFFF)	B	Inflammable liquids.	Petrol storage depots, Manufacturing units of paints and inflammable liquids.	A thick foam Blanket over the burning liquid, cutting off the oxygen supply.	Do not use on live electrical equipment.
3.	Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)	B, C	Inflammable liquids, gases and electrical appliances	Petrol storage depots, Manufacturing units of paints and inflammable liquids.	Aim at the base of fire from close range. CO₂ being heavier settles below & cuts off the oxygen supply.	CO₂ can cause asphyxiation in a confined space. Ventilate area after extinguishing the fire.
4.	Dry Chemical Powder (DCP)	B, C	Inflammable liquids and gasses.	Storage areas of LPG, Acetylene Petrol, Industrial solvents and electrical equipment.	Chemically interferes with the combustion chain.	Do not use in very confined spaces as cloud of powder deduces visibility.
5.	ABC Powder (Pressure Type)	A,B,C	Organic solids, Inflammable liquids and gasses.	Open storage generator, rooms, heat treatment gasses.	Chemically interferes with the combustion chain.	Do not use in very confined spaces as cloud of powder deduces visibility.

S.No	Name of the course	Benefits of the course/training
1.	Basic Training to Fireman & Leading Fireman, F/Constables etc.	To acquire knowledge of fire fighting techniques, disaster preparedness etc for discharging duties at the time of eventuality.
2.	First Aid Fire Fighting to Govt. Servant / Civilians / Students etc.	For prevention and protection from any kind of fire incident.
3.	Medical First Aid Training to in-service Fire Service personnel.	For handling trauma patients during any emergency and hospitalization well in time.
4.	Asst. Fire Operator Course under NCVT to unemployed youths/school drop-out students.	For getting employment opportunities in the Industries, Hotels, Pvt. Establishments etc.
5.	Refresher Course for lower sub-ordinates.	To update the knowledge about usage and maintenance of modern sophisticated equipment and to improvise the existing fire fighting techniques.