Jammu Tawi: The Fire and Emergency Services Department today observed Fire Service Day with solemn tributes to brave firefighters who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The main function was held at the department’s headquarters in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, commemorating the martyrs of the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion.
The observance began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where Director Shri Alok Kumar (IPS, ADGP), senior officers, and personnel paid floral tributes. A two-minute silence was observed, and a ceremonial salute was offered in honour of the fallen heroes.
Addressing the gathering, Director Kumar emphasized the department’s growing readiness, modernized equipment, and the success of its public outreach initiatives. Highlighting the “Har Ghar Fire Fighter” programme, he informed that from August 2022 to March 2025, the department conducted 7,551 awareness programmes across 3949 educational institutions, 1057 health centres, and 2555 other establishments, training over 8.23 lakh individuals in fire prevention and first aid firefighting.
This year’s theme, “Unite to Ignite a Fire Safe India,” underscores collective responsibility. To mark Fire Service Week (Apr 14–20), the department launched public engagement initiatives including a fire safety documentary, poster campaigns, health checkups, and school competitions.
Similar observances were held across Srinagar and district headquarters. Director Kumar urged the public to actively support fire prevention efforts, stating, “Our strength lies in unity. Together, we can prevent fires before they start.”
