Latest news with #TelanganaStateFireDepartment
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Cyberabad Police conducts fire mock drill to strengthen emergency preparedness
Hyderabad: To enhance emergency response systems, improve inter-departmental coordination, and ensure public safety during disaster situations, a comprehensive fire mock drill was conducted at the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, in collaboration with the Telangana State Fire Department. The drill began with the sounding of a fire alarm, prompting the immediate and systematic evacuation of the Cyberabad commissioner office staff. Trained Fire Marshals guided the personnel to the designated Assembly Point near the National Flag Post. Teams from various wings, including Traffic Police, Cybercrime, SHE Teams, Special Branch, Economic Offences Wing, Bomb Disposal Squad, and CAR Headquarters, actively participated in the drill. Fire alarm systems lift circuit breakers, and the Public Address System were activated as per Standard Operating Procedures, followed by simulated rescue operations carried out by emergency teams. The Telangana Fire Services Department played a crucial role in the exercise by deploying fire tenders, medical teams, safety personnel, and a Bronto Skylift vehicle to simulate high-rise rescue operations. The Bronto Skylift showcased advanced capabilities for evacuating individuals from upper floors during fire emergencies. The mock drill emphasized the importance of awareness among staff regarding evacuation procedures, emergency exits, and the correct usage of fire safety equipment. During the mock drill, Madhapur Station Fire Officer Anjaneyulu Dodla conducted a live demonstration on the use of various fire safety tools and explained different types of fire emergencies along with the appropriate response methods. The officer also explained how to act during emergencies, the importance of remaining calm, and how to evacuate safely using designated routes. In the presence of Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty, and Joint Commissioner Dr Gajarao Bhupal, the need for timely precautions and personal safety awareness was emphasized. Such drills not only enhance coordination between departments but also educate staff and the general public on how to respond swiftly and safely in emergencies. The Cyberabad Police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive planning, inter-agency collaboration, regular training, and the effective use of social media platforms to provide accurate real-time updates and counter misinformation during crisis situations. Following the exercise, a review meeting was held to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and recommend action points to strengthen preparedness. DCP Crimes A Muthyam Reddy, DCP Road Safety LC Naik, DCP Special Branch Sai Sri, DCP Women & Child Safety Wing Srujana Karnam, and officers from the Telangana Fire Services along with staff of Madhapur Fire Station and ministerial staff of Cyberabad CPO were present.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Gulzar Houz fire: Telangana Fire Department counters allegations of victims' family
The Telangana State Fire Department (TGFD) has issued a rebuttal to allegations levelled by the family of victims who died in the fire accident near Gulzar Houz in Hyderabad on the morning of May 19, terming many of their claims as baseless or technically inaccurate. A statement from the department said that the victims' family had raised serious concerns over what they described as delays, equipment shortages, and lack of urgency on part of the fire personnel. In a rejoinder, the TGFD insisted that their team acted promptly and professionally under extremely difficult conditions. The department stated that its first fire engine arrived at the site within three minutes of receiving the call. 'There was no delay. The water tender had a full 4,500-litre tank,' a senior official said, dismissing the family's claim that the vehicle had no water. On the charge that firemen lacked essential gear such as torches and oxygen masks, TGFD clarified that all fire vehicles are stocked with Dragon Lights and Breathing Apparatus sets. 'Six personnel were fully equipped and operated on-site. Our teams undergo daily checks for fuel, water, and gear readiness,' the statement read. Responding to concerns over rescue operations, the department defended its strategy, citing extreme heat, poor visibility, and hazardous materials stored on the ground floor as major impediments. 'Firefighting is not a game of bravado. We must first ventilate smoke, cool the site and then enter,' TGFD's statement explained. 'Our men accessed all three levels, ground, first floor and terrace, and conducted operations as fast as conditions allowed.' The department also rejected the claim that locals carried out the rescue. 'It is common during such incidents for concerned individuals or volunteers to hover around and assist in carrying equipment or injured persons, but the primary operations were entirely led by fire personnel,' the department maintained. As for the claim that a fireman could not climb the ladder, the department noted that personnel had indeed reached the terrace via ladders and carried out search and rescue using breathing equipment. Addressing concerns about alleged leakages from fire engines, TGFD clarified that what appeared to be leakage was actually coolant water discharge, a design feature in certain engine models. A hosepipe was reportedly damaged due to crowd interference on the ground. The family had also alleged a delay of over 90 minutes before any rescue began. To this, the department responded that access to the site was severely compromised due to plywood interiors, batteries, bikes, and thick smoke. 'A wall had to be broken for access. Simultaneous efforts were made on all levels,' the rejoinder stated.
