Bhubaneswar: In order emergency services swiftly during Diwali, the Fire Services department will operate seven more fire stations in Odisha’s twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
According to official sources, the additional fire stations in addition to the existing ones are aimed at quick response to any urgent call for fire incident during the festival of lights on November 1. Of the additional fire stations, four would operate in Cuttack and three in Bhubaneswar, they added.
Besides, the department has taken several other steps in this regard in the twin cities. It has directed the fire officers to move in the clusters which are prone to mishaps.
Chief fire officer Debendra Kumar Swain said the purpose of the arrangements is to reach the services during the golden hours. “Our teams will promptly respond to the calls made on 112. All the three Fire services ranges of Central, Northern and Southern have been alerted to remain prepared throughout the night of Diwali,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued guidelines for bursting crackers during Diwali. It has limited the timing for bursting crackers between 7 pm and 9 pm and capped the maximum noise level for firecrackers at 125 decibel. There is also a ban on bursting crackers within 100 metre of silence zones like hospitals and religious places.
Also Read: Odisha Limits Bursting Firecrackers To 9PM On Diwali; Check OSPCB Guidelines