Dhaka: The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has intensified a nationwide blaze control campaign as the dry winter season creates additional risks of deadly fires, officials said. "We are carrying out various awareness programmes for fire safety and operating mobile courts against violation of fire laws and rules across the country," M Shahjahan Sikder, the senior staff officer in charge of the department's media wing of the FSCD told BSS today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the FSCD has already conducted 36 strategic rallies in Dhaka to raise awareness about fire safety measures. "We held three strategic rallies today at Dhanmondi 27 and 32 and Farmgate in the capital," Sikder added. Nationwide efforts include fire drills, training sessions, inspections of hazardous structures, public outreach, and evening campaigns.
Fire Service officials have warned that careless use of kitchens, heaters, coils, or electrical appliances during winter significantly increases the risk of fire. They emphasized that regular awareness campaigns can substantially reduce both the frequency of incidents and the associated losses. Sikder mentioned that evening mass awareness campaigns outside Dhaka include video demonstrations and rehearsals on fire safety and prevention strategies.
Firefighters across the country are conducting fire drills at various public and private establishments, providing training to government employees and ordinary citizens, and distributing awareness leaflets. The FSCD campaign also targets schools, higher educational institutions, multi-storied residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, marketplaces, factories, and slums.
"Since we believe prevention is better than cure, we usually choose crowded places or establishments for our training sessions to minimize fire incidents and inferno damage through precautionary measures by people themselves," Sikder explained. FSCD inspectors are regularly inspecting various establishments, including factories, and issuing notices for non-compliance with fire safety rules.
The fire service also encourages people to keep necessary fire extinguishers at their homes or business establishments, take prompt action to douse small flames, and call firefighters immediately after a fire breaks out. In collaboration with RAJUK in the capital and district and upazila administrations across the country, the FSCD has been operating mobile courts to enforce fire safety laws and ensure compliance.
"Fire service conducts mobile court operation with regular interval. The mobile court operations depend on availability of the magistrates as we have no magistrate in our organization," Sikder said. He noted that most mobile courts were operated in the Dhaka division, engaging magistrates from RAJUK, district, and upazila administrations.
Fire experts note that winter is a season with a higher risk of large fires due to its dry conditions and emphasize the importance of practicing fire safety year-round. The FSCD has launched a public awareness campaign in Dhaka to prevent fire incidents caused by gas connections or electrical faults in homes and businesses during the winter season.
The department is educating citizens on fire safety and preparedness through banners, placards, and direct outreach activities. Since the program began on September 25, over 30 campaigns have been conducted across the city, according to Fire Service sources. On Thursday, awareness activities took place in Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Kalabagan, and Science Lab areas.
"The incidents of fire generally rise during the cold and dry season. Since September 25, we have been conducting static rallies, public outreach, and awareness campaigns at various locations to alert the public and promote our emergency hotline, 102," Sikder said. Pedestrians and nearby shop owners have been advised on fire prevention, with special emphasis on turning off gas stoves, avoiding overloading electrical wiring, and immediately notifying the Fire Service in emergencies.
Nearly 36 static gatherings have been held at different locations including Dhanmondi 27 and 32, Farmgate Babubazar Bridge, Mitford Hospital area, Jagannath University intersection, Victoria Park, Lalbagh Fort, Chawkbazar, Hazaribagh, Motijheel, Kamalapur, Postogola, Azimpur, Shahbagh, and New Market.