The Fire Inspector of Vasco Fire Station inspected the school located on the first floor of the municipal building to check the fire-safety measures adopted by the school management. Although the inspection was a routine affair, the fire officials’ report was a shocker; it said most government offices in Vasco, which store important records, do not have foolproof fire-safety measures in place.
Fire Inspector Namdev Parwar informed that the inspection of Municipal High School was a routine one to check whether the school had complied with the directions of the fire officials. Although the school had some fire equipment installed, they were not as per standards.
He said, “I met the headmistress to enquire about their fire-safety measures. I was informed that, although the school does have fire extinguishers, other safety equipment like a fire pump, fire tank, internal hydrant, fire hoses were missing. The school has failed to comply with the directions, which is serious.”
Commenting on the fire-safety norms adopted by other government offices in Vasco, Parwar said, “In the routine monthly inspection, I noticed that most government offices are yet to comply with the fire-safety norms. Every month I personally forward my report to these offices, but my actions are going down the drains.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Collector and Mormugao SDM Sabaji Shetye said he would ensure that all government offices in Mormugao strictly complied with the fire-safety norms as pointed out by the Vasco fire-safety officer.
He said, “The issue of fire safety is very serious. Every head of department should ensure that the offices/buildings have fire-safety equipment. I will write to the fire officer requesting him to check all government offices and schools in Vasco once more and submit a report so that administration can issue fresh directions to those who are found not complying with the fire-safety norms. Also, most government offices in Mormugao are in rented premises, and thus, having all safety equipment won’t be possible.”
However, we will ensure that fire extinguishers for the buildings/offices are installed.”
