KMC issues: Lack of equipment slows down response time

Wireless communication system and more fire brigades are needed.

KARACHI: The city fire department faces difficulties when fires break out because the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has failed to maintain and invest in areas such as a wireless communication system for firefighters and fire brigades.

“Firefighters face immense problems due to the absence of a wireless communication system,” said a senior fire department worker, who wanted to remain anonymous. He added that the fire department is for public service and that not having necessary gadgets leads to serious problems during emergency situations.

A wireless system, however, was introduced in the fire department in 2006 to improve communication during emergency operations, but after coming across some functional issues, the system could not be repaired due to a shortage of funds and was removed by security institutions because of its ‘high frequency’.

About 42 fire tenders are operational and around eight have been out-of-order for months. Two out of 21 fire stations have also been closed in the city, including the Baldia Town and Mauripur fire station.

The Cattle Colony, Landhi fire station is only open for 12 hours a day due to the shortage of manpower.

“There are only 19 fire stations in the city, including the emergency response centre at Hawksbay, 42 fire engines, and three snorkels which are currently operational,” said the worker.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2012.