While the festival of Diwali brings lights and festivities, stray sparks from firecrackers and earthen lamps frequently trigger fire hazards across urban centres. To prevent untoward incidents and address emergencies without delay, the fire department in Jodhpur has placed its personnel on round-the-clock standby with fully serviced vehicles and specialized equipment.
Manpower Mobilization and Six-Vehicle Response Fleet
To establish a quick response network, authorities have formed a coordinated force of both permanent and contractual staff. Nagori Gate Fire Station Chief Fire Officer Jai Singh stated that approximately 50 personnel, supported by six vehicles and modern gear, have completed their operational preparations. The deployed workforce includes 20 permanent staff members alongside nearly 30 contractual employees who will collectively manage emergency duties throughout the festive period.
The department's six-vehicle fleet features a specially modified Bolero pickup designed specifically to navigate the cramped lanes of the old city. Outfitted with a 700-litre water storage tank, this customized unit can douse flames inside congested passages where standard fire tenders cannot enter. The remaining five tenders have been assigned to cover different sectors across the city.
High-Rise Rescue via Bronto Skylift and Upgraded Pumps
To manage potential fires and rescue individuals trapped in multi-storey structures, the department has positioned a Bronto Skylift vehicle. This hydraulic platform enables personnel to conduct elevated rescues and direct powerful water jets onto upper floors. Alongside the skylift, recently supplied government equipment and modern water pumps have been integrated with existing machinery, ensuring every apparatus remains operational for instant field deployment.
Portable Pumps and Stepwells to Prevent Water Shortages
Water availability remains a persistent bottleneck during prolonged firefighting missions. To resolve this, the department has arranged portable pumps capable of lifting water directly from Jodhpur's traditional stepwells (bawaris) straight into fire tankers. Because these lightweight pumps are easy to transport, they can be combined with flexible branch pipes to reach deep into cramped quarters.
The department maintains hose lines stretching up to 60 metres, roughly 180 to 190 feet, allowing water to be pumped far into inaccessible alleys. Additionally, an official letter has been submitted to the Public Health Engineering Department requesting dedicated water supplies throughout Diwali to prevent refilling delays.
Strategic Deployment Across Key Markets and Industrial Zones
To reduce travel time, firefighting units will remain pre-positioned in critical commercial and residential hubs. Standby vehicles will be stationed at Jalori Gate, Pratap Nagar, Lal Sagar, and Ghanta Ghar. High-density locations including Mandore and the Industrial Area will also receive enhanced surveillance. Jai Singh noted that regardless of where an alert originates, emergency vehicles will be dispatched immediately to contain blazes before they spread.
Emergency Fire Station Contacts Released for the Public
Residents who spot fires during the celebrations can immediately seek assistance by calling designated landline helplines at nearby stations
- Nagori Gate Fire Station: Dial 0291-2651401 for central and walled city emergencies.
- Basni Fire Station: Contact 0291-2651402 for southern sectors and nearby areas.
- Shastri Nagar Fire Station: Call 0291-2772760 for western localities.
