Srinagar, Apr 14: Additional Director General of Police,Fire and Emergency Services Jammu and Kashmir, Alok Kumar on Tuesday said that they are strengthening its capabilities with modern equipment and enhanced training to safeguard lives and property across the Union Territory.
Speaking during the inaugural events of Fire Service Week, he highlighted that the department has procured advanced machinery worth crores and established a new training centre in Bishnah, while personnel are also being trained in Nagpur to improve response efficiency and lifesaving operations. Fire Service Week, observed annually from April 14 to 20 across India, is being marked in Jammu and Kashmir with a strong focus on public awareness, fire prevention, capacity building and community safety.
Alok Kumar, who is leading the department’s initiatives, underscored the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding lives and property. In his address during the week’s inaugural events, he said: “We have purchased latest equipments and property worth crores is being saved.” He further announced, “We opened a training centre in Bishnah, Jammu and our boys were sent to Nagpur for training.” Kumar urged citizens: “In case of any fire incident people must call and we will reach in limited time.”
The department’s official message for the week reads: “Fire Service Week promotes awareness, prevention, and response, highlighting training, reduced incidents, advanced technology, and lifesaving efforts by firefighters protecting lives, property, and strengthening community safety across Jammu and Kashmir: ADGP F&ES JK #AlokKumar.”
The backdrop to this year’s Fire Service Week is particularly encouraging, thanks to a marked improvement in fire safety outcomes during 2025. Official data released by the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Department at the end of last year revealed that J&K recorded 6,039 fire incidents in 2025 — a significant 25% decline from 8,033 cases in 2024. This translates to 1,994 fewer incidents, attributed largely to sustained preventive measures, improved preparedness, enhanced public participation and large-scale awareness campaigns. The department responded to these 6,039 fire calls, along with 59 rescue operations and 53 false alarms, deploying 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) supported by 2,157 personnel.
Timely and coordinated operations helped save property worth approximately Rs 5,000 crore, while material losses were restricted to around Rs 300 crore. Damage was reported to 1,409 structures, 72 vehicles, 46 shopping complexes and 91 electric transformers. Forest fires in Kashmir also showed a notable drop. Around 350–366 incidents were recorded in 2025 (up to early 2026 data), down sharply from over 1,000 the previous year, affecting nearly 972 hectares. This decline reflects better coordination between the Fire Services and the Forest Department, along with awareness drives targeting dry-season risks.’ Senior officials credited the reduction to intensified public education programmes. In 2025 alone, thousands of awareness drives reached lakhs of people, building on the “Har Ghar Fire Fighter” initiative that has trained over 8 lakh citizens in fire prevention, first aid and basic firefighting since 2022. These efforts have empowered communities to act as first responders, reducing response times and minimising damage.
