Fire Service Day observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 15 2013:
As done in different parts of the country, Fire Service Day was also observed in the State at the head office of Manipur Fire Service here yesterday.
On the occasion, Director of Manipur Fire Services Kh Chandramani led others in offering floral tributes to those firemen who have passed away in the line of their duty.
It may be noted here that on April 14,1944, there was a great fire on board the ship, S.S Fort Stikine in Victoria Docks, Mumbai.
The Vessel was loaded with cotton bales, explosives, ammunitions and gold bars worth 2 million sterling pounds.
All resources of fire fighting from Port, Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade and Industries could not stop the fire.
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There was huge loss of lives and property.
The exact number of dead, injured and the property loss could not be assessed except 66 firemen from Port fire services.
Since that incident, the Government of India decided to observe April 14 every year as Fire Services Day in recognition of those firemen who sacrificed their lives in Mumbai Dock Explosion and firemen all over the country who lay down their lives during fire fighting action.
On this day, Central, State, Local Governments and Industrial Fire Services arrange befitting ceremonial programmes to pay homage to the brave departed firemen's soul.
Side by side, Fire Services Week (14th April to 20th April) is also observed to promote fire prevention activities and to create fire safety awareness amongst the masses by arranging lectures, demonstrations and screening film shows.
As a part of the function held here yesterday, live demonstrations of fire fighting techniques were exhibited to the people.