The Fire Service Day was observed today at the headquarters of Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Batamaloo, here, with the launching of the week-long Fire Service Week to be held across the Union Territory from April 14 to 20, 2026.

Led by Director Fire & Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, the officers and personnel paid floral tributes to martyrs of the historic Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944, commemorated annually as Fire Service Day. A two-minute silence was observed for the fire fighters who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Addressing the ceremonial function, Alok Kumar said the week aims to promote fire prevention, preparedness and public safety awareness. This year’s theme is “Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society–Together for Fire Prevention”.

Director Fire Service informed that the department responded to 6,039 fire calls, 59 rescue calls and 53 false calls during 2025. With 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles and 2,157 personnel deployed, the department saved property worth nearly ₹5,000 crore while limiting losses to around ₹300 crore.

He said that the fire incidents fell by 1,994, nearly 25 percent compared to the previous year, attributing the decline to sustained prevention measures and growing public awareness.

Emphasizing the community participation, the Director Fire Service said 10,794 awareness programmes under initiatives like “Har Ghar Fire Fighter” have reached over 10.7 lakh people across J&K. To strengthen compliance, 3,728 fire safety audits were carried out in the hospitals, schools, hotels and commercial establishments.

The department also played a key role in disaster response, including rescue and dewatering operations during recent floods and safety arrangements for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025.

During the Fire Service Week, the department will conduct fire safety campaigns, mock drills, evacuation exercises, lectures and live demonstrations across the UT to educate the citizens on prevention and emergency response.

Appealing for public support, the Director urged the citizens to adopt basic fire safety measures and help build a fire-safe society. He reaffirmed its commitment towards safeguarding the lives and property, upholding its motto: “We Serve to Save.”