The lack of appropriate fire-fighting equipment has delayed effective and prompt fire-related emergency response in Punakha. However, the new fire van is expected to improve the services. Last year, the district recorded seven fire disasters including three house fires which claimed a life.
Unlike the old fire-fighting vehicle, the new fire van has a faster system that will effectively manage fire disasters. It is equipped with a petrol engine and a water tank with a capacity of 300 litres. It does not require additional man power for management.
“Almost all the settlements in Punakha are scattered with narrow and poor road conditions in Punakha. So, this fire extinguisher equipped vehicle can easily reach the inaccessible locations during any fire related disasters,” said Lt. Col Chador Namgay, Officer Commanding of Punakha.
“The existing fire vehicle requires more people to operate it. Likewise, while battling a fire disaster, we end up wasting time joining pipes and doing other things. And that compromises service delivery,” said Dawa Tshering, Fire in-charge of RBP.
With the old fire-fighting van, providing faster and effective response was difficult.
“A temple was gutted down completely late night in Kabesa about eight months ago. But we could not make it on time to battle the fire as the place was far and the road was narrow. By the time our fire vehicle reached the site, the fire had completely engulfed the temple,” said Lt. Col Chador Namgay.
The government funded the new fire van worth over Nu 2.7 M.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Pem
