Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan S.M. holds a meeting on fire safety on April 6, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A CorrespondentÂ
Patna: Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan S.M. has appealed to the public to adhere strictly to fire safety norms prescribed by the Disaster Management Department and Bihar Fire Services. He also directed officials to intensify large-scale awareness campaigns and sensitise citizens about safety standards.
Addressing a meeting at the Collectorate conference hall, the District Magistrate said that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated by the Disaster Management Department to tackle fire-related disasters, with advisories issued from time to time. He emphasised that strict compliance with these guidelines can significantly reduce incidents of fire.
In a message to residents, he noted that the period from March 15 to June 15 is considered highly fire-prone, with strong westerly winds increasing the risk. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance during these months, particularly in rural areas where fires can cause extensive damage to fields, crops and property. Even a small spark, he warned, can quickly escalate into a major blaze, making individual awareness and precaution essential. Citizens were urged to promptly report any fire incident, however minor, to local and senior officials and ensure adherence to SOP protocols.
According to data provided by the District Fire Officer, Patna district currently has 88 operational fire tenders. This includes three water bowsers with a capacity of 12,000 litres each, 22 water tenders exceeding 5,000 litres capacity, and 39 vehicles with a 400-litre capacity using mixed technology (350 litres water and 50 litres foam). Additionally, there are five hydraulic platforms, five foam tenders, and 12 bullet bikes equipped with mixed technology. Two other specialised vehicles are also in service, with additional resources available when required.
The district has nine fire stations—six in urban areas and three in rural regions—with nine sub-divisional fire officers deployed. The District Magistrate directed that all government and private hydrants and water sources remain functional at all times. He further instructed that all fire engines stationed at fire stations and police stations be kept fully operational round the clock, with drivers and necessary resources in place to ensure immediate deployment.
He also ordered prompt repairs of any faulty fire-fighting equipment and directed electricity department engineers to maintain overhead power lines at a safe height of more than 12 feet to ensure easy access for fire tenders, whose maximum height is 12 feet.
Expressing satisfaction, the District Magistrate noted that the fire service response time in the district is currently two minutes, ensuring timely arrival at incident sites. He instructed officials to maintain and further improve this efficiency.
He also called for regular updates of route charts identifying highly vulnerable locations across all panchayats and directed that wireless and mobile communication systems in fire vehicles remain operational at all times.
The District Magistrate reiterated that strict adherence to SOPs by all stakeholders is essential to mitigate fire risks. The district administration is running continuous awareness campaigns through print, electronic and social media, as well as hoardings and banners. He urged the public to remain vigilant and actively participate in fire safety measures.
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