By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a significant advancement, the Bihar Fire Department has established a state-of-the-art command control room to ensure rapid response to fire incidents across the state. With this system, fire brigades will be able to reach the scene of a fire within just one and a half minutes. The control room, designed to enhance efficiency and coordination, will soon be operational.
Approximately 11 personnel will be deployed in the control room, which will be overseen by State Fire Officer IPS Rakesh Kumar. The facility was inaugurated on 30th August 2024 by DG Shobha Ohatkar of Home Guard and Fire Services. Following the inauguration, the control room was equipped with desktops, LED screens, televisions, and advanced machinery to facilitate its operations.
Live Monitoring and Real-Time Updates
The upgraded system allows for live monitoring of 106 locations across Bihar, with information displayed simultaneously on LED screens. Fire department officials recently visited Mumbai to study and adopt best practices for implementing this cutting-edge system.
Upon receiving a fire alert, the control room will immediately relay the location and details to the local district fire office. The system will track the nearest available fire vehicles, their direction, and the time taken to reach the site. Any delays and the challenges faced, such as traffic jams, will also be documented.
Enhanced Communication and Coordination
To further streamline operations, all officers will be provided with tablets to receive real-time updates on location and conditions. Firefighters arriving at the scene will use these devices to report the situation, enabling officers to assess the need for additional vehicles or equipment.
The system will also provide minute-to-minute internal updates, including the availability of vehicles at various fire stations. In emergencies, the control room will coordinate with local police stations to ensure swift assistance.
Built on Mumbai’s Model
Inspired by Mumbai’s fire response system, the Bihar command control room integrates online connectivity for live updates. The system will even pinpoint the location of the caller reporting the fire, ensuring immediate and accurate response.
This initiative marks a transformative step in improving Bihar’s emergency response capabilities, promising quicker action and better resource management during fire incidents.