Port Blair, April 14: Together with the rest of the country, the A&N Police Fire Service is observing the Fire Service Week from 14th to 20th April this year. The Theme for this year is “Fire Prevention is better than Fire Fighting”. The Fire Service Week is organized every year in memory of a major fire incident that occurred on 14th April 1944, at “Victoria Harbour” in Mumbai, in which 336 persons died and 1040 were injured. Out of 336 who died, 68 were Officers and Jawans of Mumbai Fire Brigade. The tragedy occurred when a ship namely “SS FORT STRIKINE” loaded with explosive materials exploded while berthing at Jetty causing fire in several other vessels berthed in the wharf. To commemorate the act of bravery of the officers and men of Mumbai Fire Brigade who lost their lives during the fire fighting operation, April 14th is celebrated as Martyr’s Day. Martyrs Day will be observed on 14/04/2019 at 0700 hrs. at Fire Service HQ Port Blair. Two minutes silence will be observed to pay homage to those Fire Service personnel who had laid their lives on the line of duty for ensuring fire safety of our countrymen all over the nation. Later in the day, Fleet March of Fire Vehicles shall be taken out in and around Port Blair town.
A week long programme has been chalked out by this Unit, which starts with a Commemoration Day Parade on 14th April followed by publicity & educational campaign through banners, educational pamphlets, short video screening, Lectures and Demonstrations at various institutions including Village Community Centers, Govt. Building, Schools etc. The programme also includes Drawing & Painting competition for school students and special inspection campaign of industrial premises, hospitals, hotels, resorts etc. in order to make them aware of fire safety measures & requirements.
Similar programme are also being organized at all the Fire Stations located in all the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar.