Bhubaneswar: To raise awareness on fire safety and emergency preparedness, the Odisha Fire Services conducted a large-scale mock drill at Capital Hospital on Monday, demonstrating advanced firefighting and rescue techniques.
During the drill, firefighters showcased the use of modern, technology-driven equipment such as hydraulic platforms, robotic firefighting machines, ascenders, and descenders. The exercise simulated real-life scenarios of fire outbreaks and chemical gas-related emergencies, highlighting how the fire brigade rescues people from multi-storey hospital buildings under such conditions.
Officials explained that fires, often caused by short circuits, lead to heavy loss of life and property, especially in hospitals and crowded spaces. Demonstrations included the use of sky-lifting equipment to evacuate people trapped on higher floors, as well as methods to handle hazardous gas leaks.
Alongside the live drill, fire personnel also conducted an awareness session for hospital staff and the public, focusing on fire prevention, emergency response, and evacuation procedures.
Director of Training and Chief Fire Officer P.K. Dash informed that last year alone, 3,800 such mock drills were carried out across Odisha. “This year, the fire service aims to further scale up the number of drills to enhance preparedness and ensure public safety,” he said.
The initiative marks the beginning of a fresh awareness drive aimed at equipping citizens with life-saving skills and ensuring that healthcare institutions and public places are better prepared for fire emergencies.
