A Visit to a Combined Emergency Control Room of Capital city of boise of State IDAHO USA

As a licencessiate member I unabashedly voice my passion mostly by out of the box question on matters of Fire at various gatherings of Institution of Fire Engineers (I). Same Fidda Drives me to observe very closely Fire Fighting Arrangements when personal visit to other lands in this case USA where my children stay. I am friends to the aggressive & distinguished Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operations) of Boise. From a simple Fireman he rose to this position on his own steam by age 35. Chief Fire Officer is political appointee & interviewed for selection by the Mayor, and his co-termee Police Chief comes the same way. It is not uncommon for Deputy Fire Chief to draw more pay than his political appointee, the Fire Chief. He frequently visits Washington where they get periodic training in National Disaster Management as a sequel to 9/11 September. Concurrently in his free hours. He pursues Masters in Fire Fighting and MBA in Disaster Management. Further, he goes on lecture tours to other states. It is common to be paid $2500/-for a week's work that includes air fare & lodging of course. He is keen to visit India.

At In one FICCI consultancy, I visited Delhi Fire Service HQTRS. Last year so I was very keen to visit a combined Emergency Control Room functioning at Boise. One fine day, I was taken there Informatively, Fire Head Quarters have no bee-hive control position. Fire Chief practically has nothing to do with day to day running of Boise Fire Service. Nor for that matter, Deputy Chief Fire (operations)is burdened with overseeing fires directly. Fire is common occurrence. There Most houses are built of processed wood. Large structures are combinations of various materials but susceptible to fires.

The Deputy Chief was in his uniform & fully wired with many Mobiles on his belt. And one such lead was plugged to his right ear Self driven, his station wagon was long & broad but not that tall as a typical American truck & with the usual external roof lights & hooter. Easily single left hand driven, his right hand constantly worked on mounted lap top updating him on message or he could cut in. Noteworthy was absence of any driver\assistant. He was all in one. He told me that satellite vehicle tracking system for 150 Fire Department Vehicles of Boise & adjoining suburbia had recently been sanctioned.

The Emergency Control Room was housed in one outer wing of Boise City Jail. Seclusion & Secrecy were eerie. Offices lined the long Corridor including one for Duty Detail Police Inspector who too was friends. There was a large Conference Room on one side of the Corridor. It was fully equipped with Wall Display, chairs with one broad arm as write table, mostly used for Disaster Management briefings/talks/Lectures/Conferences.

Facing it on the other side of the Corridor, was the Emergency Control Room; rather very large with Four Bays at present but sans any wall display. Each bay had a number of table computer display station manned by one individual. Details from In Charge Police was tabled at the center. Police Bay had maximum control consoles with Fire service next. 3rd Bay had 4/5Traffic computer consoles, visually monitoring all the City cameras as that were mounted on top of the traffic lights on each road crossings. Any crossing can be visual led or pictures frames recalled, from any past point in time. All are aware now, how London Police pains takingly went back through the 1400 Cameras records of concerned Metro Stations after the 7/7 Bomber attacks! One day hopefully Delhites would be alert to fixed visual cameras at the crossings.

The 4^th Bay was manned by paramedics/search & rescue. Emergency Control Room portioning walls presumably could be extended to Police Personnel who were cross trained for other Bays but not vice-versa. Though the remaining 3 do stand for one other.

All Emergency calls were taken here and automatically routed to the concerned Bay & to the individual Computer Controlled Console. They too had language problems, as some elders still speak in their native language i.e. Latin, Russian, Slav, German, French, etc. To translate these emergency calls, they had Translators on call. In India too, languages & dialects are a huge problem that need its own unique solutions. Informatively, it takes 3 weeks for written translations in all the 23 European languages for ELL to function effectively That is the Biggest bug bear in the Delivery Mechanism in Center & States, inter states & Intra-State interactions in India. All actions/details are duly recorded automatically with no margin for fudging, and there is strict restriction on access to records & internal reports even for Court cases. Surprisingly, Emergency Control Room was not cluttered with Ranks but worked seamlessly which is the hall mark of the American system; of course with occasional serious glitches And rarely the Duty watch is hauled over burning coals for doing his duty diligently. System is mostly blamed & if necessitated it is reprogrammed. Rights of citizens are equally zealously protected & offending uniform hauled up in court.

Railway Relief Trains in India are equipped with small Hospital for all attention including surgeries at rail accident sites. Similarly Air craft today are equipped with latest items for specialized surgeries in 3rd world Countries. Recently in USA they have developed a prototype of a Hospital on road wheels for driving to. Disaster Areas.2/3 large chairs are conjoined. It has a power plant, X-ray Machine etc., for emergency surgeries to the casualties at the site of disaster. India that be frequented with Disasters, can and should build its own prototype Hospital on road wheels. It would prove of tremendous boon to the casualties. My questions were answered politely but with due alacrity. I must confess that I was impressed. Naturally Emergency Control Room in Delhi Fire Service HQTRS has only few manually manned telephones that Telephone Exchanges have bestowed as a special offering But I understand a new Emergency Station has been sanctioned for Delhi Fire Service Hopefully it would be manned by the equally competitive Delhi Fire Service Men, better trained & better paid.

Thanks largely to the media, in particular the TV medium, winds of change can no longer be blocked for eternity.

The Agenda for Development of public Fire protection services In IndiaPreface

1.1) The Fire Service in India is more than two centuries old. During the Pre-Independence period; several fire brigades were established under the control of local bodies in various parts of the country. They were organized around the need to respond to fire incidents aims mainly at saving life and property of all the citizens with in the jurisdiction of their responsibilities, more or less on the same pattern of the County Fire Brigade in the U.K. The Metropolitan city of Mumbai was the to start Fire Brigade Service in 1803, followed by Kolkota.

1.2) During the initial post-independence years, some efforts were made by the Govt. Of India to re-organize fire services by convening a meeting of the expert committee in 1950, followed by Fire Chiefs Conference in 1955. In pursuance of their recommendation, the Govt. Of India constituted the standing Fire Advisory Committee in 1956 to examine the technical, organizational and other related problems concerning the Fire Service and make the recommendation to the Government. This is purely an advisory body comprising representatives of recognized fire services, now meeting for the 31sttime since its inception. This recommendatory body could not make any substantial impact on the development and growth of fire service in the country, since many of the important and far reaching recommendations made in 1955 are yet to be implemented. Hence, it is to be admitted that after 58 years of independence, fire service in India has only stunted growth and lopsided development and largely remains heterogeneous in character, as there is no uniformity in administration and organization in Fire Services.

Constitutional Position in Respect Of Fire Protection And Control.

1.3) The backwardness of fire serviceis largely due to its peculiar and not so well defined constitutional position for governance in order to facilitate proper administration on various aspects, subjects have been distributed between the Union Government and the State Government for legislative purpose for making laws under article 246, which is reflected in the 7th schedule of the constitution, viz (1) UnionList-97, (2) State List-66 and (3) Concurrent list-47, but the subject fire protection does not figure in any of the 7th schedule to the Constitution of India. The problems created by or relating to fire are generally delegated to State Government responsibilities. By virtue of 74th Amendment, the word Fire Service has been reflected in the schedule 12 to be read with article 243 W specifying it to be a municipal function. There are major states viz Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, where Fire Services are controlled by the local bodies. Poverty ridden Municipalities cannot established, leave alone maintain and develop fire service as a service delivery organization. In fact it turns out to be a self defeating provision in the constitution for developing fire service. As a result, 70% of the population who live in the villages do not have fire protection services.

1.4) Further it is also seen that the control and protection of life and property is treated as part of maintenance of public order, which is a State duty. With the existing heterogeneous setup of Fire Service, it has not been possible to introduce legislation both at Central and State level for uniformity in organization, administration and effective implementation of fire protection and safety measures, nor has it been possible to integrate fire safety requirements in developmental efforts at the national level.

RENAMING THE FIRE SERVICE AS FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICE:

1.5) The society and the requirements, it place on Fire Service have changed enormously, but the Fire Service as an institution has not changed in turn, since it is organized around the need only to respond to fire incidents which makes up not more than 25% of its total activities and so it is not now, and will not in future be, the dominant activity. Fire Service therefore requires a major reform in terms of its function, legislative backing and management and it needs to be planned carefully and continuously reviewed. A radical program of reform is required to change the existing fire service in modern service delivery institution, designed to improve all germane aspects of community safety more focused on prevention rather than intervention. It is imperative to bring about a paradigm shift in the approach and role of Fire Service for a wider role and re-christen it as Fire and Emergency Services. Hence there is need to review the constitutional position in respect of fire protection and control services so as to include the subject Fire Protection Service in list 3 Concurrent list for the following reasons:

Enlistment of the subtect, Fire protection and control in the concurrent list of the 7<sup>th</sup> schedule of the constitution

2.1) As per the 74th amendment to the Constitution of India any corporation and municipalities are Empowered to setup Fire Services whereas 70% of the of Provision is made in Xlth Schedule of the Constitution of India dealing with Panchayats. Fire Protection is a basic human need, which should not be relegated to municipalities has the poor villagers have to pay exorbitant charges for use of Fire Services for protection of their life and property during exigencies and at times they pay this sums by obtaining loans. On the other hand their counter part in municipal areas do not pay anything for the Fire Service. Depriving villagers form this critical facility is against the letter and spirits of the Constitution of India, which speaks of equality and social justice.

2.2) As per the directive principles of state policy it shall be the endeavor of the State to protect and improve the environment and safe guard the forest and wildlife of the country-Article 48A & 49 speak for protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance. Planning for adequate fire protection arrangements need to be made therefore a part of the over all Civil Defence plan for which center is the guiding and coordinating authority. The expenditure towards these efforts should be shared between the Central and State Governments on equal bases. Besides it will facilitate organized efforts at National and State level for making the public aware of the nature of fire hazards and need for observing basic fire prevention measures during peace and war time alike. Enlisting fire service in the concurrent list there for makes eminent sense.

2.3) As it is, the Centre has a direct responsibility in the matter of training Fire Service Personnel in as much, as Union agencies and Institutions, for professional, vocational or technical training including the training of Police Officers are placed under item 65 of the list 1 in Union List. Hence, it make sense to include professional service like Fire Service as whole in the concurrent list.

2.4) There are major services in the Central Government Ministries/departments and therefore it is appropriate that the subject of fire is brought under the Concurrent list. As there is an urgent need for legislation both at Central and State level to ensure uniformity in administration and effective implementation of fire safety measures in various sectors.

2.5) Since protection of life and property from ravages of fire is a national responsibility which is vital for consolidation of gains accrued from the national development plan, a more rational approach to the problem will be to have this responsibility shared by the Central as well as State Government.

2.6) Fire prevention/safety is a responsibility of any civilized society. Subjects like social security and social insurance, employment and unemployment include at item 23 and whereas education including technical Education, vocational and technical training of labour Is reflected in the Concurrent List, item 25, while the subject of far greater national significance like protection of life and property from the threat of fire has been left out.

2.7) The constitutional ambiguity of the subject Fire Protection and Control is a serious lapse for a developing country like India for progressive industrialization. Fire and Explosion are the major threat for any industrial disasters, which needs comprehensive study and risk evaluation which is technical and professional in nature. There are public sectors undertaking with the partnership of Central Government as well as State Government. As Fire does not discriminate Central and State PSUs for safety precautions, it is advisable that the subject is bought under the Concurrent List for enforcement and legislative purpose.

2.8) Fire Service had a major Budget Head earlier viz; 260-Fire Protection and Control, however the same has been clubbed up with other administrative services. As a result, discussion in the Legislative Assembly about the subject Fire Protection and Control is often by passed during Budget sessions of the Assembly, unless there are serious mishaps on the day of Budget discussion. Fire Service do not get adequate attention for improvement and development.

2.9) Fire Service is deemed as a State subject under maintenance of Public Orders; which do not provide legitimate ground for proper development since Fire Service to the community are placed under the control of local bodies under section 243W. A service delivery organization like Fire & Emergency Services ought to have been organized to take on the responsibilities as a dependable State emergency response force for all type of fire and non fire emergencies including response of Arson Terrorism and disaster management. In the larger context of urbanization and industrialization, inclusion of Fire Protection and Control in the Concurrent List makers greater sense.

2.10) Disaster and Fires do not have any geographical barriers. Therefore it would be appropriate if it is included in the Concurrent List for the safety, security and welfare of the people in the country, particularly in view of the recommendations of the High Powered Committee on Disaster Management to streamline and develop the fire and Emergency Service in the country.

Setting up of A National Commission for Fire protection services

The role of Fire Service is not just limited to being a fire Fighting service as generally perceived, but it also plays a role of a disaster preventive agency especially in urban areas. It can provide basic rescue and search Service and can also co-ordinate in event of disaster situation with other agencies like Police and Health Service and work in conjunction with them. The recommendations of the High Powered Committee of Disaster Management regarding revamping Fire Service are as follows:-

The appointment of a National Fire Service Commission to suggest the reorganization of Fire Services to cope with the challenges posed the technological advancement during peacetime and war situations.

Formulation of a Policy on Fire Preparedness in Rural Urban Areas.

The provision of a comprehensive legislative backup to the Fire Service to enforce fire regulations.

The risk mapping of cities and industrial towns and the norms of fire protection levels in such areas.

Review of training standards and equipments requirements.

Planning of Fire Safety programmes for the public.

Planning of fire prevention and protection in slums and shanty towns.

To review provisions of the model Fire Service Bill. We have National Commission for almost all special case groups. Hence, it is very important to set up a Commission in line with the National Police Commission as its prime function should be to review, assess and monitor on a continuing basis, the role and performance of fire service in view of the new role assigned to fire service in the context of Disaster Management as first respondent for all hazard response purpose. The commission should be set up and entrusted with the following terms and references.

3.1) To examine in depth the organizational set up, their role and function and recommend ways and means to re-structure them with a view to achieve maximum possible uniformity and efficiency.

3.2) To examine the pay structure, conditions of service, personnel matters, medical standards, career path, which have bearing in maximum efficiency. They should have access to cadre service and be able to develop their full potential.

3.3) Managing Fires is more technical than perceived. In order to examine the adequacy of training methods and recommend measures for improvement and the rewards structure based around integrated professional development schemes with career path for new entrants and in-service personnel.

3.4) To examine theexisting legalprovisions ifany on fire service matters and recommend additional legislation at Central and State level for better administration of the service equipping them suitably to develop as a dependable civil emergency force of the State for all types of natural and manmade disaster.

3.5) To examine present state of preparedness of Fire Service in the country and recommend measures for modernization with a view to enable the fire service to meet new challenges of technological advances.

3.6) To examine the existing safeguard if any against health and accident hazards faced by the members of the profession and recommend improvement.

3.7) To recommend suitable steps to intensify the fire safety awareness programme among masses and to develop the force as a disaster preventive agency in urban areas.

3.8) To recommend measures for subjecting fire service for periodical inspection by competent professional authorities to ensure standards of efficiency at par with Medical Council of India.

3.9) To examine adequacy of fire fighting equipments provided as per the Standing Fire Advisory Council norms in view of the added responsibilities of urban search and rescue services.

3.10) To examine the progress made in the field of Research and Development and to intensify the efforts to cope up with the requirements of fire protection services to keep in pace with the technological progress.

3.11) To examine the feasibility for providing grant-in-aid for development of Fire Service from the insurance amount collected by the respective States in line with recommendation made by the Sarkaria Commission for Railway passenger fare.

3.12) To examine problems of financing the services for modernization and suggest schemes for locating adequate resources for improvement of fire service and maintain them in high standard of efficiency.

In view of the foregoing, we should have Fire Service Commission to look into the problems besetting the development of the fire services so that whole host of problems that are being faced by the Fire Services in the country, to whom we owe a great deal, are solved. The future fire service will have clear and accountable lines of direction and management.

Letter to editor