DLF to start fire brigade

The country’s largest real estate player DLF is all set to start its own fire brigade beginning with Gurgaon and Chennai, making it probably the first private company to dabble in such activities.

DLF, which is credited to have established almost the entire Gurgaon — one of the first MNC hubs of the country, will set up at least three fire stations in this NCR city as also in southern city of Chennai, in the next two months.

The three stations, mainly to safegauard DLF properties, would have about 120 employees and more such stations could follow going forward.

“With the burgeoning urban population, providing secure living spaces should be a top priority. This move is in line with DLF’s philosophy that the life of our residents and those working in DLF premises are our top priority,” the DLF Head (Fire Safety), Mr S.K. Dheri, told PTI.

These will be the first private fire stations in India that will cater to nearby areas also, along with the three complexes of DLF, in the case of need, he said.

“These fire stations will be located in the Cyber City and DLF Phase V in Gurgaon and the IT SEZ in Chennai. These stations are expected to be operational in the next two months,” Mr Dheri said.

DLF has procured the three hydraulic platforms — two 90 metres and one 60 metres height — from Finland, which is the first time in India that lifts of this height will be available for rescue and fire fighting operations, he claimed.

“The height of the equipment is very crucial for conducting rescue operations in a high-rise building in the eventuality of a fire outbreak. These hydraulic platforms at DLF fire stations are capable of carrying a load of 400 kg,” he said.

The company will have 25-40 people per fire station in the three locations, he added.

He, however, did not share the size of the investment that the company has made in this venture.

Elaborating on the facilities, Mr Dheri said DLF will keep two fire tenders per station with the fire dousers having the capacity to carry 18 kilolitres of water per vehicle.

Mr Dheri said the company already has some fire safety mechanism at its complexes that are managed by its own employees, who conduct fire safety drills and evacuation procedures among others.

“More than 150 qualified fire officers are working round the clock to ensure safety of their occupants — whether owners or tenants. Besides this, the company is maintaining all the systems and equipment at its own cost,” Mr Dheri said.

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