The Armed Police Force Nepal’s No. 2 Battalion in Jhapa conducted a fire-control drill in coordination with Bhadrapur Municipality ahead of the upcoming Tihar festival, aiming to reduce fire risks linked to Diwali lamps, firecrackers and other flammable materials. The exercise focused on readiness to respond quickly to a fire, carry out rescue efforts and contain an incident, with the goal of minimising loss of life and property.
Preparing for fire risks during Tihar
Tihar is a period when people use lamps and firecrackers as part of festival observances. Those activities, along with other flammable materials, can create conditions in which a fire may start or spread. The Jhapa exercise was organised in advance of the festival to address those seasonal risks and strengthen preparedness for an emergency.
The drill’s stated purpose was not limited to fire prevention. It also focused on what to do if a disaster occurs, including immediate rescue and efforts to bring a fire under control. A prompt response can be important in limiting the harm caused by an incident, and the exercise was intended to help reduce potential damage to both people and property.
The timing ahead of Tihar placed the exercise within preparations for a festival period associated with the use of flame and combustible items. By holding a fire-control exercise before the celebrations, the battalion and municipality aimed to be better prepared for the specific hazards identified in connection with the festival. The focus was on reducing the possibility of fire incidents and responding effectively if one occurs.
Coordination between security personnel and the municipality
The exercise was conducted by APF Nepal’s No. 2 Battalion in Jhapa in coordination with Bhadrapur Municipality. The partnership brought together the security force and local government for preparedness work addressing a risk that could affect the community during the festival. The available information identifies the two institutions involved and the drill’s objectives, without detailing the exercise’s individual demonstrations or the number of personnel who took part.
Coordination was central to the exercise’s approach. Fire emergencies can require action to contain a blaze and assist people who may be at risk, and the drill focused on readiness for those immediate tasks. The stated aim of minimising loss of life and property reflects the importance placed on both rescue and fire containment, rather than treating the exercise solely as a prevention measure.
Focus on rapid response and reducing losses
The fire-control drill was designed to support a response to incidents that could arise from lamps, firecrackers and other flammable materials during Tihar. Its focus on immediate rescue and containment addressed the consequences of a fire as well as the hazards that might lead to one. The exercise formed part of the battalion and municipality’s preparations ahead of the festival, with reducing fire incidents and limiting their impact as the central objectives.
The initiative underscores the importance of readiness during a period when festival-related flames and combustible materials may be in use. APF No. 2 Battalion Jhapa and Bhadrapur Municipality used the exercise to focus on reducing fire risk and preparing for a rapid response, including rescue and containment. The stated goal is to protect lives and property if a fire or related emergency occurs during Tihar.
