Days and places where the tragedy struck are different, but victims belong to the same department. As many as 17 firemen of Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services sustained severe burn injuries on October 12 night when they were putting off an accidental fire in an oil shop near Nagasandra circle in Basavanagudi.
Exactly after two months, one fireman was charred to death, while four others were injured in an accidental fire in Ilyaz Nagar in Kumarswamy Layout on Thursday night.
On October 12 night, the incident occurred minutes after they successfully put off the fire and were about to come out of the shop when a barrel containing thinner suddenly exploded. Firemen, a photographer, assistants to firemen and a sub inspector were injured. Except a fireman, who is still undergoing treatment, others have been discharged. Five of them have already reported for duties. Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services borne the medical expenses.
Both the incidents exposed the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services’ negligent attitude in giving proper protective gears to the employees.
Though firemen come under emergency services, neither the Central nor the State governments have found it necessary to provide them fire-resistant suits. “There’s simply no budget for these suits. One suit would cost around Rs 2 lakh. There are about 2,600 fire personnel in the department in the State. We are in the process of  recruiting another 1811,” said a senior officer of Fire & Emergency Services Department, Government of Karnataka.
“We provide them with oxygen masks, helmets and gum boots,” he added.