Fireman Lonkar shares his thoughts

Staying mentally prepared for challenges remains the key for a fireman, he says

People should stay calm when firemen are involved in rescue operation. Many times if people panic, it impacts the concentration of firemen and rescue operations becomes more difficult” explains Nilesh Lonkar, a 41-year-old fireman from Kondhwa who is working for the last 15 years at Kondhwa Khurd Fire Station.

Staying mentally prepared for challenges remains the key for a fireman, he adds.

“First, the call goes to the central office then it comes to the site station. Most of the equipment are kept ready in the fire brigade. Once the call is received by the driver we rush at the spot,” said Lonkar.

“Every time there is a different challenge. We are not only on the field when a fire incident occurs. We also go for other rescue operations like rescuing birds from electric poles, animals stuck in water chambers or anyone stuck in lifts,” said Lonkar.

Although Lonkar has been part of many rescue operations, rescuing the boy from a lift was a very unique incident, recalls Lonkar.

“The lift was not stopping and it was moving up and down as the gear wire was damaged. We had to cut the door of the lift with a cutter to bring out 11-year-old Sahil Potfode in Yewalewadi in 2019,” added Lonkar.

“During any incident, our priority is to make sure that no one is injured and assets do not get damaged,” said Lonkar as he signs off.

Jigar Hindocha