Akhtar was of the view that there is dire need of increasing numbers of fire stations in a densely populated Karachi and measures are being taken in this regard. "We are going to allocate major chunk of funds for purchase of necessary machinery and modern equipments for fire fighters in the next budget," he added.
The Mayor said that fire fighters are provided all necessary equipments and assistance across the world but in Karachi they are working without latest equipments. "Many fighters had embraced martyrdom while others sustained burn injuries during extinguishing," he said.
Akhtar said that he demanded of the government on the eve of International Fire Fighters Day to equip fire brigade with all necessary latest technology as Karachi need an effective fire fighting system. He said that there are many industrial and commercial zones in Karachi where fires erupt so often as well inferno could erupt in densely populated areas. "The fire brigade could only cope with this if it is equipped with latest technology," he added.
He also urged that there is a need to train the people about first aid and emergency exit in case of any fire. He said survey should be conducted of factories, hospitals, educational institutions and private and government offices to ensure fire fighting system there.