KARACHI, July 19: The city government has decided to set up mini fire stations at various places to overcome the shortage of such stations in the city.

Most of the stations would be set up underneath flyovers and other vacant places so that in case of fire in their vicinity, fire fighting engines could be rushed to the spot, the sources said. In the first phase, they said, a mini fire station would be set up beneath Gulshan-i-Iqbal Flyover, they added.

Although there were 20 fire stations functioning in the city, the fire department had the approval of only 12 fire stations’ employees. To overcome the shortage of employees for the remaining eight fire stations, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had recently approved 376 new posts. Besides, search and rescue teams would be set up with the federal government funds amounting to Rs350 million. The city government has also decided to purchase two new snorkels.

As a part disaster management arrangement, a number of equipments had been purchased at a cost of Rs650 million, which would be received by the city government shortly. In addition, 22 small vehicles would be handed over to the fire department for the disaster management setup. Besides, a number of life boats had already been purchased for rescuing the lives of beach visitors.