Jhalokathi, Sept 18 (V7N) – Kathalia Upazila’s lone fire service station in Jhalokathi has been facing severe infrastructure and equipment shortages for years, leaving emergency services badly hampered. A non-functional ambulance, an almost inoperative water tanker, and a shortage of manpower have created major obstacles in regular firefighting and rescue operations.
 
Currently graded as a third-class station, Kathalia Fire Service has one ambulance, one water tanker, and one pump unit. However, the ambulance has remained out of order for years. Declared condemned by BRTA about five years ago, it has been lying idle due to damaged parts, leaving no scope for transporting accident victims or patients in emergencies.
 
The absence of ambulance service is a major concern, as the nearest upazila health complex is around 8 kilometers away. Locals said this lack of facilities has often caused unnecessary suffering.
 
The station’s old water tanker also frequently breaks down, forcing firefighters to rely mostly on a single pump unit to draw water from nearby canals or ponds during fire incidents, which often slows down operations. Added to this is a shortage of trained staff, making the situation even more difficult.
 
Station Sub-Officer Md. Adud Howlader said, “The ambulance was officially declared unfit for use around five years ago. Despite several attempts, no replacement has been provided. If we had one, accident victims and patients could have been taken to hospitals quickly, saving many lives.”
 
Firefighter Md. Ali Azgar echoed the concern, saying, “We are always ready to serve, but without proper vehicles and an ambulance, it’s not possible to provide the service people expect from us.”
 
Local residents have also demanded urgent action. Imran Hossain, a trader at Bot Tola Bazar near the fire station, said, “An ambulance is crucial for the community. We urge the authorities to provide one without delay.”
 
Md. Zakir Hossain, acting chairman of Kathalia Sadar Union, said, “For a long time, locals have been deprived of ambulance services. Accidents or disasters can happen anytime, and a new ambulance is urgently needed.”
 
Residents and officials alike have called for Kathalia Fire Service Station to be restored to full capacity. They also demand its upgrade from third to second grade, with adequate manpower, a functional ambulance, and effective firefighting vehicles to ensure proper service delivery. Without these, they warn, any accident or fire outbreak could place lives at serious risk.
 
END/AIJ/SMA/