B. Pradip Kumar, 1987 batch Station Fire Officer, assumed charge as District Fire Officer for Coimbatore under the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service on Friday.

Earlier he was serving as Fire Officer in Krishnagiri and additional in-charge for Dharmapuri district.

He said banners containing awareness messages related to fire safety would be put up in important public places before Diwali. More awareness campaigns would be conducted in educational institutions, he said.

“Fire accidents can be prevented in apartments and huge buildings if the builders follow National Building Code. Those issuing licences should check all these details,” Pradip added.

He urged the people to contact toll free number 101 in case of emergency arising out of fire accidents. “The calls would be attended by Fire personnel round the clock,” he said.