A few more fire stations will be set up in Mizoram to prevent fires and facilitate rapid response in emergencies, home minister Lalchamliana said on Monday.

The home minister on Monday kicked off the fire prevention week, which will be observed across the state till Saturday.

Speaking at the inaugural function at Vanapa hall here, Lalchamliana said at present, there are 14 fire stations across the state.

“Some more fire stations will be set up in the newly created three districts, Saitual, Hnahthial and Khawzawl,” he said. He added that the government had launched 101 helpline number as well. He urged the people to prevent forest fires to curb environmental damages.

The theme for this year’s fire prevention week is “Prevent fire and protect your land”.

According to the emergency service department, at least 10 people were killed in various fires from 2015 to 2019.

They said three persons were killed last year.

Altogether 586 fires, including 206 house fires and 380 forest fires have occurred during the same period.

The state government has also fixed the deadline for jhum burning as March 15 and asked all farmers to burn their farms or jhums within this time.