A swift response by troops of the 113 Infantry Battalion (TA) Rajput averted a major fire at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Sewak in Dimapur on March 11.

It has been reported that a rapidly spreading bushfire broke out within the premises of the school at around 5:45 p.m., fuelled by dry foliage, seasonal undergrowth and evening winds, the fire posed an immediate threat to the school infrastructure as well as nearby wooded areas.

Responding immediately, a fire fighting team from the 113 Infantry Battalion (TA) Rajput rushed to the site and launched coordinated fire fighting operations. The troops carried out a multi-pronged response to contain the blaze. The soldiers cleared dry vegetation to create firebreaks and beat down advancing flames to prevent the fire from spreading towards school buildings and adjoining areas. A military water bowser was also deployed to provide continuous water supply through hose lines, while troops formed a manual bucket chain to combat flames in areas inaccessible to vehicles.

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In addition, the team used fire-extinguisher balls to suppress concentrated pockets of fire, while CO₂ and dry powder extinguishers were used to protect nearby electrical installations and other vulnerable infrastructure. Despite dense smoke and poor visibility, the troops continued on the fire fighting operation until the blaze was brought under control, preventing damage to school facilities and stopping the fire from spreading to nearby residential and wooded areas.

The timely intervention of the Army personnel helped avert a potentially serious incident, highlighting the Indian Army’s commitment to civil assistance and community safety.