Ghaziabad, 29 Jan : Community service often remains invisible until a crisis brings it to the forefront. The recent fire accident near Saviour Park Society, Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad, on 20 January 2026, was one such moment that highlighted the crucial role played by trained volunteers alongside official emergency services.
The
incident, which involved a fire in a factory basement with reports of people
trapped inside, required immediate and coordinated action. Among the first
responders was Vikas Kapoor, a Gurugram-based banker working with a
UK-based bank, and a volunteer with Ghaziabad Civil Defence, an
voluntary organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs that trains citizens
to assist authorities during disasters, emergencies, and war-like situations.
According
to Civil Defence officials, Kapoor promptly informed senior officers and nearby
volunteers as soon as the incident came to light. He reached the accident site
within minutes, while other Civil Defence volunteers arrived shortly
thereafter. The early presence of trained volunteers proved vital in managing
the situation before full-scale emergency response systems were in place.
Civil
Defence volunteers worked in close coordination with the Fire Department and
other emergency services , assisting in the safe evacuation of individuals
trapped inside the burning basement. They also helped identify injured persons
and ensured that they were shifted to nearby hospitals without delay. Emergency
medical services, including the 108 ambulance service, were alerted
immediately to support on-ground rescue operations.
Officials
noted that such swift community-led response significantly strengthens disaster
management efforts. Trained volunteers act as a bridge between the public and
professional emergency agencies, helping control panic, streamline rescue
efforts, and save precious time.
The
role played by volunteers like Vikas Kapoor underlines the importance of
community participation in disaster response. Despite demanding professional
commitments, many citizens continue to dedicate their time and effort to public
service through organizations such as Civil Defence.
Experts
believe that wider citizen involvement in structured community service can
greatly enhance urban disaster preparedness. “Disasters do not distinguish
between professions,” a senior Civil Defence official remarked. “What matters
is readiness, training, and the willingness to act.”
As
cities continue to grow and risks increase, the Ghaziabad incident serves as a
reminder that community service is not just an act of goodwill—it is a
critical pillar of national resilience. The contribution of trained
volunteers, working quietly and effectively, often becomes the difference
between chaos and control.