Every second counts
How better tools, training and community support through the SUPER project are transforming fire response in Nepalgunj
Banke, Nepal: When a fire breaks out, every second counts.
But for years, the fire brigade in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City in Banke District often lost critical time — both in reaching the fire and putting it out.
“We didn’t have proper safety gear,” says 55-year-old Jhain Bahadur Khadka, Chief of the Fire Control Branch. “And it was hard to get our truck through narrow streets, particularly in the inner city.”
Retired from the Nepali Army with 26 years of disaster response experience, Jhain took over the fire brigade seven years ago. Those early years, he recalls, were full of challenges.
“We had only one water refilling point,” Jhain says. “By the time we were able to fill the tank and return, the fire would have already spread.”
This was especially worrying as the team covers all eight municipalities in Banke and also supports neighbouring districts when needed. “Many staff were hesitant, even scared, because the risks were so high,” Jhain says.
Things began to change with support from the Strengthening Urban Preparedness, Earthquake Preparedness and Response (SUPER) project — led by UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, and Handicap International, thanks to funding from the European Union.
The fire brigade identified its most urgent needs. In response, the team received hose pipes, foam nozzles, fire extinguishers, bolt cutters, rescue ropes, protective gear, and a hydraulic cutter for emergencies. One key upgrade was a motorbike equipped with a siren, hose, and extinguisher — ideal for navigating narrow, congested areas where the fire truck couldn’t reach.
“Twelve new hydrants have also been installed across the city,” says Jhain. “So, we can now refill water on the spot.”
With these improvements, the brigade’s response has become quicker and more effective. In the past year alone, they responded to 124 fire incidents. Jhain recalls one recent fire at a furniture shop.
“We knew water wouldn’t work because the chemicals inside would make it worse. So, we used the foam nozzle and stopped it before it spread,” he says. “Two years earlier, a similar fire had caused much more damage. Back then, we didn’t have the right equipment.”
Another major change has come from the community. Through the SUPER project, the brigade has trained a growing network of local volunteers who now help contain small incidents before they escalate.
These changes have made homes and neighbourhoods safer, especially for children, who are among the most vulnerable during disasters. With fires brought under control more quickly, schools, homes and playgrounds are now better protected.
The impact is visible — not just in tools and training, but in mindset. “The brigade staff are more confident now,” says Jhain. “They’re no longer afraid to go in.”
With improved equipment, trained personnel, and community support, the fire brigade now reaches fires faster and controls them more effectively — reducing damage and saving lives.
UNICEF Nepal/2025/LPNgakhusi
“The quicker we respond, the more people we protect,” says Jhain.
