Fire Service Week was inaugurated on the occasion of National Fire Service Day in Mumbai, in the presence of Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, at Lok Bhavan on Monday, April 13.
During the event, 12 fire officers and personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, MIDC, and Maharashtra Fire Services were awarded President’s Fire Service Medals for their distinguished service.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted that challenges faced by fire services have increased significantly over the years due to rapid urbanisation, high-rise buildings, underground metro systems, and expanding industrial sectors. He noted that fire services are now required to handle complex emergencies, ranging from industrial fires to incidents involving modern data centres.
The Governor noted that INR 614 crore has been approved under the 15th Finance Commission for modernising fire services in Maharashtra, which will help strengthen fire safety systems in both urban and rural areas.
He also called for the establishment of dedicated research institutions in fire science to develop innovative firefighting technologies, eco-friendly extinguishing systems, and comprehensive fire safety audits.
On the occasion, several senior fire officials and personnel, including Santosh Warik, Anil Parab, Harishchandra Shetty, and others, were honoured with medals.
The programme was attended by senior fire officials, representatives from industrial establishments, and family members of awardees.
April 14 is observed as National Fire Service Day in memory of firefighters who lost their lives in the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion. Fire Service Week is observed from this day to raise awareness about fire safety.
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