The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday paid homage to firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, marking National Fire Service Day with a solemn ceremony at the Mumbai Fire Brigade Headquarters in Byculla.
According to the BMC, senior civic officials, fire service authorities and personnel gathered to honour martyred officers and staff who served the Mumbai Fire Brigade over the years. The ceremony also marked the beginning of Fire Service Week, to be observed from April 14 to April 20, aimed at raising awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Tribute and ceremony at headquarters
Officials, including Standing Committee (Law) Chairperson Diksha Karkar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Maharashtra Fire Services Director Santosh Warik and Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar, were present at the event, the BMC said.
Floral tributes were offered at the martyrs’ memorial, followed by a ceremonial salute by fire personnel. An audio presentation recounting the sacrifices made by firefighters, particularly during major disasters in Mumbai, was also played.
‘Nature of emergencies changing’
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ashwini Joshi highlighted the evolving challenges faced by the Mumbai Fire Brigade. As per the BMC, she cited recent incidents such as the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse and monorail-related emergencies as examples of situations that go beyond conventional firefighting.
She noted that despite these changing demands, the fire brigade continues to respond swiftly and effectively. The civic administration, she added, will continue to support the force in strengthening its capabilities.
Joshi also emphasised the role of citizens during emergencies, including ensuring clear access for fire engines, cooperating with traffic management measures, and maintaining safety compliance in buildings.
Focus on fire safety and citizen awareness
The BMC said Joshi stressed the importance of fire safety infrastructure in buildings, including functional firefighting systems, refuge areas and regular maintenance. She also referred to the civic body’s ‘Aapda Mitra’ initiative, under which residents are trained in basic disaster response and fire safety practices.
Santosh Warik, Director of Maharashtra Fire Services, outlined ongoing state-level training programmes and initiatives to improve fire prevention systems. He noted that Mumbai’s dense population and high-rise structures present operational challenges, but preparedness remains a priority.
Remembering the 1944 dock explosion
In his remarks, Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar recalled the Bombay Dock Explosion, one of the deadliest incidents in the city’s history.
On April 14, 1944, a fire aboard the ship SS Fort Stikine at Mumbai Port led to a massive explosion, killing 66 fire personnel who were battling the blaze. The BMC noted that National Fire Service Day is observed every year on this date to honour their sacrifice.
Civic assurance of support
Diksha Karkar said the role of fire personnel is comparable to that of soldiers safeguarding the nation, adding that the BMC remains committed to addressing operational challenges faced by the force.
The civic body reiterated that Fire Service Week will include awareness drives, safety demonstrations and outreach programmes across the city to promote preparedness and reduce fire-related risks.
