BMC honours fallen firefighters in Mumbai, marks start of Fire Service Week

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 BycullaAccording 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 preparednessTribute and ceremony at headquartersOfficials 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 saidFloral tributes were offered at the martyrsrsquo 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 playedlsquoNature of emergencies changingrsquoAddressing 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 monorailrelated emergencies as examples of situations that go beyond conventional firefightingShe 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 capabilitiesJoshi 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 buildingsFocus on fire safety and citizen awarenessThe 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 bodyrsquos lsquoAapda Mitrarsquo initiative under which residents are trained in basic disaster response and fire safety practicesSantosh Warik Director of Maharashtra Fire Services outlined ongoing statelevel training programmes and initiatives to improve fire prevention systems He noted that Mumbairsquos dense population and highrise structures present operational challenges but preparedness remains a priorityRemembering the 1944 dock explosionIn his remarks Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar recalled the Bombay Dock Explosion one of the deadliest incidents in the cityrsquos historyOn 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 sacrificeCivic assurance of supportDiksha 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 forceThe civic body reiterated that Fire Service Week will include awareness drives safety demonstrations and outreach programmes across the city to promote preparedness and reduce firerelated risks