14.04.2026: Governor inaugurates Fire Service Week
Maharashtra Governor inaugurates Fire Service Week
12 Fire Officers and Personnel from Mumbai Conferred President’s Medals
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the FIre Service Week on the occasion of National Fire Service Day at Lok Bhavan Mumbai on Tue (14 April).
Twelve fire officers and personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, MIDC and Maharashtra Fire Services were conferred the President’s Fire Service Medals by the Governor for their distinguished service.
In his address, the Governor stated that over the past few decades, the challenges before fire services have increased manifold. Rapid urbanisation, high-rise buildings, underground and elevated metro networks, and expanding industrial zones have made the nature of emergencies more complex. Large warehouses and data centres have become a necessity, posing diverse challenges ranging from conventional industrial fires to those involving highly sophisticated data infrastructure.
He said that fire services today are not limited to extinguishing fires, but also play a crucial role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, industrial assets, and public spaces. In recent times, incidents involving gas and chemical fires, as well as fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used in e-cars and other electrical equipment, have been witnessed. In this context, the effective use of Artificial Intelligence for fire prevention, detection, and analysis of causes has become essential.
The Governor emphasized that in the evolving scenario, continuous upgradation of skills, training, and infrastructure of fire service personnel is imperative. He said that the amount of ₹614 crore sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission for the modernization of fire services in Maharashtra will significantly strengthen fire safety services in both urban and rural areas.
He further stressed the need to establish a dedicated institute in the state for research in fire science or to strengthen existing institutions. This should include the development of innovative fire containment technologies, eco-friendly fire suppressants, and comprehensive fire safety audits of industrial and non-industrial establishments. He also highlighted the importance of involving universities and educational institutions in fire safety drills, awareness campaigns, and disaster management initiatives.
President’s Fire Service Medals were conferred upon Chief Fire Officer, MIDC, Santosh Warik; Deputy Chief Fire Officers of Mumbai Fire Brigade, Anil Parab and Harishchandra Raghu Shetty; Divisional Fire Officer Devendra Patil; Sub Officers Rajaram Kudale and Anant Dhotre; Leading Firemen Kishor Mhatre, Muralidhar Andhale, Mohan Toskar and Mukesh Kate; Divisional Fire Officer Kishor Ghadigaonkar; and Senior Instructor Kiran Hatyal.
Earlier Director of Maharashtra Fire Services, Santosh Warik, pinned the Fire Service Flag badge on the Governor’s jacket. The Governor contributed to the Fire Service Welfare Fund and appealed to citizens to extend generous support.
Director Santosh Warik delivered the introductory remarks, while Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai Fire Brigade, Ravindra Ambulgekar, proposed the vote of thanks. Senior fire officers from Mumbai Fire Brigade, representatives of industrial establishments, and family members of the awardees were present in large numbers.
It may be noted that April 14 is observed as National Fire Service Day in memory of the fire personnel who lost their lives in the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion. Fire Service Week is observed from this day onward.