Pune: With the rapid expansion of city limits and a surge in fire incidents, the Pune Fire Brigade is grappling with the dual challenges of insufficient resources and an outdated fleet. In response, the department has submitted a proposal for ₹24 crore to the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) Standing Committee to procure advanced firefighting vehicles.
Challenges in Fire Response
The department currently operates with 22 fire engines and 5 tankers, after retiring 27 vehicles that had surpassed their 15-year operational lifespan. The fleet reduction has significantly impacted the department’s ability to respond effectively, particularly in the city’s growing suburbs and high-rise zones.
Pune, with a population of 6 million spread across 480 square kilometers, faces a notable shortfall in firefighting infrastructure. According to safety norms, there should be one fire engine for every 100,000 residents. However, the city operates only 20 fire stations, far fewer than required.
Fire Incidents on the Rise
The city reports an average of 200-225 fire incidents monthly, or roughly 2,500 annually. Fires frequently occur in unauthorized warehouses, garbage dumps, parked vehicles, and residential areas. The festive season, particularly Diwali, sees a spike in incidents due to fireworks. Managing these incidents often requires multiple fire engines, stretching the department’s resources.
Proposed Modernization
To address the challenges, the fire department plans to purchase six state-of-the-art multipurpose fire engines and smaller vehicles designed for narrow lanes and slum areas. The estimated cost for these is ₹11.99 crore and ₹1.12 crore, respectively.
Additionally, the department aims to enhance its capability to tackle fires in high-rise buildings. Currently, its fire engines can reach only 7-8 stories. The proposed new engines will extend this capability to 15-16 stories, meeting the demands of Pune’s rapidly growing skyline. These advanced vehicles will cost ₹10.86 crore and include lightweight, easy-to-operate features for efficient handling.
“Per RTO regulations, vehicles older than 15 years cannot be used. As a result, 27 vehicles have been retired. The procurement process for modern vehicles is underway,” said Devendra Potphode, Chief of the Pune Fire Department.