Vadodara Municipal Corporation to Launch Dedicated Fire Prevention Wing
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is taking a significant step to boost fire safety in the city. Officials plan to create a special Fire Prevention Wing soon. This new unit will operate as part of the existing fire and emergency services.
Focus on Prevention and Awareness
The wing aims to concentrate on fire prevention and public awareness. It will function under the Gujarat Fire Safety and Life Safety Measures Rules. A formal proposal for this initiative has already reached the civic body's standing committee. Members will discuss it later this week.
Currently, the same personnel manage both emergency calls and fire safety duties. The new setup will change that. It will feature a dedicated team to handle prevention work separately.
Key Responsibilities of the New Wing
The Fire Prevention Wing will have several important tasks. Officials will examine building plans to ensure they meet fire safety standards. They will study trends in fire accidents to identify common causes.
The team will also assist in creating fire safety policies. They will plan the deployment of firefighting equipment across the city. Overseeing the planning for new fire stations will be another crucial duty.
Additionally, the wing will organize fire safety awareness programs for residents. They will prepare educational materials to inform the public about prevention measures.
Staff Structure and Recruitment Plans
The VMC has outlined a specific staff structure for this wing. It will include one deputy chief fire officer and one divisional fire officer. Four station officers and four sub-officers will also be part of the team.
The wing will have four additional assistant engineers. Two will specialize in civil engineering, and two in electrical engineering. Sixteen firemen and four junior clerks will complete the workforce.
The four junior clerks will transfer from other departments within the VMC. However, the corporation will conduct fresh recruitment for the remaining thirty positions. This brings the total dedicated staff to thirty-four members.
Next Steps for Implementation
The VMC administration has submitted the proposal to the standing committee for approval. They seek permission to establish the Fire Prevention Wing and deploy the suggested staff. Once approved, the wing can start its operations, marking a proactive move toward safer urban living in Vadodara.