New Delhi: Due to an increase in infernos during summer, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) is racing against time to shore up its response capabilities, with plans for over 100 compact minivan fire units and cutting-edge robotic technology to battle blazes.
In an exclusive interview, S.K. Tomar, deputy chief fire officer at the fire prevention wing of DFS, tells ThePrint that Delhi Fire Service, which currently mobilises fire tenders within two minutes of a call but often faces delays in reaching sites, has proposed a major personnel restructuring to match the city’s growing fire safety needs.
The DFS is grappling with rising demands for manpower, equipment, and response infrastructure.
Speaking to ThePrint, Tomar outlines how the department is acquiring new innovative technologies, planning to induct minivan fire units in over 100 locations, and has proposed to the government to consider the restructuring of DFS personnel.
He also shares insights on how the DFS is addressing the challenges of ensuring quick responses to rescue operations and fighting blazes in crowded areas while modernising operations and installing advanced systems and safety tools to minimise firefighters’ risk, with the active support of the government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
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Response time: Two minutes but traffic’s a worry
Tomar emphasises that DFS aims to mobilise within two minutes of a fire call, saying, “Our response time to fire calls is two minutes; we take off for the location within that window. However, reaching the scene depends on traffic snarls, flooding, mudslides, road incursions, ring road blockages, security zones, and other factors across our vast jurisdiction.”
He highlights that there is a need for additional fire units in various locations to improve the response time of rescue operations, but Delhi’s land constraints make this difficult.
As an alternative solution to bridge this gap and improve response times to fire calls, he says, “The department has secured the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s approval to deploy 100 minivan fire units at strategic locations. This will increasingly overcome the rescue operation delays.”
When asked about the induction timeline for the minivan fire units, he says, “Ready‑made fire units are not off the shelf; the procurement and fabrication process can take six to eleven months.”
Robots & remote‑control ladders in narrow alleys
To tackle fires in narrow alleys, congested lanes, and underground tunnels, DFS has inducted two large robots, with 24 mini robots (remote-controlled firefighting machines), and the capabilities of climbing 30‑degree inclines and operating hoses remotely.
In 2022, only two mini robots were in operation. “The mini robots are wireless and can go into narrow lanes, inside buildings or underground tunnels,” says Tomar.
Other latest technologies inducted by the DFS include six remote‑controlled articulated turntable ladders, with four of them only recently procured. Purchased domestically through Government E-Marketplace (GEM), they are already in service, with three more ordered.
“Each ladder is fitted with a camera at the end of its branch and a remotely operated water jet, allowing firefighters to tackle blazes from a safe distance,” says Tomar, adding “these technologies are meant to reduce risk to firefighters while helping them reach fires in densely built areas.”
Tomar also explains that previously, for specialised gear, such as imported heavy‑duty robots, the DFS had secured approval from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and floated global tenders through the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The latest development is that the government has made it mandatory to procure all DFS equipment through GEM, he adds.
Restructuring call amid rapid urbanisation
Administratively, the DFS is divided into three zones—Central, West and South—each containing two divisions.
Across these subdivisions, the DFS now runs 68 fire stations, including three daytime‑only units with vehicles patrolling by day and returning to the quarters by evening.
Asked about the requirement for more firemen and fire stations in Delhi, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer stresses that the department’s footprint needs to expand alongside urban growth. To meet the requirements of an urbanised Delhi with its fire services, the DFS has suggested the government assess the restructuring of the department.
“DFS has formally requested a ‘restructuring’ of sanctioned posts to the government and stations to match today’s built‑up area and population density,” Tomar says. While the proposal is confidential and still under government consideration, it reflects an urgent push to align firefighting capacity with the city’s evolving landscape.
Tomar further adds, “Government and MCD are actively thinking of DFS capability in terms of fire units, firefighters, cutting-edge equipment, and the latest advanced technologies. The government is actively pushing to enhance our fire service capability.”
Manpower vs mandate
DFS’s sanctioned operational strength is 3,312, including officers and staff. Roughly 3,000 personnel are currently serving in DFS. Of the sanctioned post of 2,367 firemen, 2,266 are currently working.
According to Tomar, DFS has roughly 100 vacancies due to monthly retirements. the organisation has sent a proposal to the Delhi Subordinate Services Board, requesting that the vacancies be filled. The vacancies, however, are on hold due to a high-court stay on the amendment in the recruitment rules for leading firemen.
Tomar notes that DFS also has candidates eligible for promotion to the ‘leading fireman’ post. “We have enough candidates eligible for promotion to the post of leading fireman, but the vacancies are on hold due to a high-court stay, and due to the ongoing case, there’s a stay on promotions for now. We currently have roughly 100 vacancies, which keep increasing as people retire every month. In the latest recruitment, 39 candidates completed six months of training and joined the force. Proposals for further recruitments have already been sent to the Delhi Subordinate Services Board,” SK Tomar says.
Tomar confirms that the DFS budget allocation for equipment, training, and safety measures, among other necessities, exceeds Rs 110 crore this fiscal year, though the precise amount is in the department’s accounts rather than public records.
According to the Delhi Fire Service Act and Rules, 2010, authorities, including MCD and New Delhi Municipal Council, among others, check buildings that need fire clearance. Once DFS receives an application, it issues safety guidelines within 21 days, with an internal target of 15 days.
However, Tomar admits that there is incomplete data on buildings without proper licenses or fire clearances—especially in old parts of Delhi—as DFS tracks only the cases sent to it.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
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