National Fire Academy hosts training on fire safety, disaster management

In an ambitious endeavour to bolster fire safety and disaster management skills across the nation, All India Institute of Local Self-Government, in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Urban Environmental Studies (RCUES), Mumbai, conducted a two-day specialised training programme. The event, held at the National Fire Academy in Vadodara on March 29–30, 2024, drew experts and officials from across the country to deliberate on “Fire Prevention, Fire Protection, and Disaster Management—‘Ensure’ Fire Safety, Contribute Towards Nation Building.”

The seminar was inaugurated by Ranjit Chavan, President of the Institute, marking the beginning of a pivotal gathering aimed at enhancing national capabilities in managing fire-related emergencies and disasters. Joining him on the dais were notable figures such as Hansa Patel, Chief Executive Adviser; Vivek Buchkey, Technical Director of the National Fire Academy; and Neha Hardikar, Senior Research Officer at RCUES, Mumbai, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing fire safety and disaster preparedness.

The training programme welcomed a diverse group of participants, including senior officials from AIILSG’s fire training centres across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Officials from Nagarpalikas (municipal councils) in Gujarat and sub-fire officer trainees from the National Fire Academy also attended, reflecting a broad interest in advancing fire safety education and practice. Throughout the seminar, experts from various industries and local bodies shared insights on fire safety, disaster management, and rescue operations, providing valuable knowledge to the attending delegates.

A highlight of the seminar was Chavan’s speech on the second day. He outlined the history and progress of fire management courses offered by the academy. He detailed the inception of the Fireman’s Training Course in 1979 and the subsequent establishment of the National Fire Academy in 1999, in response to the growing demand for trained fire personnel across sectors. He also touched upon the inclusion of female trainees, particularly noting the current batch’s participants sponsored by Rajasthan Local Bodies.

The seminar saw participation from officials of other fire training centres in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, emphasising the national scope of the training program. The event not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also reinforced the commitment of various institutions to building a safer and more resilient nation through improved fire safety and disaster management practices.