Mumbai, April 14, 2026: The Mumbai Fire Department, in association with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), observed the Fire Service Week (April 14–20) with a tribute to firefighters who lost their lives in the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion. The remembrance ceremony was held at the Byculla Command Centre in the presence of the Additional Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Corporator, Mumbai Chief Fire Officer, and Director of Maharashtra Fire Service, and other fire personnel.
This year’s theme, ‘Safe School, Safe Hospital, Fire-Safe Society’, highlights the need to build fire-safe infrastructure and a more aware and prepared society by adhering to all the new and old fire safety norms, including the inclusion of IoT Systems and timely fire audit.
As part of the week-long campaign, awareness activities are being conducted across Mumbai through its 35 fire stations, including:
- Distribution of fire safety pamphlets
- Lectures and live demonstrations in schools, housing societies, and commercial complexes
- Fire safety rallies across key locations such as Byculla, Worli, Marol, Malad, Chembur, and Vikhroli
- Public guidance on emergency response during fire incidents
The Annual Firefighting Competition (2025–26) will conclude with its final round taking place on Saturday, April 18th, at 9:00 AM at the Regional Command Centre, Byculla. The Hon’ble Mayor, Mrs Ritu Tawde and Municipal Commissioner, Mrs Ashwini Bhide, are expected as the chief guests.
Mumbai Chief Fire Officer R. Ambulgekar stated that firefighting is not merely a profession, but it’s a service to society rooted in responsibility and dedication. He urged citizens to become more aware and proactive about fire safety.
Milind Shah, Director, NEWAGE Fire Protection: “NEWAGE is aligned with the theme of this year: a ‘Safe School, Safe Hospital, Fire-Safe Society’. We believe fire safety must go beyond compliance and be focused on the preventive side of things through smart technology like IoT solutions. IoT solutions enable ‘Real-time Monitoring’ and an immediate response, both critical to protecting life and property in facilities such as schools, residential apartments, and hospitals. Fire safety must be ‘smart, connected and continuous’; thus, we can ensure ‘safer communities’ for the future.”
Nagarsevika Diksha Karkar paid heartfelt homage to firefighters, comparing the firefighters’ courage to soldiers on the border. She also addresses the need for greater societal recognition of firefighters for their service. She saluted their selfless dedication and remembered the spirit of sacrifice through the iconic sentiment, “Jo Shahid hue hain unki, zara yaad karo kurbani.”
Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi highlighted the administration’s focus on compliance and preparedness, including timely submission of Form B, regular inspections, and critical infrastructure measures such as refuge areas in high-rise buildings. She also shared the vision of strengthening community resilience by training 10,000 Aapada Mitras to respond effectively during emergencies.
Director of Maharashtra Fire Service, Santosh Warick, offered tribute to all martyrs and addressed the key reforms under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures (Amendment) Act, 2023. He underlined the importance of strict adherence to fire audit, especially for high-rise buildings above 30 and 70 meters, which are now mandatory to do every two years. He spoke about the inclusion of continuous monitoring systems, ensuring real-time data and alerts about the fire-fighting systems are in good repair and efficient working condition. Also, addresses the need and utmost importance of training, asserting the provision for an advanced fire academy in the near future, reinforcing the core principle: “We serve to save.”
The Mumbai Fire Brigade and BMC urged citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to actively participate in the initiative and contribute towards building a safer, more resilient Mumbai.
