BNN: Thane: Sunday, 3 March 2024.
Thane's fire brigade is grappling with a severe staff shortage, affecting its emergency response amid a 25% rise in fire incidents. Efforts to address the shortage are underway.
Thane's fire brigade, tasked with addressing all fire and emergency calls within the city limits, is grappling with a significant staff shortage, with only 25% of its desired strength currently filled, according to a recent RTI reply. Despite a 25% increase in fire incidents over the last three years, the department is operating with a severely reduced workforce, impacting its response capabilities and putting additional pressure on the existing staff.
Alarming Staff Shortfalls and Rising Emergencies
The RTI response disclosed that out of 835 sanctioned posts in the Thane fire brigade, only 209 are occupied as of October 30, 2023. This includes the critical position of chief fire officer, which has been vacant since March 2020. Furthermore, there are 360 vacant posts for firemen and 194 for drivers and technicians, essential roles for effective emergency response. The department's ability to manage significant incidents, such as the recent fire in a Kapurbawdi business park and a petrol line leakage in the Daighar area, has been compromised, leading to extended crises and the need for support from neighboring fire stations and the regional disaster management cell.
Efforts to Address the Shortage
In light of these challenges, municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar acknowledged the staffing issues and announced the initiation of a recruitment process to bolster the department's ranks. This move comes as a response to growing concerns among fire brigade personnel about the sustainability of their operations and their ability to manage emergencies effectively with a diminished team.
The Impact on Thane's Safety and Emergency Response
The current staffing shortfall in Thane's fire brigade not only strains the existing workforce but also raises questions about the city's preparedness for emergencies. With fire incidents on the rise, the importance of a fully staffed and capable fire brigade cannot be overstated. As recruitment efforts begin, the community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to a situation that directly affects the safety and security of Thane's residents.
Thane's fire brigade is grappling with a severe staff shortage, affecting its emergency response amid a 25% rise in fire incidents. Efforts to address the shortage are underway.
Thane's fire brigade, tasked with addressing all fire and emergency calls within the city limits, is grappling with a significant staff shortage, with only 25% of its desired strength currently filled, according to a recent RTI reply. Despite a 25% increase in fire incidents over the last three years, the department is operating with a severely reduced workforce, impacting its response capabilities and putting additional pressure on the existing staff.
Alarming Staff Shortfalls and Rising Emergencies
The RTI response disclosed that out of 835 sanctioned posts in the Thane fire brigade, only 209 are occupied as of October 30, 2023. This includes the critical position of chief fire officer, which has been vacant since March 2020. Furthermore, there are 360 vacant posts for firemen and 194 for drivers and technicians, essential roles for effective emergency response. The department's ability to manage significant incidents, such as the recent fire in a Kapurbawdi business park and a petrol line leakage in the Daighar area, has been compromised, leading to extended crises and the need for support from neighboring fire stations and the regional disaster management cell.
Efforts to Address the Shortage
In light of these challenges, municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar acknowledged the staffing issues and announced the initiation of a recruitment process to bolster the department's ranks. This move comes as a response to growing concerns among fire brigade personnel about the sustainability of their operations and their ability to manage emergencies effectively with a diminished team.
The Impact on Thane's Safety and Emergency Response
The current staffing shortfall in Thane's fire brigade not only strains the existing workforce but also raises questions about the city's preparedness for emergencies. With fire incidents on the rise, the importance of a fully staffed and capable fire brigade cannot be overstated. As recruitment efforts begin, the community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to a situation that directly affects the safety and security of Thane's residents.
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