Gujarat to have a new State Fire Service authority

By our correspondent, Gandhinagar, 26 March 2013

The state of Gujarat will have a centralized state fire service which will coordinate various fire services operated by local bodies. A director will head the state body, under whom regional fire officers will be appointed to look after the fire regions.

This details was shared by Revenue Minister in state assembly today, while speaking on Gujarat Agni Nivaran Jivan Suraksha Upay bill which was tabled today.

The Minister said that five emergency response cells working under Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority will be made regional offices of Regional Fire Officers. Fire services of ONGC and other industrial estates will get the rights of state services.

To respond the incident of major fire, the Director or Regional Fire Officer will coordinate all fire fighting resources existing in that area.

Under the new bill, buildings of various types will not be allowed to be used without proper provision of safety. For construction of major commercial complexes, malls, multiplexes, appointment of fire officer chosen by Director will be compulsory. Buildings without fire control system will be sealed.