Major Step in Firefighting System, 226 Modern Vehicles Added to State Fire Brigade
**Kolkata:** To modernize and strengthen firefighting and emergency services, 226 new state-of-the-art vehicles have been added to the state fire brigade. On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari officially inaugurated the new vehicles on Red Road in Kolkata. Earlier on Tuesday, a drill was also conducted on various roads in Kolkata with the new vehicles.
The new fleet includes **198 medium size water tenders**, each with a water carrying capacity of 2.5 kiloliters. Additionally, there are **25 water tenders with a capacity of 6 kiloliters** and **3 articulating water towers**. These water towers are capable of delivering water up to a height of approximately 36 meters.
The new vehicles will be deployed at various fire stations across the state. They will be particularly used in densely populated areas, markets, industrial zones, and important urban and semi-urban areas for quick firefighting and rescue operations.
This initiative is part of a larger plan to modernize the firefighting system. There are also plans to incorporate **firefighting robots, drones, hydraulic platforms, and advanced communication systems** in the future. The Chief Minister had previously mentioned such robotic firefighting systems that can reach places where large fire engines find it difficult to access.
Not only new vehicles, but there is also an emphasis on increasing the infrastructure and workforce of the fire department. Currently, multiple new fire stations are under construction in the state. There are also plans for new recruitment and the creation of additional posts.
Welfare measures for firefighters have also been announced. A stipend equivalent to 26 days' salary per year for permanent frontline staff and an additional stipend of 2,000 rupees per month for contract-based auxiliary fire operators have been mentioned. There are also plans to create modern barracks and housing for firefighters in Kolkata.
However, the goal is not just firefighting. Regular **fire safety audits, inspections, drills, and training to enhance fire prevention and awareness** are also being emphasized. The main objective of this initiative is to build a fast, efficient, and technology-driven firefighting service. The state budget has also allocated funds for firefighting equipment, vehicles, fire station construction, and modernization.
