Mumbai Fire Brigade's new training centre to prep firemen for blasts, quakes and high-rise rescues

The training centre, designed to offer real-life simulation experiences, is being constructed in Kandivli. Pics/Satej Shinde

The Mumbai Fire Brigade is upgrading its training infrastructure to meet current and future challenges. A new, advanced training centre is being constructed in Kandivli, designed to offer real-life simulation experiences for firemen and officers. In addition to conventional firefighting, the centre will train personnel to handle bomb blasts, landslides, and other disaster scenarios through immersive simulations.

An official associated with the project said, "This new training centre will provide live-action experience to new recruits and officers. A model of a collapsed structure will help simulate confined space search and rescue operations. Other galleries will recreate kitchen fires, gas fires, and earthquake-like scenarios."

The centre will also feature a four-storey traditional training tower. Simulations will mimic high-rise building fires, including wind velocity effects at elevated heights. Additional simulations will focus on fires in commercial establishments.

Explaining the confined space search and rescue module, officials said, "This is a technical rescue operation involving the recovery of victims trapped in restricted spaces. The technique will be useful during high-rise fires and structural collapses."

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Prashant Gaikwad said the Kandivli training centre will be completed within a year at a cost of R30 crore. "The centre will simulate complex disaster situations including fire, bomb blasts, and landslides," he added.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade currently has 35 fire stations and 17 mini fire stations for quick response. Its force comprises approximately 1686 firemen, 483 drivers, and over 300 officers. The department is equipped with 56 fire engines, 21 jumbo tankers, 18 specialised vehicles, 29 ambulances and six hydraulic platforms.

Then vs now

The Mumbai Fire Brigade's first training centre was established in Byculla. A later upgrade in Wadala introduced a swimming pool, a heat gallery to simulate fire conditions, and a smoke gallery. It also included a collapsed structure gallery.

A senior Fire Brigade officer recalled, "I joined the brigade in the 1990s when we didn't have upgraded training facilities. We gained experience on the ground during actual fires, which was risky. Proper training significantly reduces injury risk for firemen," the official added.