The Manipur Fire Service Department is strengthening its infrastructure, manpower and emergency response capabilities, Director L. Nabachandra said at the 17th session of the “Meet the Press” programme held at the DIPR Auditorium.
The Department currently has 22 operational Fire Stations/Sub-Stations, including one Fire Station-cum-Headquarters at Imphal and 21 Sub-Stations. Five Sub-Stations have been opened in recent years at Nambol, Tadubi, Lamlai, Sekmai and Noney.
The Director said proposals for seven new Fire Stations at Porompat, Lilong, Yairipok, Saikul, Litan, Khumbong and Heirok are under process. The Department has also proposed 26 fire stations across the State to improve coverage and reduce emergency response time.
According to Nabachandra, the expansion is necessary amid rapid urbanisation, population growth and increasing fire and disaster risks. Narrow roads, congested areas and limited access to water sources in some locations can make it difficult for fire tenders to reach incident sites.
👨🚒 Manpower and Equipment
The Department has a sanctioned strength of 534 posts, of which 400 personnel are currently in position, leaving 134 vacancies. Among those in position are 118 newly recruited personnel undergoing Basic Fire and Rescue Training at the Odisha Fire & Disaster Response Academy in Bhubaneswar.
The Department currently has 103 working fire tenders and other firefighting vehicles and equipment. High-capacity vehicles, including those with around 12,000-litre water capacity, are available for major incidents.
Quick-response vehicles such as the Yodha vehicle, with a capacity of around 1,000 litres, are particularly useful in congested areas where large fire tenders may face difficulties reaching incident sites.
The Department has also proposed procuring drones from the Central Government for emergency assessment, surveillance and operations in difficult-to-reach areas. GPS systems are being installed at important locations, including the airport and some hospitals, with efforts underway to establish direct communication links with police stations.
🔥 Fire Prevention and Emergency Response
The Director said the Fire and Emergency Services has been designated as a first responder to disasters under Sections 44 and 45 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, expanding its role beyond conventional firefighting to rescue, disaster response, search and rescue, emergency response, fire prevention and public awareness.
During 2025–26, the Fire Service responded to 397 fire calls and 45 emergency calls, with timely intervention helping save property estimated at approximately ₹81.34 crore.
The Department conducts fire safety inspections and audits at schools, colleges, hospitals, hotels and other establishments. Fire Safety Certificates and NOCs are issued following inspections in accordance with the relevant provisions of National Building Code of India, Part IV – Fire and Life Safety.
The Director emphasised the importance of regular mock drills, particularly in institutions with large numbers of people, and called for greater attention to fire safety in hospitals, universities and other public facilities.
Around 63,000 people have so far been covered through awareness programmes, mock drills and training conducted across schools, colleges, hospitals, hotels, industries, government and private institutions, NCC/NSS units and local clubs.
Nabachandra stressed that fire safety is a shared responsibility involving the Fire Service, municipalities, building owners, institutions and citizens. He urged the public to remain alert, keep fire extinguishers at home and learn their proper use.
For emergencies, the public can contact 112, while 101 is available for fire emergencies. The Fire Service Department can also be reached at 8415925200.
Station Officer Kh. Surchandra and Sub-Officer S. Sailesh Lumar also attended the press meet.
