5k trained volunteers to help MFB in rescue operations

To spread fire prevention awareness among the public, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) has registered around 5,900 volunteers across the city to teach people about fire compliance norms and the steps needed to be taken in case a fire breaks out.

The MFB started a Fire Prevention Helpline number in July-August 2017 and has trained 5,923 volunteers, of which 60 per cent are women, across the city so far who can be helpful to the fire brigade during emergencies. “They can help the fire brigade in removing trapped people from debris of a collapsed building,” said an official from MFB. The volunteers were given one-day training at MFB’s six fire stations to understand fire safety and rescue operations. They were also taught crowd management during an emergency.  

Any citizens can avail of this training free of cost. “If anyone wants to take the one-day training, he or she just needs to call a toll free number to register. They will be given a date to a particular fire station where officials will teach them about fire safety,” said the official. The training is given at Byculla, Wadala, Marol, Borvali, Mankhurd and Vikhroli.