Understaffed to deal with city’s hyper-devp: Pune fire brigade, an issue burning to a boil

Only 385, out of 910 positions in PMC’s fire department are filled, says Prashant Ranpise, chief fire officer

If congested roads, narrow lanes, increasing slums are some of the challenges faced by the staff-crunched fire department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the rising number of highrise buildings is adding to the burden. The fire department is facing a staff shortage of 50 per cent, according to Prashant Ranpise, chief fire officer.

There is a shortage of more than 50 per cent in the department, says Prashant Ranpise, chief fire officer. (HT PHOTO)

Ranpise, said, “Since the past five to six years, recruitment has been frozen as the new rules are yet to be approved by the state government. Due to this, we are not able to recruit new people or promote the existing staff.”

“We have 910 positions out of which only 385 positions are filled. There is a shortage of more than 50 per cent. Despite regular correspondence, there is no reply from the state on the new rules,” said Ranpise.

”Due to shortage of staff, we are not able to start our fire station at Market Yard which is ready. There are three more fire stations at Hadapsar, Dhanori and Sinhgad road which are almost ready but without staff, it is of no use,” he added.