New Delhi, 31 October (H.S.): The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) will create 2,345 additional posts across various categories, marking the first major expansion of its workforce on such a scale in the 84-year history of the department, which was established in 1942.

With the approval of these posts, the sanctioned strength of the department will increase from 3,096 to 5,441. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said it was essential to strengthen the fire services in line with the growing needs of the national capital to ensure the safety of residents and protect lives.

The expansion will cover posts ranging from Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Divisional Officer, Assistant Divisional Officer, Station Officer and Sub-Officer to Leading Fireman, Fire Operator, peon and gardener. The move is expected to increase staff availability at every level, from senior supervisory positions to personnel directly engaged in firefighting and rescue operations. It will also help streamline the department’s organisational structure, improve the discharge of responsibilities at different levels and enhance operational efficiency during emergencies.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Minister said Delhi’s rapidly growing population, expanding urban areas, densely populated settlements, high-rise buildings, industrial establishments and complex infrastructure were posing new challenges to firefighting and emergency response services. Every minute is crucial in the event of a fire or any other disaster, she said, adding that adequate trained personnel, a robust leadership structure and the ability to respond swiftly were vital to safeguarding lives and property.

She said that in a rapidly developing metropolitan city such as Delhi, the role of the fire services extended far beyond extinguishing fires. Apart from responding to fire incidents, the department plays a significant role in dealing with accidents, emergency situations and rescue operations. It is therefore essential to ensure adequate manpower and a strong chain of command at every level, she added.

The creation of 2,345 additional posts, the Chief Minister said, was not merely a decision to increase the number of employees but a significant investment in public safety, institutional capacity and the future requirements of the national capital.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the long-awaited cadre restructuring would provide the department with a stronger institutional foundation and enable it to discharge its firefighting and emergency response responsibilities more effectively. He added that public safety remained one of the government’s highest priorities.

The Delhi Fire Services was established in 1942 with just four fire stations, 14 firefighting vehicles and pieces of equipment, and 186 personnel. By 1970, the number of fire stations had increased to 14. Today, the department operates a network of 71 fire stations, including its headquarters and training centres.

The department’s operational jurisdiction extends across approximately 1,484 square kilometres. With Delhi’s population and urban footprint continuing to expand, the responsibilities of the fire services have also grown substantially amid increasingly complex fire-safety challenges.

Against this backdrop, the cadre restructuring marks the first expansion of such magnitude in the department’s 84-year history. The approval of the additional posts is expected to significantly strengthen its organisational framework and human resource capacity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar