A standard fire engine crew should comprise one officer, one lead fireman, and six firemen including the driver
The Thane Fire Brigade is functioning with barely one-fourth of its sanctioned manpower, even as the city’s high-rise clusters and population continue to expand. Official data shows that against an approved strength of 835 personnel, the department currently has only 184 just 22 per cent of what it needs to operate effectively.
Frontline firemen, who form the backbone of firefighting and rescue operations, face the most severe shortage. Of 450 sanctioned firemen posts, only 66 are filled. The understaffing has made it increasingly difficult for the brigade to respond to simultaneous emergencies. During the recent Diwali week alone, the force handled 32 fire calls and 14 other incidents, including tree collapses and structural failures.
A standard fire engine crew should comprise one officer, one lead fireman, and six firemen including the driver. However, due to staff constraints, units are often dispatched with fewer personnel, affecting response time and overall capacity. Officials said the surge in high-rise developments—particularly along Ghodbunder Road and in Mumbra–Kausa—has added new challenges. Rockets and aerial firecrackers now reach heights of 8 to 12 floors, increasing the chance of balcony fires.
Although recent high-rise fires at Ashar Complex, Runwal Eirene and Rodas Enclave were brought under control thanks to functional internal fire systems, officials warn that only about 10% of buildings conduct annual fire audits. This leaves a majority of structures vulnerable.
Encroachments and shrinking open spaces are compounding risks. Fire trucks need 30 to 35 metres of clearance around buildings for effective operations, but in many parts of Thane, accessible space is limited to 9 to 12 metres, delaying firefighting efforts.
Chief Fire Officer Girish Zalke said that recruitment is under way to fill the vacant posts. He urged housing societies and commercial complexes to maintain internal fire safety systems, conduct regular audits and ensure preparedness. The department is also conducting awareness drives and mock drills across residential and institutional buildings to equip citizens to handle minor fires before they escalate.
