Combating fire power with woman power: Mumbai fire brigade recruits 97 rural women

Until not too long ago, only 18 women, working out of the headquarters in Byculla, were part of the Mumbai fire brigade. But after the recent recruitment drive, 97 women from several rural areas of the state have made it to the brigade and will now be stationed at 34 fire stations in Mumbai. United by a burning desire to serve the public, the fresh recruits are under training at the Wadala regional command centre. The 774 vacancies in the department are being filled in batches.

Speaking with The Times of India, Smita Daware from Nashik said she was initially interested in joining the police force, and attending the fire brigade's walk-in interview was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Read More: Meet the women in Maharashtra’s first gender-integrated fire brigade 

Twenty-two-year-old Kavita Gurule, who has completed her BSc in mathematics, was an Indian Army aspirant. Although that dream didn't come true, it was her desire to serve her country in any way possible that brought her to the Mumbai fire brigade. She told The Times of India,

"However, I heard about this opening and decided to apply as I was keen on getting into a service where I could serve my countrymen."

In an official confirmation, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Department, P Rahangdale, said this is the first time a fire brigade in the country has hired such a large number of women. He added,

"These women are in the final stages of their training. Once through with it, they will be placed across various fire stations in the city. It is good to see the enthusiasm in almost all these women and their readiness to take on the toughest tasks they are being trained to face."

Do you have an interesting story to share? Please write to us at [email protected]. To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.