Odisha govt announces expansion of Fire Services with 300 new posts and upgraded training centers

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced sweeping reforms and capacity-building measures for the state’s Fire Services Department, including the recruitment of 300 additional firefighters by December this year, advanced training infrastructure, and the expansion of emergency medical response under the 112 helpline.

The announcements came during the 61st Passing Out Parade (PoP) at the Baramunda Fire Training Centre in Bhubaneswar, where 911 newly trained firefighters formally joined the Odisha Fire Services Department.

Expanding Force, Strengthening Training

The Chief Minister said that alongside filling the remaining 300 vacancies, the government is investing in world-class facilities to modernise firefighter training.

These include a Rs 10 crore simulator for advanced drills, a Rs 12 crore national-level Water Rescue and Lifesaving Training Centre, and a Rs 10 crore Scuba Diving Training Centre, all to be set up at Ramchandi near Konark.

112 Emergency Medical Response Rolled Out

In a parallel development, the state government announced on Friday that the universal 112 helpline will now also provide access to ambulance services, with the Fire Service acting as the nodal agency.

Newly recruited firefighters, trained in modern emergency medical protocols, will serve as first responders in road accidents and rural health emergencies. The Directorate General of Fire Services has already been equipped with ambulance vehicles to support this initiative.

Ten Years Since Last Recruitment Drive

Notably, this batch of 911 firefighters marks the first large-scale induction nearly a decade after the last recruitment. The integration of rescue, medical, and firefighting roles will not only strengthen community safety but also redefine the scope of Odisha’s fire service as a comprehensive emergency response force.