Institute of Fire Service, Directorate of West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services

The Institute of Fire Service, under the Directorate of West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services, is a premier training institution dedicated to providing comprehensive education and hands-on training to fire officers and operators. Our institute is committed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of fire service personnel to effectively protect lives, property, and the environment from the devastating impacts of fire and other emergencies.

Mission and Objective

Our core mission is to impart a solid foundation of knowledge and advanced training to fire officers and operators, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle various emergencies with efficiency and professionalism. The training covers a wide range of critical skills, from fire extinguishing techniques to advanced rescue operations, making the personnel well-equipped to handle any crisis.

Our objectives include:

• Training Fire Officers and Operators: Providing foundational and advanced training for newly recruited fire officers and operators, as well as officers sponsored by the National Fire Service College, Nagpur.

• Fire Prevention & Safety: Educating fire officers about fire prevention strategies, fire safety awareness, and enforcing inbuilt fire protection measures.

• Disaster Response and Rescue Operations: Preparing fire service personnel to respond to emergencies beyond fires, such as building collapses, road traffic accidents, and rescue operations for both humans and animals.

• Support During Disasters: Assisting in disaster management and providing emergency support functions during natural and man-made disasters.

Training Modules

The training at the Institute of Fire Service is structured across various modules, each designed to equip officers with the essential knowledge and practical experience required to excel in their roles. Our training modules include:

1. Basic Fire Fighting Training

• Duration: 2-3 months

• Objective: Introduces newly recruited officers to the fundamental principles of firefighting, safety protocols, equipment handling, and basic rescue techniques.

2. Advanced Fire Fighting and Rescue Techniques

• Duration: 3-6 months

• Objective: Provides advanced skills in fire suppression, managing hazardous materials, and specialized rescue operations, including confined space rescues and high-angle rescues.

3. Disaster Response and Emergency Management

• Duration: 5-10 Days

• Objective: Focuses on preparing fire officers to handle large-scale disasters, including floods, earthquakes, industrial accidents, and building collapses.

4. Fire Prevention and Safety Awareness

• Duration: 5-10 Days

• Objective: Teaches fire officers how to inspect buildings for fire hazards, implement preventive measures, and educate the public on fire safety practices.

5. Vehicle and Animal Rescue Training

• Duration: 5-10 Days

• Objective: Prepares officers to carry out rescues from road traffic accidents, animal rescues from confined spaces such as wells, and other related operations.

6. Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings

• Duration: 5-10 Days

• Objective: Specialized training focused on fire protection strategies for high-rise buildings, including fire evacuation plans and vertical rescues.

7. National Building Code and Fire Protection

• Duration: 1 month

• Objective: Educates officers on the inbuilt fire protection systems as per the National Building Code, Part IV, and enforces standards for fire safety in various types of occupancies.

Role in Emergency Support Functions

In addition to firefighting, the role of fire services extends to various Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) during disasters. Fire services contribute to the overall emergency response by:

• Search and Rescue Operations: Fire officers are trained to handle complex search and rescue operations in disaster-stricken areas.

• Medical Assistance: In collaboration with medical teams, fire officers assist in providing immediate medical aid during emergencies.

• Urban Search and Rescue (USAR): Specially trained personnel are equipped to deal with urban disasters like building collapses, chemical spills, and hazardous material incidents.

• Public Awareness and Community Engagement: Our institute also conducts fire safety campaigns and awareness programs to promote fire prevention in the community, workplaces, and educational institutions.

Fire Prevention and Safety Awareness

A key aspect of our training programs is fire prevention. Fire officers are trained to:

• Conduct fire risk assessments in public and private spaces.

• Ensure proper implementation and maintenance of fire safety systems in buildings.

• Carry out fire drills and safety workshops for employees, students, and residents to mitigate fire risks.

We emphasize the importance of National Building Code (NBC) Part IV, which provides comprehensive guidelines on fire protection arrangements in various occupancies, including residential, assembly, educational, mercantile, business, hazardous, industrial, and institutional buildings. This is vital to ensure that buildings are equipped with the necessary fire-fighting systems, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire exits.

Training for Sponsored Officers

The Institute also trains fire officers sponsored by the National Fire Service College (NFSC), Nagpur, and other Government and Non-Governmental organizations who come from various states across India. These officers receive high-quality training in fire safety management, disaster management, and emergency response strategies, enabling them to contribute effectively to their respective organizations, state and national fire services.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The Institute of Fire Service is equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, including:

• Fire Training Grounds: Designed for live firefighting drills, rescue operations, and simulated emergency scenarios.

• Simulation and Mock Exercises: A dedicated space for practicing mock fire and disaster scenarios to enhance decision-making and operational skills.

• Classrooms and Laboratories: Well-equipped with modern training aids, audiovisual tools, and fire safety equipment for theoretical and practical learning.

• Rescue Equipment: The institute provides hands-on training with cutting-edge rescue tools, including hydraulic cutters, rope rescue kits, and breathing apparatus.

Conclusion

The Institute of Fire Service is an essential institution in the field of fire and emergency management, playing a pivotal role in preparing fire officers to safeguard lives, property, and the environment. Through continuous training and knowledge enhancement, we ensure that our officers are ready to tackle any fire emergency, disaster response, and rescue operation with precision and dedication.