Delhi Home Minister Orders Modernization of Fire Services After Fatal Blaze

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood has directed the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) to modernize its infrastructure, strengthen prevention systems, and enhance emergency response capabilities across the capital. This directive follows a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, convened nearly a week after a tragic fire in Vivek Vihar claimed nine lives, including a toddler. The incident prompted Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to call for a city-wide firefighting audit. During the meeting, Mr. Sood emphasized the prioritization of technological upgrades to ensure quicker and more effective responses. He mandated divisional fire officers to coordinate with local community groups, such as resident welfare associations and market committees, to conduct fire safety awareness drives, mock drills, and educational sessions. Furthermore, divisional officers will be held directly accountable for fire prevention within their jurisdictions. Key discussion points included reducing response times, upgrading internal communication networks, establishing a command-and-control system, and procuring advanced firefighting equipment. Officials were also instructed to develop a comprehensive 'Fire Fighting Master Plan' covering three, 15, and 25-year horizons to address Delhi's growing population and rapid urbanization challenges.