Directorate Of Fire And Emergency Services

Introduction

Directorate of Fire & Emergency Service was established in 1984 to provide an efficient and effective fire and emergency services to aid people in distress and to protect the gains accrued through our sustained efforts in the State of Goa.
Goa Fire & Emergency Service has always handled challenges posed to it with dexterity and in the process upholding its cherished Motto “We Serve to Save” and living up to its reputation as a dependable Civil Emergency Force of the State.

Preamble

Fire has been viewed as a force both beneficent and destructive. The destructive potential of Fire poses a threat to our life, property and resources and it has been a major reason for the destruction of life as much as it has been a vital means and source of sustenance for mankind. The role of public fire protection service is to save life and property from fire and allied incidents and to minimize the outbreak of fires and its consequential loss within the jurisdiction of its responsibilities. With this end in view, the Directorate of Fire Service was established in 1984 to provide an efficient and effective fire and emergency services to aid people in distress and to protect the gains accrued through our sustained efforts in the State of Goa. Some of the major measures taken by the Government for development of Fire Services are :

Enactment of Goa, Daman and Diu Fire Force Act 1986
Fire Service Discipline and Appeal Rules 1989
Scheme for grant of Award Rewards for Fire Service Personnel 1997
Fire Service Rules and Safety Regulations 1997
Goa Chief Minister’s Fire Service Medal Rules 2000

The department generally attends emergency calls, which are not directly connected with fire, in order to help the people in distress. Over the years, it has attained a multi-dimensional role in saving and protecting life and property of the people with its activities in Fire Prevention, Fire suppression and Training.

Goa Fire Service has always handled challenges posed to it with dexterity and in the process upholding its cherished Motto “We Serve to Save” and living up to its reputation as a dependable Civil Emergency Force of the State.

Historical perspective

After liberation of Goa, police took the responsibility to protect life and property from fire.
The fire service which worked as an adjunct to police was ill-trained and ill-equipped.
Rapid industrialization & urbanization coupled with the increased scale of economic activities and Government Operation had warranted the setting up of an organized fire department.
The fire services separated from police department and was established as directorate of fire service in 1984 under professional officer Dr. P.K. John, F.I. Fire E(UK) & (India) deputed from Ministry of Defense, DRDO organization for strengthening, streamlining and developing the fire service in the state.
Goa became 25th state in the union of India in 1988 there after the fire service was re-christened as state fire & emergency services.
The modernization scheme under the plan budget was prepared for establishment of fire stations.
The modernization scheme has seen expansion of Goa fire & emergency service one which could have been unmatched any where else in the country.

Vision statement

To raise the level of Prevention and Preparedness so as to minimize loss of life and property in the State from fire and non-fire emergencies and to inculcate safety consciousness among the general public.

Mission Statement

Enhancing the capacity in terms of men and materials to be able to realize the Vision;
Developing Fire and Emergency Service as a Service Provider for reaching help to the people in distress, for all hazard purposes
Ensuring community safety and enriching the members of the profession through training and education for preventing and mitigating the Fire loss and to facilitate improved public safety.

Department Objectives

To prevent and suppress unwanted fires by rendering prompt and efficient services so as to keep the loss of life and property to the minimum.
To conduct fire safety inspection in hazardous occupancies and to advise Management so as to reduce risk by fire.
To impart training in Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Fire Protection.
To implement fire safety regulatory measures under Fire Service Rules for uses of places and trades for purposes inter-alia involving risk from fires.
To provide standby protection at large gatherings and important public and private functions.
To provide Ambulance services to rush the injured and sick to the hospital during accidents and also to private persons on exigencies on payment as per rules.
To check installation of Fire Protection measures and carry out Fire fighting and responding to non-fire emergencies due to natural and man made disasters.
To prevent loss of life and property from fire and non-fire emergencies like highway motor accidents, building collapse, land slides, still water rescue, Industrial hazards, spillage and toxic release, inter-ail technological hazards and to render humanitarian services and special services.
To promote Community based preventive and coping strategies for all kinds of emergencies including fire etc.