A modern firefighting apparatus is the hallmark of an ever-growing mega city: Prabhat Rahangdale

For a city characterised by byzantine lanes, densely populated neighbourhoods and a strip-like topography, a state-of-the-art firefighting apparatus is essential. Any firefighting agency needs to overcome just battling blazes, and improve its response time, said Mumbai Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale. In an interview with DNA, Rahangdale gave more insights into Mumbai's preparedness to tackle fires. Edited excerpts:

What preventive measures are you taking after the recent fires, particularly the Kamala Mills tragedy

We have formed a team of 34 officers comprising one from each fire station to ensure compliance with fire safety norms by commercial as well as residential units in their respective areas of operation. The effort is to ensure that every single hotel or building is fire compliant.

With incidents of blazes on the rise, how should firemen be prepared

The firefighting system is an integral part of city management and it needs to be modernised strengthened. As a city develops, be it through tourism, infrastructure or even rise in population, it must modernise its firefighting system. We are procuring the latest equipment including robots to douse fires without any harm to firemen. We are also planning to use drones.

Are housing societies following fire safety norms?

In the last two years, we have issued notices to nearly 4,700 housing societies over fire safety norms. Except for 10 societies, most of them have complied. Housing societies have to submit fire safety audit reports every six months. It is also their responsibility to make the city safe.

What are the steps being taken to strengthen the Mumbai Fire Brigade?

We do a lot apart from extinguishing fire. We work during floods, respond if a tree falls or a building collapses. We are getting a new fire station, which will soon be ready, and will add one more after the next budget. We are also inducting mini fire engines require less water.