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CHAPTER‐1
‘GENESIS OF FIRE SERVICES IN INDIA’
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1.GENESIS OF FIRE SERVICES IN INDIA
1.1 The Kautilya’s Arthashastra (321 to 300 BC) containssome rudimentary
guidelines on fire prevention and protection. But the regular fire services in
India originated in the major ports and metropolitan cities like Bombay
(Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata)in the early 19th century.The cities of Madras,
Delhi and some other important cities also witnessed the emergence of fire
servicesduring the British colonial rule. Regular fire services in India first came
up in Bombay (Mumbai) & Calcutta (Kolkata).
2.1.1. In 1803, the ‘Great Bombay Fire’devastated a part of Bombay and this led to
the formation of first rudimentary fire service in India under the responsibility
of police department. In 1850, the foundation of Bombay Fire Brigade was
laid with four steam engines mounted on horse drawn vehicles. A fire service
on a more regular basis came into being in Bombay in 1865 under the
Commissioner of Police and it was jointly managed by the government and
Municipal Corporation. On 1st April 1887, the Fire Brigade was separated from
the office of the Commissioner of Police and was set up as an independent
unit. In 1888, through the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, protection
against fire became the obligatory duty of the Bombay Municipal
Corporation.The Bombay Municipal Corporation Act 1888; brought the
Bombay Fire Brigade underthe control of municipal corporation of Bombay
and also ended the hegemony of Police over the Bombay Fire Brigade. From
1889 to 7th April 1948; the Chief Fire Officers of Bombay Fire Brigade had
come from London Fire Brigade. Sri M.G.Pradhan was the first Indian: who
took command as Chief Fire Officer of Bombay Fire Brigade on 8th April 1948.
1.1.2 In 1822, the fire service in Calcutta was organized and attached to the Calcutta
Police. In 1861, the maintenance of fire engine establishment was transferred
to the municipalities. 1872, the Calcutta fire brigade came to be financed by
the Calcutta Corporation and suburban municipalities of Howrah and Garden
Reach. The Ware House and Fire Brigade Act of 1893; divested the
commissioners of municipalities of Calcutta and Howrah of all responsibilities
of control and administration of fire service and the control of Calcutta Fire
Brigade was vested with the police commissioner of Calcutta, with a Chief
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Officer as the head of the Fire Brigade Department. The Fire Brigade
Department continued to be administered by Govt. Bengal, Local Self
Government Department.
Before the 2nd World war, the Province of undivided Bengal had only two City
Fire Brigades viz., the Calcutta Fire Brigade and the Darjeeling Fire Brigade.
The latter was created and maintained by the Darjeeling Municipality under
the provision of the Bengal Municipal Act, whereas the Calcutta Fire Brigade
was established under the provision of the Licensed Warehouse and Fire
Brigade Act, 1893 (Bengal Act I of 1893), while the fund for the Calcutta Fire
Brigade contributed by the Municipalities, administrative control of the
Brigade vested in the local Self Government Department of the Government
of Bengal, who exercised the control through the Commissioner of Police,
Calcutta.
In order to meet the war‐time requirement during 2nd World war, Calcutta
Fire Brigade was strengthened with the addition of an Auxiliary Fire service,
the cost of which was borne by Government. In addition, a parallel
organization named Bengal Fire service was created by the Government
under which Fire Stations were established in densely populated and
industrial towns of Bengal. After the cessation of the World War II and
partition of Bengal, Govt.decided to maintain a permanent State Fire service
covering the whole of West Bengal and pursuant to that decision; West
Bengal Fire service Act 1950 was enacted. The employees of Calcutta Fire
Brigade, the Auxiliary Fire service and the West Bengal Fire services were
absorbed in the newly created State Fire service under the administrative
control of the local Self Government Department, now known as the local
Government and Urban Development Department.
1.1.3 The Madras city fire brigade was established in 1908 by the Municipal
Corporation of Madras.In 1949 the service was formally established by the
Government and during the post‐ war period,thefire service functioned under
the control of the Inspector General of Police as a separate wing of the Police
Department. In October 1967, the service was made a separate Department
of the State Government under the Director of Fire services. Since then the
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Fire service has under gone rapid expansion and today the Fire service
provides fire cover to the entire State through a net‐ work of fire stations in
all townships and District Headquarters of the State. The Govt. of Tamil Nadu
has also enacted the “Tamil Nadu Fire service Act, 1985” in order to address
the challenges of the increasing fire hazards and its modernization needs.
1.1.4 Delhi is believed to have had a fire serviceas early as in 1867, but the
organized form of fire service could take place only in 1896 under police
department. In 1923, the control of Delhi Fire Brigade was taken over by the
Municipality from Police department. There were two fire stations in Delhi
prior to the 2nd world war: one maintained by the Delhi Municipal Committee
and other by New Delhi Municipal Committee. These two fire stations were
amalgamated in to one service in August 1942 and brought under
Government control. After the formation of Delhi Union Territory and
Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 1958; the administrative control of Delhi
Fire service was again transferred back to Delhi Municipal Corporation on 1st
May 1958. Presently, Delhi Fire service is provincialized service under the
Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi since 10th
November, 1994. The affairs of Delhi Fire service are presently guided by ‘The
Delhi Fire service Act, 2007’ and ‘The Delhi Fire service Rules, 2010’.
1.1.5 A national fire service was started during the Second World War in Great
Britain but no such national fire service was started in India. The need to
organize and improve the fire services in India was however being felt
following Second World War and this paved the way for setting up of some
new fire brigades in important cities/towns.
1.1.6 The growth of fire services in India during British colonial rule was therefore
episodic and abysmal. It remained heterogeneous in character and differently
organized. Another striking feature of this period is that the fire service was
not visualized as an independent agency / service. It first remained under the
tutelage of police department and subsequently moved towards the control
of municipal corporations.
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1.2 PRESENT STATUS:
1.2.1 It is strange to note that the subject of fire protection / fighting does not
figure in any of lists (i.e. Union List, State List and Concurrent List) of the 7th
schedule to the constitution of India. It was traditionally understood to be a
function delegated to State Governments. But by virtue of the 74th
amendment, the Fire services have been included in the 12th schedule of
the Constitution under the provisions of Article 243W of the Constitution
specifying it to be a municipal function. Therefore constitutionally speaking
the subject of fire prevention /protection is the function of
municipalities/corporation. The funds therefore provided by 13th Financial
Commission (2010‐15) for the fire services are through Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs). But the fire services in India are organized under State/UT
governments and municipal corporations. Moreover the thrust of Govt. of
India and recommendations of Standing Fire Advisory Committee/Council
(SFAC) is towards the provincialisation and formation of state level fire
services in the country. This anomaly needs to be resolved in favour of
provincialisation and formation of state level fire services in the country at
the earliest.
1.2.2 At present, the fire prevention and firefighting services are organized by the
concerned states, Union Territories (UTs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
1.2.3 Fire services in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Himachal
Pradesh, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh (excluding Indore) are under the
respective municipal corporations. In remaining states, it is under the Home
Departments of the state governments.
1.2.4 Some states have enacted their own Fire Act, some have not. In some
states, it is called the state fire service, while in some states; it is called the
state fire and emergency services. There is no standardization with regard
to the scaling, type of equipment and the training of manpower of fire
services. In each state, it has grown according to the initiatives taken by the
state government and the funds provided for the fire services. Presently,
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the only fire services which are fully committed to the common public are
the municipal and state fire services.
1.2.5 In addition to the regular fire services, various other organisations /
industries; such as Ports, Airports, Defence, CISF, Power, Oil and Gas, Steel,
Heavy Engineering, Fertilisers, Chemicals etc. have their own firefighting set
ups(including their own captive resources), in order to provide fire
protection to their facilities. All of them have their rules and regulation
concerning fire safety. The Fire services of states/ULBs and firefighting
units of organisations / industries render mutual help / assistance in times
of grave incident of fires.
1.2.6 The state fire services have their own organizational structure,
administrative setup, funding mechanism, training facilities and equipment.
Somehow, the fire service in India has not got the attention it needs and
deserves. There has been very little planned and determined effort to
revamp it with a comprehensive developmental plan and adequate funds.
1.2.7 In view of the shortcomings in the fire services in different states of the
country and the need to upgrade it, the Govt. of India in 1956 formed a
Standing Fire Advisory Committee (SFAC) under the MHA. The mandate of
the committee was to examine the technical problems relating to fire
services and to advise the Govt. of India for speedy development and up
gradation of fire services all over the country. This committee was renamed
as Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC) in 1980. This committee/council
has representation from each state/UT fire service, as well as
representation from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Defence
(MoD), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology and Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS). The SFAC meets regularly on annual basis in different
states/UTs and deliberates on various professional issues of fire services of
the country. Major recommendations emerging out of SFAC deliberations
are submitted to MHA, Govt. of India for appropriate decisions / actions.
But its recommendations do not have any statutory or legal force; they are
only recommendatory in nature.
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1.2.8 The Directorate of National Disaster Response Force and Civil Defence
(NDRF&CD, Fire Cell), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) renders technical
advice to states / UTs.
1.2.9 According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guide lines,
the Fire service is one of the emergency support functions (ESF). The role of
fire service has become multi‐dimensional that includes not only attending
the fire incidents but also various other emergencies. The fire services need
to be converted into multi hazard response units. Accordingly the fire
service is required to be equipped with suitable types of equipment’s and
trained to deal with various emergencies/disasters.
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CHAPTER‐2
‘KERALA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES
DEPARTMENT’
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2. KERALA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
2.1.1 The Fire service in the state of Kerala was re‐organised in 1958 as per order
contained in G.O. (Ms). No.1406/58/Home dated 22.11.1958, and functioned
under the control of the Police Department.
2.1.2 The Kerala Fire services severed its umbilical chord from Police department
and assumed independent organizational status in the year 1963 as per
Kerala Fire Force Act 1962 (Act 20 of 1962) with 15 fire stations. In the year
2000 the Department was renamed as ‘Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Department’. It is now extending emergency services to the people of Kerala
through 101 Fire and Rescue Stations spread through the length and breadth
of the state.
2.1.3 Kerala Fire & Rescue Department is basically an Emergency Service
Department, whose functions are multifarious and emergency oriented.
Besides emergency service function, it has Statutory, Regulatory and Advisory
functions also.
2.1.4 On the Emergency Service side, the prime duty of the Department is to fight
the fire incidents and rescue life and property from the danger, damage and
destruction caused by fire. Its emergency services are extended to fairs and
festival, VVIP duties, epidemics, industrial /chemical/environmental disasters
etc. The department mostly attends emergency rescue calls related to
emergencies like road accident, train accident, accidental fall into wells,
drowning in ponds/rivers/sea, building collapses, LPG and other poisonous
gas tanker leaks during transportations and other natural and man‐made
disasters.
2.1.5 The firefighting and rescue/salvage or similar works are statutory duties of
Kerala Fire service Department under the Kerala Fire Force Act 1962. The fire
prevention duties are governed by Kerala Municipal Building Rules 2013 and
Kerala Panchayat Building Rules 2013.
2.1.6 The stipulations regarding fire safety provisions to be installed in the
buildings as contained in National Building Code 2005 (Part IV: Life & Safety)
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are ensured in compliance of Kerala Municipal Building Rules 2013 and Kerala
Panchayat Building Rules 2013. The obtaining of NOC from Kerala Fire &
Rescue Services Department under the Kerala Municipal Building Rules 2013
and Kerala Panchayat Building Rules 2013 is a statutory requirement before
construction of any multistoried buildings in the state of Kerala.
2.1.7 The Regulatory / advisory duties of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services includes
issuance / submission of NOCs to the licensing authorities under the
Explosives Act 1884/The Explosives Rules2008, The Petroleum Act 1934/The
Petroleum Rules2002, Gas Cylinders Rules 2004,The Arms Act 1959 / The
Arms Rules 1962, The Kerala Places of Public Resort Act 1963,The Kerala
Panchayat Raj (Issue of License to Dangerous & Offensive Tradesand
Factories) Rules 1996and Commandant General KF&RS department Standing
Order No. 6/85 regarding safety measures for avoiding fire hazards in the
conduct of exhibitions and festivals etc.
2.1.8 The statutory, regulatory and fire prevention aspects of duties also comprises
the advisory role of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department by strict
compliance of the guidelines on fire protection measures for high rise
building, factories, places of Public resort and organizing of fairs and festivals
to ensure that they conform to regulations contained in various Acts and
Rules for fire preventive measures.
2.1.9 The growth of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department has so far been
somewhat skewed and stunted. The incremental accretion in its resources
over the years clearly informs about the absence of any well thought out
developmental policy / programme guiding the affairs of the department.
The absence of clear cut policy prescriptions for its modernization growth
trajectory, restrictive budgetary allocations, out of synch procurement rules /
procedures, structural imponderables, absence of even organizational growth
especially at middle and senior supervisory levels, absence of adequate
investment in training infra‐structure and manpower and regressive internal
organizational culture are some of the important factors responsible for the
skewed and stunted growth of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department
thus far.
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CHAPTER‐3
‘GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT
KERALA’
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3. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KERALA:
3.1.1
1. Area 38,863 sq. Km.
2 No. of Districts 14
3 No. of Taluks 63
4 No. of Revenue Village 1478
5 No. of Municipal Corporations 5
6 No. of Municipality 60
7 No. of District Panchayath 14
8 No. of Block Panchayath 152
9 No. of Grama Panchayath 978
3.1.2 POPULATION OF KERALA (CENSUS 2011):
1 Total Population 33,387,677
2 Male Population 16,021,290
3 Female Population 17,366,387
4 Rural Population 17,455,506
5 Urban Population 15,932,171
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CHAPTER‐4
‘GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT
KERALA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES
DEPARTMENT’
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4. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KERALA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES
DEPARTMENT:
4.1.1GROWTH OF FIRE & RESCUE STATIONSAND EXECUTIVE / MINISTERIAL STAFF
IN KERALA FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT OVER THE YEARS:
Sl.
No Year
No. of Fire stations
Total sanctioned staff strength
Executive Ministerial Total
1 1963‐1964 15 492 29 521
2 1971‐1972 15 495 38 533
3 1983‐1984 31 1250 89 1339
4 1984‐1985 37 1395 104 1499
5 1985‐1986 39 1617 104 1721
6 1986‐1987 41 1844 105 1949
7 1987‐1988 41 1844 105 1949
8 1988‐1989 48 2124 106 2230
9 1989‐1990 53 2297 110 2407
10 1990‐1991 54 2399 110 2509
11 1991‐1992 54 2399 110 2509
12 1992‐1993 54 2399 110 2509
13 1993‐1994 54 2414 111 2525
14 1994‐1995 54 2414 111 2525
15 1995‐1996 55 2607 111 2718
16 1996‐1997 55 2646 113 2759
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17 1997‐1998 55 2646 113 2759
18 1998‐1999 57 2714 118 2832
19 1999‐2000 63 2942 128 3070
20 2000‐2001 68 3034 140 3174
21 2001‐2002 68 3034 140 3174
22 2002‐2003 68 3034 140 3174
23 2003‐2004 70 3110 144 3254
24 2004‐2005 74 3262 150 3412
25 2005‐2006 80 3490 157 3647
26 2006‐2007 83 3604 160 3764
27 2007‐2008 83 3604 160 3764
28 2008‐2009 89 3720 179 3899
29 2009‐2010 89 3720 179 3899
30 2010‐2011 98 3898 200 4090
31 2011‐2012 100 3949 203 4152
32 2012‐2013 101 3973 204 4177
33 2013‐2014 (As on 15‐12‐2013)
101 3973 204 4177
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4.1.2 OPENING DETAILS OF FIRE & RESCUE STATIONS OF KERALA:
Prior to 1964
1 Chenkalchoola Not known
2 Chamakkada Not known
3 Alappuzha Not known
4 Kayamkulam Not known
5 Kottayam Not known
6 Gandhinagar Not known
7 Thrissur Not known
8 Palakkad Not known
9 Ponnani Not known
10 Thalassery Not known
11 Mattancherry 20.04.1962
12 Aluva 07.01.1963
13 Beach KKD 22.01.1963
14 Kannur 01.05.1963
1964 ‐ 1984
15 Kasargod 19.08.1964
16 Chakka Not known
17 Guruvayur 17.02.1973
18 kunnamkulam 06.04.1973
19 Piravam 07.01.1979
20 Thrikkaripur 04.02.1979
21 Kothamangalam 16.04.1979
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22 Muvattupuzha 16.04.1979
23 Neyyattinkara 30.08.1979
24 Irinjalakkuda 16.02.1981
25 Kadappakada 04.07.1981
26 Punalur 22.08.1981
27 Chittur 04.04.1982
28 Changanassery 08.10.1982
29 Malappuram 26.02.1983
30 Shornur 08.05.1983
31 Pala 15.03.1984
32 Kundara 20.03.1984
1984‐85
33 Perumbavur 09.04.1984
34 Cherthala 27.08.1984
35 Thirur 21.01.1985
36 Kattappana 26.01.1985
37 Thodupuzha 29.01.1985
1985‐86 38 Meenchanda 28.04.1985
39 Vadakara 22.12.1985
1987‐88
40 Kalpetta 10.02.1987
41 payyannur 24.03.1987
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1988‐89
42 Attingal 14.04.1988
43 Clubroad 01.05.1988
44 Northparavur 14.08.1988
45 Ankamali 19.08.1988
46 Vizhinjam 27.03.1989
47 Karunagappally 30.03.1989
48 Adoor 31.03.1989
1989‐90
49 Chalakkudy 14.04.1989
50 Pathanamthitta 16.04.1989
51 Kanjirappally 14.02.1990
52 Vellimadukunnu 19.02.1990
53 Munnar 06.01.1990
1990‐91
54 Thiruvalla 23.04.1990
1995‐96
55 Vadakkanchery (PKD) 05.08.1995
1998‐99 56 Erattupetta 14.11.1998
57 Perambra 06.03.1999
1999‐2000
58 Mukkam 18.10.1999
59 Kanhangad 31.10.1999
60 Mattannur 05.12.1999
61 Poovar 05.02.2000
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62 Varkala 09.03.2000
63 Mavelikkara 18.03.2000
2000‐2001
64 Alathur 02.06.2000
65 Thrikkakkara 02.08.2000
66 Koothuparambu 05.08.2000
67 Ranni 06.08.2000
68 Thaliparambu 10.08.2000
2003‐2004
69 Kanjikode 13.10.2003
70 Parassala 23.02.2004
2004‐2005
71 Nedumangad 31.05.2004
72 Perinthalmanna 22.08.2004
73 Mananthavadi 22.11.2004
74 Thrippunithura 01.12.2004
2005‐2006
75 Kadakkal 20.04.2005
76 Kaduthuruthy 18.08.2005
77 Pampady 18.08.2005
78 Idukki 21.08.2005
79 Chengannur 11.09.2005
80 Nilambur 15.12.2005
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2006‐2007 81 Kattakkada 03.04.2006
82 Kallooorkad 02.08.2006
83 Sulthanbethery 06.11.2006 2008‐2009
84 Paravur 30.06.2008
85 Peravur 28.12.2008
86 peringom 04.01.2009
87 Mannarkkad 27.01.2009
88 Vadakkanchery(TSR) 10.02.2009
89 Nadapuram 01.03.2009
2010‐2011
90 Uppala 17.04.2010
91 Sasthamkotta 21.04.2010
92 Kottarakkara 09.12.2010
93 Iritty 19.12.2010
94 Narikkuni 20.12.2010
95 Mala 06.01.2011
96 Puthukkad 06.01.2011
2011‐2012
97 Kuttikol 30.01.2011
98 Eloor 18.02.2011
99 Technopark 11.08.2011
100 Koothattukulam 17.12.2011
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2012‐2013
101 Seethathode 14.04.2012
4.1.3 The above information is culled from the annual administrative reports
available in the KF&RS headquarters and other random / informal sources. It
is amazing to know that the exact date of the opening of a number of fire
stations is not available. The KF&RS headquarters and every fire & rescue
station should have this important information along with the government
order sanctioning the fire station. The Commandant General, KF&RS
department should therefore ensure the availability of such basic information
in the KF&RS headquarters and in every fire station. In fact every fire station
should maintain a register called ‘General Information Registration’ in which
the copy of G.O. sanctioning the fire station, date of opening of fire station,
details of acquiring of land/construction of fire station building/shifting of fire
station, allotment of vehicles/equipment’s / stores and their condemnations,
abolition of posts, creations / up gradation of posts and development of infra‐
structures and educational activities including conduct of public demos can
be recorded in chronological order. It is always beneficial to have the proper
record of its developmental activities.
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4.1.4GROWTH OF MIDDLE AND SENIOR LEVEL POSTS IN KERALA FIRE & RESCUE
SERVICES DEPARTMENT OVER THE YEARS:
Sl.
No. Year
StationOfficer*/Assistant
Divisional Officer
Regional Fire officer*/
Divisional Officer
Asst. Director**
Dep
uty Director
Director( Admin)
Director( Technical)
Commandant General
1 1963‐1964 4 2 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1
2 1971‐1972 6 2 1 ‐ ‐ ‐ 1
3 1977‐1978 6 2 1 1 ‐ ‐ 1
4 1983‐1984 10 3 1 1 ‐ ‐ 1
5 1984‐1985 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
6 1985‐1986 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
7 1986‐1987 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
8 1987‐1988 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
9 1988‐1989 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
10 1989‐1990 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
11 1990‐1991 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
12 1991‐1992 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
13 1992‐1993 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
14 1993‐1994 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
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15 1994‐1995 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
16 1995‐1996 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
17 1996‐1997 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
18 1997‐1998 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
19 1998‐1999 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
20 1999‐2000 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
21 2000‐2001 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
22 2001‐2002 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
23 2002‐2003 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
24 2003‐2004 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
25 2004‐2005 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
26 2005‐2006 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
27 2006‐2007 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
28 2007‐2008 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
29 2008‐2009 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
30 2009‐2010 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
31 2010‐2011 13 5 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
32 2011‐2012 15 5 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
33 2012‐2013 15 5 ‐ ‐ 1 1 1
34
2013‐2014
(As on
15‐12‐13)
15 5 ‐ ‐ 1 1 1
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* The Station Officers were earlier promoted from the rank of sub officers
and posted in the district headquarter fire station and also made supervisory officer
of the all fire stations in the district. The regional fire officers were the drawing
officers of all the fire stations under their control. The Govt. of Kerala vide G.O.(Ms.)
93/77/Home, dated 12th July 1977 (Standing Order No. 16/77 dated 1st November
1977)re‐designated the regional fire officer as Divisional Officer, Station Officer as
ADO, Sub Officer as Station Officer and Assistant Sub Officer as Assistant Station
Officer.
** The exact year of creation of post of Assistant Director has not been
provided by the KF&RS headquarters. It is presumed to have been created in the
year 1971‐72 for all practical reasons.
4.1.5The growth of middle and senior level supervisory level posts has not been
commensurate to the growth of fire stations in the state. There are only 15
and 5 ADO and DO level posts respectively in the state for 101 fire stations
and KF&RS Academy at Viyyur. This has resulted in un‐even span of control at
the level of ADOs and DOs. The 20th SFAC meeting held in 1978 had
recommended that ADO shall not have more than three fire stations under
his control. According to SFAC, ADO should be in charge of two to three fire
stations or four to six pumping units or second in command to Divisional
Officer or equivalent staff duty. Considering the SFAC recommendations that
ADO should be in charge of 2 to 3 fire stations; there should be at least 34
ADOs for the existing 101 fire stations in the state and one KF&RS Academy.
There are 15 ADOs sanctioned in the department. There is therefore clear gap
/ shortage of 19 ADOs in KF&RS departmentfor 101 operational fire stations
according to the SFAC recommendations.
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4.1.6DISTRICT WISE POPULATION COVERAGE BY EXISTING FIRE STATIONS IN
KERALA:
District Area (sq. km.)
Total Population
(Cen
sus 2011)
Population
Den
sity
Number of
operational Fire
Stations
Average
Population per
Fire Station
Kasargod 1,992 1,302,600 654 5 260520
Kannur 2,966 2,525,637 852 9 280626
Wayanad 2,131 816,558 383 3 272186
Kozhikode 2,344 3,089,543 1318 8 386193
Malappuram 3,550 4,110,956 1158 5 822191
Palakkad 4,480 2,810,892 627 7 401556
Thrissur 3,032 3,110,327 1026 8 388791
Ernakulam 2,950 3,279,860 1112 15 218657
Idukki 4,476 1,107,453 247 4 276863
Kottayam 2,208 1,979,384 896 7 282769
Alappuzha 1,414 2,121,943 1501 5 424389
Pathanamthitta 2,637 1,195,537 453 5 239107
Kollam 2,491 2,629,703 1056 9 292189
Thiruvananthapuram 2,192 3,307,284 1509 11 300662
Total 38,863 33,387,677 859 101 330571
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The state average of coverage of population per fire station comes to 330571
persons. The Malappuram district has the highest population average of 822191
persons per fire station.The Malappuram district has only 5 fire stations for the
population of 4,110,956 persons. The Ernakulam district has the lowest population
average of218657 persons per fire station. It has 15 fire stations for the population
of 3,279,860 persons.
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4.1.7NAME, NUMBER AND AREA WISE DETAILS OF FIRE & RESCUE STATIONS IN THE DISTRICTS OF KERALA:
Sl. No.
Nam
e of
District
Total Area of Dist. No. of corporations/ municipalities/Panchayats in
the Dist.
Total No. of Fire
stations in the Dist.
Area wise details of Fire Stations
Whether Urban /
Rural Fire & Rescue Station.
Corporation and Municipalities, if
any, not having any Fire & Rescue Stations in their jurisdiction
Remarks Urban
(sq. Km)
Rural (sq. Km)
Total (sq. Km)
Name of Fire & Rescue Station
Area* (sq. Km)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
1.
Kasaragod
1036 956 1992
Corporation:
Nil
05
Kasaragod 588 Urban
Nileswar Municipality
Kanhangad 448 Urban
Municipality: 03 Nos.
Trikaripur 196 Urban
Uppala 392 Rural
Panchayat: 38Nos.
Kuttikol 368 Rural
Total 1992
2.
Kannur
1370.81 1595.19 2966
Cantonment:
01 Nos.
09
Kannur 252.21 Urban
Nil
Thalassery 228.47 Urban
Municipality: 06 Nos.
Payyannur 167.68 Urban
Kuthuparamba 652.81 Rural
Panchayat: 81 Nos.
Mattannur 244.42 Rural
Taliparamba 223.49 Urban
Peravoor 425.42 Rural
Peringome 320.58 Rural
Iritty 451.16 Rural
OMC‐KSJ Page28
Total 2966
3. Wayanad
2131 ‐ 2131
Corporation:
Nil
03
Kalpetta 686 Urban
Nil
Sulthan Bathery 727 Urban
Municipality: 01 No.
Mananthavady 718 Rural
Panchayat: 25 Nos.
Total 2131
4.
Kozhikkode
340 2004 2344
Corporation:
01 No.
08
Kozhikode Beach 387 Urban
KoyilandiMunicipality
Meenchanda 388 Urban
Municipality: 02 Nos.
Vellimadukunnu 240 Urban
Mukkam 275 Rural
Narikkuni 201 Rural
Vatakara 394 Urban
Panchayat: 75 Nos.
Perambra 245 Rural
Nadapuram 214 Rural
Total
5.
Malappuram
203.64 3346.36 3550
Corporation:
Nil 05
Malappuram 935 Urban
Manjeri and Kottakal
Municipalities.
Perinthalmanna 526 Urban
Municipality: 07 Nos.
Tirur 706 Urban
Ponnani 542 Urban
OMC‐KSJ Page29
Panchayat: 100 Nos.
Nilambur 841 Urban
Total 3550
6.
Palakkad
610 3870 4480
Corporation:
Nil
07
Palakkad 285.22 Urban
Ottappalam Municipality
Chittur 529.48 Rural
Municipality: 04 Nos.
Kanjikode 265.64 Urban
Alathur 940.02 Rural
Vadakkenchery 253.15 Rural
Mannarkkad 1525.7 Rural
Panchayat: 91 Nos.
Shornur 680.79 Rural
Total 4480
7.
Thrissur
275 2757 3032
Corporation:
01 No.
08
Thrissur 350 Urban
Nil
Kunnamkulam 370 Urban
Wadakkanchery 290 Rural
Municipality: 06 Nos.
Mala 187 Rural
Pudukkad 410 Urban
Irinjalakkuda 300 Urban
Panchayat: 88 Nos
Chalakkudy 720 Urban
Guruvayoor 405 Urban
Total 3032
OMC‐KSJ Page30
8.
Ernakulam
2082 868 2950
Corporation:
01 No.
15
Gandhinagar 70 Urban
Kalamassery and Maradu Municipalities.
Club Road 60 Urban
Thrikkakara 86 Urban
Thrippunithura 168 Urban
Municipality:
11 Nos.
Mattancherry 57 Urban
Aluva 140 Urban
Eloor 55 Urban
North Paravoor 187 Rural
Angamali 670 Urban
Perumbavoor 140 Urban
Kothamangalam 735 Urban
Panchayat: 84 Nos.
Moovattupuzha 135 Urban
Kalloorkkad 179 Rural
Koothattukulam 98 Rural
Piravom 170 Rural
Total 2950
9.
Idukki
2250 2226 4476
Corporation:
Nil
04
Thodupuzha 1050 Urban
Nil
Idukki 926 Rural
Municipality: 01 No.
Kattappana 1200 Rural
Munnar 1300 Rural
Panchayat:53
OMC‐KSJ Page31
Nos. Total 4476
10.
Kottayam
93.59 2114.41 2208
Corporation:
Nil
07
Kottayam 360 Urban
Vaikom Municipality.
Changanassery 420 Urban
Municipality: 04 Nos.
Pala 350 Urban
Kanjirappally 450 Urban
Erattupetta 125 Urban
Pampady 230 Rural
Panchayat: 73 Nos.
Kaduthuruthy 269 Rural
Total 2208
11.
Alappuzha.
110.32 1303.68 1414
Corporation:
Nil
05
Alappuzha 533.74 Urban
Nil
Cherthala 320.44 Urban
Municipality: 05 ‐Nos.
Kayamkulam 202.87 Urban
Chengannur 129.51 Urban
Panchayat: 73 ‐Nos.
Mavelikkara 227.44 Urban
Total 1414
12.
Pathanam
thitta
66.37 2570.63 2637
Corporation:Ni
l
05
Pathanamthitta 1014.92 Urban
Nil
Adoor 327.16 Urban
Municipality: 03 Nos.
Thiruvalla 332.52 Urban
Ranny 399.01 Urban
Panchayath: Seethathode 668.88 Rural
OMC‐KSJ Page32
54 Nos. Total 2637
13.
Kollam
300 2191 2491
Corporation: 01No.
09
Kollam 200 Urban
Nil
Chamakkada 180 Urban
Municipality: 03Nos.
Karunagappally 280 Urban
Sasthamcotta 360 Rural
Kundara 283 Rural
Kottarakkara 282 Urban
Punalur 345 Urban
Paravoor 216 Urban
Panchayat:
70Nos.
Kadakkal 345 Rural
Total 2491
14.
Thiruvananthapuram
214.86 1977.14 2192
Corporation:
01 No.
11
Thiruvananthapuram 85.14 Urban
Nil
Chackai 69.76 Urban
Municipality: 04 Nos.
Kazhakkoottam 60.10 Urban
Vizhinjam 115.16 Urban
Poovar 189.24 Rural
Kattakkada 265.13 Urban
Neyyattinkara 211.08 Urban
Panchayat:73 Parassala 196.10 Rural
OMC‐KSJ Page33
Nos Nedumangad 336.02 Rural
Attingal 218.24 Urban
Varkala 231.17 Urban
Total 2192
It has also been revealed that areas of responsibility of fire stations have not been notified by the govt. of Kerala
at the time of opening of the fire stations. The fire stations are responding to the fire and incident calls on the
basis of proximity of fire & rescue incident sites to any particular fire station. They sometime go beyond the
district boundary because of proximity of the fire / rescue sites. The commission therefore recommends that the Commandant General, KF&RS should review the matter and send proposal to Govt. regarding fixing the area of responsibility of each and every fire station of the state within the territorial boundary of the districts. This is
necessary to avoid any confusion about the administrative and operational area of responsibility of the fire
stations. If some area in particular district is very close to the fire station of neighbouring district then the
operational jurisdiction of such fire station can be specified even beyond the normal district boundary if felt
necessary. But clarity regarding administrative / operational area of responsibility is always better.
OMC‐KSJ Page34
4.1.8FIRE/INCIDENT/ASSISSTANCE CALLS:
District wise Call details of Fire & Rescue Stations from 2010 to 2013 (as on 1st November 2013)
District
2010 2011 2012 2013
(as on 1st November 2013)
Fire call
Inciden
t Call
Assistance
call
Total
Fire call
Inciden
t Call
Assistance
call
Total
Fire call
Inciden
t Call
Assistance
call
Total
Fire call
Inciden
t Call
Assistance
call
Total
Trivandrum 857 1448 109 2414 926 1510 130 2566 990 1846 194 3030 886 1994 128 3008
Kollam 706 680 121 1507 607 817 129 1553 731 956 165 1852 906 997 129 2032
Kottayam 442 815 65 1322 454 790 83 1327 620 748 76 1444 510 970 82 1562
Pathanamthitta 227 345 44 616 185 386 61 632 276 458 48 782 279 520 42 841
Alappuzha 391 788 63 1242 404 741 68 1213 334 762 44 1140 375 743 50 1168
Ernakulam 1033 1265 180 2478 1115 1352 321 2788 1101 1311 174 2586 1195 1495 0 2690
Idukki 179 201 08 388 168 231 07 406 215 291 05 511 262 301 05 568
Palakkad 779 743 33 1555 641 869 43 1553 957 850 28 1835 1054 794 18 1866
Thrissur 879 775 28 1682 951 979 47 1977 1204 1092 60 2356 1133 1206 62 2401
Malappuram 441 330 23 794 406 327 37 760 549 321 34 904 583 395 51 1029
Kozhikode 627 638 76 1341 761 614 92 1467 821 740 92 1653 680 795 91 1566
OMC‐KSJ Page35
Wayanad 92 183 11 286 140 204 8 362 195 154 0 349 129 298 0 427
Kannur 542 568 29 1139 866 705 54 1625 994 720 48 1762 775 851 55 1681
Kasargod 313 226 07 546 620 319 09 948 711 287 22 1020 499 366 20 885
Total 7508 9005 797 17310 8244 9844 1089 19177 9698 10536 990 21224 9266 11725 733 21724
DISTR
ICT
Sl. N
o.
District and Fire & Rescue Station wise Call Details from 2010 to2013(as on 1st November 2013)
Fire & Rescue
Station
2010 2011 2012 2013
(as on 1st November 2013)
Fire call
Inciden
t
Call
Assistance
call
Total
Fire call
Inciden
t Call
Assistance
call
Total
Fire call
Inciden
t
Call
Assistance
call
Total
Fire call
Inciden
t
Call
Assistance
call Total
THIRUVANANTH
APURAM
1 Chenkalchoola 264 503 13 780 311 555 09 875 321 673 34 1028 260 620 12 892
2 Chackai 168 172 21 361 171 174 25 370 140 189 41 370 118 220 29 367
3 Vizhinjam 28 98 06 132 42 76 08 126 47 133 04 184 31 116 08 155
4 Kazhakoottam NA NA NA NA 18 31 09 58 113 110 27 250 72 111 18 201
5 Neyyattinkara 48 76 09 133 37 65 13 115 45 65 14 124 31 113 13 157
6 Poovar 18 46 09 73 09 45 02 56 12 45 02 59 11 55 05 71
7 Parassala 16 61 01 78 21 58 10 89 18 66 05 89 19 56 02 77
OMC‐KSJ Page36
8 kattakkada 44 71 06 121 42 100 13 155 60 126 09 195 54 167 04 225
9 Attingal 99 204 12 315 94 158 21 273 90 175 30 295 108 210 20 338
10 Nedumangad 87 143 26 256 74 151 06 231 60 181 23 264 87 194 10 291
11 Varkala 85 74 06 165 107 97 14 218 84 83 05 172 95 132 07 234
Total 857 1448 109 2414 926 1510 130 2566 990 1846 194 3030 886 1994 128 3008
KOLLAM
12 Kundara 101 92 03 196 38 81 08 127 77 82 23 182 93 104 20 217
13 Paravur 56 74 09 139 39 101 11 151 57 73 19 149 77 78 06 161
14 Kottarakkara 03 01 0 04 69 82 12 163 58 125 09 192 100 116 13 229
15 Punalur 109 85 05 199 77 90 03 170 76 109 12 197 94 144 03 241
16 Sasthamcotta 19 34 04 57 39 62 09 110 57 50 08 115 63 80 05 148
17 Kollam 154 148 54 356 137 139 56 332 194 219 54 467 175 145 43 363
18 Karunagappally 80 81 13 174 57 72 11 140 52 89 06 147 67 117 11 195
19 Kadakkal 98 83 0 181 60 120 09 189 74 110 04 188 127 129 12 268
20 Chamakkada 86 82 33 201 91 70 10 171 86 99 30 215 110 84 16 210
Total 706 680 121 1507 607 817 129 1553 731 956 165 1852 906 997 129
2032
OMC‐KSJ Page37
PATH
ANAMTH
ITTA
21 Pathanamthitta 65 92 07 164 55 106 24 185 69 145 14 228 82 149 11 242
22 Adoor 66 121 19 206 54 128 09 191 64 127 15 206 67 128 09 204
23 Thiruvalla 70 52 14 136 51 54 18 123 80 72 10 162 65 91 14 170
24 Ranni 26 80 04 110 25 98 10 133 58 88 4 150 43 81 05 129
25 Seethathode NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 05 26 05 36 22 71 03 96
Total 227 345 44 616 185 386 61 632 276 458 48 782 279 520 42 841
ALAPPUZH
A
26 Alappuzha 110 278 11 399 143 256 15 414 106 296 06 408 112 269 11 392
27 Cherthala 116 238 05 359 101 242 08 351 76 250 11 337 107 188 02 297
28 Kayamkulam 83 106 14 203 67 104 16 187 68 92 07 167 69 149 15 233
29 Mavelikkara 39 76 16 131 48 65 17 130 44 45 12 101 49 54 10 113
30 Chengannur 43 90 17 150 45 74 12 131 40 79 08 127 38 83 12 133
Total 391 788 63 1242 404 741 68 1213 334 762 44 1140 375 743 50 1168
KOTTAYA
M
31 Kottayam 143 183 05 331 163 135 30 328 190 174 12 376 166 184 24 374
32 Changanasserry 74 91 14 179 78 70 08 156 77 83 25 185 72 80 12 164
33 Kanjirappally 54 147 07 208 52 142 07 201 71 142 05 218 70 212 08 290
34 Kaduthuruthy 44 117 12 173 41 124 14 179 151 44 07 202 62 178 10 250
35 Erattupetta 31 49 06 86 27 38 04 69 36 53 06 95 29 60 07 96
OMC‐KSJ Page38
36 Pampady 30 105 09 144 30 139 11 180 45 117 12 174 48 108 14 170
37 Pala 66 123 12 201 63 142 09 214 50 135 09 194 63 148 07 218
Total 442 815 65 1322 454 790 83 1327 620 748 76 1444 510 970 82 1562
ERNAKULAM
38 Aluva 83 104 15 202 81 84 13 178 71 111 17 199 78 91 0 169
39 Angamaly 85 170 07 262 72 180 137 389 89 210 07 306 85 143 0 228
40 Club Road 97 95 21 213 129 128 28 285 109 113 17 239 98 126 0 224
41 Eloor NA NA NA NA 35 26 14 75 91 27 0 118 102 42 0 144
42 Gandhinagar 157 171 39 367 157 185 36 378 195 190 54 439 202 170 0 372
43 Kalloorkkad 30 68 13 111 18 64 11 93 20 77 07 104 24 53 0 77
44 Koothattukulam NA NA NA NA 0 02 0 02 09 10 19 27 78 0 105
45 Kothamangalam 54 72 06 132 50 91 07 148 36 75 05 116 57 81 0 138
46 Mattanchery 62 61 10 133 56 66 07 129 63 63 126 72 75 0 147
47 Muvattupuzha 49 128 18 195 54 101 08 163 59 92 04 155 49 129 0 178
48 North Parur 58 80 05 143 102 105 05 212 09 10 11 30 64 82 0 146
49 Perumbavur 101 88 06 195 108 76 12 196 91 91 06 188 78 124 0 202
50 Piravom 48 72 03 123 50 81 01 132 32 45 07 84 41 77 0 118
51 Thrikkakara 134 77 12 223 120 72 24 216 111 97 16 224 140 99 0 239
OMC‐KSJ Page39
52 Thrippunithura 75 79 25 179 83 91 18 192 116 100 23 239 78 125 0 203
Total 1033 1265 180 2478 1115 1352 321 2788 1101 1311 174 2586 1195 1495 0 2690 IDUKKI
53 Kattappana 35 36 0 71 19 33 01 53 53 39 0 92 48 51 0 99
54 Thodupuzha 69 102 0 171 76 118 04 198 71 160 05 236 97 172 05 274
55 Munnar 43 25 0 68 40 37 02 79 55 28 0 83 60 37 0 373
56 Idukki 32 38 08 78 33 43 0 76 36 64 0 100 57 41 0 98
Total 179 201 08 388 168 231 07 406 215 291 05 511 262 301 05 568
THRISSU
R
57 Chalakkudy 69 105 05 179 60 129 11 200 101 148 10 259 85 138 11 234
58 Wadakkanchery 88 55 0 143 70 72 04 146 106 84 07 197 96 113 04 213
59 Thrissur 365 295 05 665 403 348 10 761 432 362 08 802 378 360 10 748
60 Pudukkad NA NA NA NA 61 86 11 158 106 107 10 223 110 152 13 275
61 Kunnamkulam 188 145 07 340 127 136 3 266 152 155 12 319 159 145 10 314
62 Mala NA NA NA NA 28 52 01 81 42 64 06 112 48 69 03 120
63 Guruvayoor 112 77 04 193 124 63 07 194 181 66 03 250 164 80 07 251
64 Irinjalakuda 57 98 07 162 78 93 0 171 84 106 04 194 93 149 04 246
Total 879 775 28 1682 951 979 47 1977 1204 1092 60 2356 1133 1206 62 2401
OMC‐KSJ Page40
PALAKKAD
65 Palakkad 251 138 04 393 218 152 09 379 277 135 04 416 312 120 01 433
66 Chittur 106 103 04 213 63 120 08 191 128 127 03 258 193 154 03 350
67 Vadakkancherry 49 38 02 89 37 74 03 114 53 56 01 110 76 48 01 125
68 Alathur 86 57 01 144 61 73 10 144 102 70 07 179 120 66 08 194
69 Shornur 129 75 05 209 87 83 01 171 117 86 05 208 123 96 02 221
70 Manarkkad 67 44 04 115 80 60 0 140 106 52 02 160 74 74 01 149
71 Kanjikode 91 288 13 392 95 307 12 414 174 324 06 504 156 236 02 394
Total 779 743 33 1555 641 869 43 1553 957 850 28 1835 1054 794 18 1866
KOZH
IKODE
72 Kozhikode 144 131 23 298 194 140 27 361 209 153 11 373 161 138 28 327
73 Meenchanda 104 111 23 238 91 100 19 210 112 103 25 240 128 147 18 293
74 Vellimadukunnu 74 76 07 157 96 69 13 178 94 86 12 192 93 62 14 169
75 Mukkam 66 92 07 165 53 76 05 134 59 107 05 171 57 114 07 178
76 Narikkuni ‐ ‐ 01 01 43 36 07 86 58 53 08 119 46 54 08 108
77 Vatakara 113 101 07 221 121 81 12 214 134 99 8 241 95 127 04 226
78 Perambra 85 72 04 161 92 61 06 159 102 81 11 194 57 91 09 157
79 Nadapuram 41 55 04 100 71 51 03 125 53 58 12 123 43 62 03 108
Total 627 638 76 1341 761 614 92 1467 821 740 92 1653 680 795 91 1566
OMC‐KSJ Page41
MALAPPURAM
80 Malappuram 98 92 08 198 100 95 10 205 128 77 08 213 134 112 21 267
81 Tirur 80 94 0 174 68 85 0 153 121 68 09 198 116 97 09 222
82 Ponnani 97 52 01 150 81 43 03 127 91 53 0 144 121 46 04 171
83 Perinthalmanna 95 39 08 142 88 45 15 148 130 53 11 194 127 54 9 190
84 Nilambur 71 53 06 130 59 59 09 127 79 70 06 155 85 86 8 179
Total 441 330 23 794 406 327 37 760 549 321 34 904 583 395 51 1029
WAYA
NAD 85 Kalpetta 31 56 07 94 44 67 05 116 59 57 0 116 53 98 0 151
86 Sulthanbethery 40 60 01 101 65 69 02 136 91 53 0 144 53 101 0 154
87 Mananthavady 21 67 03 91 41 68 01 110 45 44 0 89 23 99 0 122
Total 92 183 11 286 140 204 8 362 195 154 0 349 129 298 0 427
KANNUR
88 Kannur 146 164 09 319 202 250 11 463 230 193 02 425 190 218 12 420
89 Thalassery 63 106 05 174 107 120 01 228 115 142 05 262 75 135 11 221
90 Payyannur 94 32 02 128 120 41 06 167 149 37 05 191 122 58 06 186
91 Kuthuparamba 50 55 09 114 60 67 09 136 59 68 11 138 65 98 09 172
92 Mattannur 43 49 0 92 70 51 12 133 66 50 13 129 41 52 07 100
93 Taliparamba 94 71 04 169 171 83 03 257 197 88 05 290 164 100 02 266
94 Peringome 28 22 0 50 60 25 0 85 89 33 02 124 48 43 04 95
OMC‐KSJ Page42
95 Peravoor 24 68 0 92 25 30 05 60 33 49 02 84 25 67 02 94
96 Iritty 0 1 0 01 51 38 07 96 56 60 03 119 45 80 02 127
Total 542 568 29 1139 866 705 54 1625 994 720 48 1762 775 851 55 1681
KASA
RGOD
97 Kasaragod 176 101 01 278 274 127 02 403 317 121 07 445 159 166 12 337
98 Kanhangad 86 68 02 156 139 89 02 230 125 70 04 199 110 68 04 182
99 Trikaripur 40 36 03 79 56 48 03 107 100 41 05 146 62 51 03 116
100 Uppala 11 21 01 33 120 40 02 162 123 35 06 164 136 47 01 184
101 Kuttikol NA NA NA NA 31 15 0 46 46 20 0 66 32 34 0 66
Total 313 226 07 546 620 319 09 948 711 287 22 1020 499 366 20 885
The above data clearly informs that the incident calls are marginally higher than fire calls across the state. We
should therefore gear up for equipping the fire and rescue services with firefighting and rescue vehicles /
equipments in equal measures.
OMC‐KSJ Page43
CHAPTER‐5
‘REVENUE EARNED BY KERALA FIRE &
RESCUE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’
OMC‐KSJ Page44
5. REVENUEEARNED BY KERALA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
The Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department also earns revenue for the Govt. of
Kerala by way of fire engine charges, standby duty charges, pumping works charges, delivery
hose charges, fire report charges,rental charges of ambulance services, fee for issuances of No
Objection Certificate to the residential, commercial buildings and industrial complexesand
NOCs required under various Acts / Rules like Explosive Act 1934/Explosive Rules‐2008,
Petroleum Act 1934/Petroleum Rules‐2002, The Arms Act 1959 /Arms &Ammunition Rules
1962, etc. The statement of revenue earnings during last five years are given below.
2008‐2009 325.16 lakhs
2009‐2010 350.17 lakhs
2010‐2011 518.34 lakhs
2011‐2012 467.03 lakhs
2012‐2013 433 lakhs
Total 2093.70 lakhs
The revenue earned during the last five years from 2008‐2009 to 2012‐2013 comes to
Rs. 20.94 crores. The above figures are obtained by KF&RS headquarters from the office of
Accountant General. It is suggested that the ADOs of the districts should maintain proper
account of revenue earned by the KF&RS department through various sources hereinafter.
The Commandant General, KF&RS Department should issue necessary directions and format
of register for this purpose and that should be reconciled with treasury/AG office account at
the end of every financial year.
Theserevenue earnings are going to increase further from 2013‐14 onwards as the hire
charges for various items of works and the rates of NOCs have been enhanced substantially
vide G.O.(Ms) No. 107/2013/Home dated 18/04/2013.
The commission therefore recommends that the revenue earned by
KF&RS department through various sources should be ploughed back
for the modernization, development of training infra‐structuresand
housing purposes of the KF&RS department apart from the usual
budget allotment of the department.This will help in expediting the
modernization pace of the department.
OMC‐KSJ Page45
CHAPTER‐6
‘THE EXISTING LEVEL OF
MODERNISATION: AVAILABILITY OF
FIREFIGHTING& RESCUE VEHICLES /
EQUIPMENTS AND SUFFICIENCY OF
FIRE STATIONS’
OMC‐KSJ Page46
6. EXISTING LEVEL OF MODERNISATION: AVAILABILITY OF
FIREFIGHTING & RESCUE VEHICLES / EQUIPMENTS AND
SUFFICIENCY OF FIRE STATIONS:
6.1.1The level of modernisation of any Fire & Rescue Services department needs
to be assessed by considering the following major parameters.
Availability of Firefighting and Rescue vehicles
Availability of Firefighting and Rescue equipments
Availability of specialised firefighting vehicles and equipments
Availability of specialised rescue vehicles and equipments
Availability of proper Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs)
Sufficient number of F&R Stations according to the scientific
assessment of fire hazards and somewhat even geographical spread
6.1.2 The present availability of Firefighting and Rescue vehicles in Kerala Fire &
Rescue Services Department as on 15‐12‐2013 is given below.
Sl.
No. Type
Less than 5
years old
5‐10 years old
10 ‐ 15 years old
15 ‐20 years old
Above 20
years old
Total
1 MTU
(Water Tenders of all types /Capacities)
31 59 30 0 31 151
2 Mini MTU
(Mini Water Tender of all types / Capacities)
26 0 20 8 0 54
3 Mini MTU (Water
Tenders) with Water Mist
12 0 0 0 0 12
4 Emergency Tender / Emergency Rescue
Vehicle
3 4 1 1 7 16
5 Crash Tenders 0 6 0 5 0 11
6 JCB 2 0 0 0 0 2
OMC‐KSJ Page47
7 Industrial Water
Tenders 0 0 0 0 3 3
8 Water Lorry 0 22 0 3 19 44
9 Recovery Van 2 0 0 6 2 10
10 Ambulance 17 13 28 1 0 59
11 Quick Response
Vehicle (QRV) 14 0 0 0 0 14
12 Jeep 22 14 20 5 4 65
13 Motor Cycle with
Water Mist 32 0 0 0 0 32
TOTAL 161 118 99 29 66 473
It is seen that 41% of the vehicles have completed the life period of more than
10 Years and 13.95 % of vehicles have completed more than 20 years of service.
The main firefighting vehicles like Water Tenders and Water Lorries practically
become unsafe for use after 10 years of use due to heavy load bearing capacity
resulting in heavy and frequent wear and tear of the vehicles. Therefore
commission recommends that the Water Tenders and Water Lorries which has
completed 10 years of service should be phased out for replacement. Similarly
the department should stop purchasing the water Lorries / tankers. The water
browsers with high capacity pumps instead of water lorry should be purchased
hereinafter.
The vehicles which have completed 20 years of life span should also be replaced
during the financial year 2014‐15 for maintaining the efficiency of the fire &
rescue services.
OMC‐KSJ Page48
6.1.3 The Present availablibility of Firefighting and Rescue equipments in the
KF&RS department are furnished below.
Sl.
No. Type of Equipment
Total Nos.
Available Remarks
1 Aluminium Suits 80
2 BA Set 163
3 BA Set Spare Cylinder 210
4 Breathing Air Compressor 14
5 Chain Saw ( Electric) 32
6 Chain Saw ( Petrol) 107
7 Chemical Suits 27
8 Concrete Cutter ( Electric)) 15
9 Concrete Cutter ( Petrol) 18
10 Face Mask 100
11 Firefighting Suits 87
12 Float Pump 95
13 Floating Stretcher 7
14 FMBP 80
15 Foam Compound (AFFF) 10000 Ltr
16 Folding Stretcher 170
17 Generators 28
18 Ground Monitor 10
19 Gum boot 1697
20 Hand controlled Branch 53
OMC‐KSJ Page49
(Zero Torque)
21 Helmet 2166
22 Hose ‐ Synthetic 320
23 Hose ‐Canvas ‐ Rubber
Lined 1445
24 Hydraulic Rescue Tool set 72
25 Inflatable Tower light 80
26 Leak Arrester Kit 10
27 Life Buoy 201
28 Life Detectors 1
29 Life Jacket 211
30 Mega Phone 22
31 Pneumatic Tools 4
32 Portable Pump 60
33 Power Ascender 5
34 Rope Ladder 5
35 Rubber Dinghy 20
36 Rubber Dinghy with OB
Engine 19
37 Safety Rubber Gloves 120 pair
38 SCUBA Set 58
39 SCUBA Set Spare Cylinder 40
40 Search Light 75
41 Shears 82
OMC‐KSJ Page50
42 Torches 105
6.1.4 The present availability of specialised firefighting vehicles and equipments in Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department is given below.
i. Crash Tender‐11 numbers ii. Industrial Water Tender‐3 number iii. Mini Water Tender with Water Mist‐12 numbers iv. Motor Cycle with water Mist‐32 numbers v. Hand Controlled Branch (Zero Torque) – 53 numbers vi. Ground Monitors – 10 numbers
6.1.5 The present availability of specialised rescue vehicles and equipments in Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department is given below.
i. Emergency Tender /Emergency Rescue Vehicle ‐16 numbers ii. Power Ascenders‐5numbers iii. Life Detector – 01 iv. Leakage Arrester‐10 v. Hydraulic Rescue Tool Set‐ 72 numbers vi. Scuba Set – 58 numbers vii. Inflatable Tower Light – 80 numbers viii. Pneumatic Tool Set – 4 numbers
6.1.6 As far as the availability of proper Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) in
the KF&RS department is concerned there is no proper PPE provided to the fire
fighters. The only PPE items issued to the firefighting personnel in Kerala at
present is helmets and gum boots. The quality of these helmets leaves much to
be desired. The Fire fighters are wearing the same office uniform for the
firefighting& Rescue operations also. A proper firefighting suit with provision to
hold the toolkit, proper size helmet with head light, gloves and good quality gum
boots needs to be provided to all the individual fire fighters of KF&RS
department. The good quality PPEs with necessary accessories is absolutely
necessary to enhance the confidence level of individual fire fighter and efficiency
of the firefighting department. The good quality PPEs are easily available in the
Indian markets now days.
OMC‐KSJ Page51
6.1.7 SUFFICIENCY OF FIRE &RESCUE STATIONS:
At present the Kerala Fire and Rescue Department serves the Kerala state
through the 101 Fire and Rescue Stations established at various locations in the
state. It does not appear that any scientifically accepted norms have been
adopted in sanctioning the Fire & Rescue Station in the state. The sufficiency of
fire stations for any state or area depends on the yardsticks one applies in
determining the requirement of the fire stations.
6.1.8 According to the recommendations of Standing Fire Advisory Committee /
Council (SFAC) there can be one Fire Station for an area of 10 sq. km in urban
areas and for an area of 50 sq. km in rural areas. The SFAC stipulation also
mandates that Fire & Rescue Stations in India need to be established in such a
manner that the response time for first tender is 3, 5, and 7 minutes respectively
depending on risk category A, B, and C of fires in urban areas and 20 minutes in
rural areas. The total area of Kerala state is 38,863 sq. km. and the total
population according to the 2011 Census is 33,387,677. Taking the area criteria
of rural area alone, as per the SFAC recommendations; a total of 668 Fire
&Rescue Stations are needed in Kerala state. The number of Fire & Rescue
Stations will further increase if the criterion of urban and rural areas is
separately taken into consideration. The number of 668 fire stations for the state
of Kerala is huge number and prima facie appears unscientific and unrealistic and
difficult to accept.
6.1.9 According to a study called “Fire Hazard and Risk Analysis in the country for
Revamping the Fire & rescue servicess in the country” planned /sponsored by
Directorate of NDRF&CD, Fire Cell, MHA, New Delhi and conducted by RMSI,
Noida, India has estimated the total requirement of Fire Stations for the state of
Kerala as 228. The mandate of this study was to identify existing gaps in terms of
availability and requirement of fire stations, capacity‐building, trained man‐
power and firefighting, rescue and other specialised equipments. After
conducting a number of simulations using GIS based network analysis the RMSI
demonstrated that the two SFAC norms (response time and area based) are not
in synchronization with each other, and recommended to modify the SFAC
norms (response time and area based) to response time based norms for positioning a Fire Station, as response area will vary from place to place
depending upon road the road network. Depending upon the risk category, the
recommended response time for first fire tender is 5 to 7 minutes in urban areas
OMC‐KSJ Page52
and 20 minutes in rural areas. The RMSI has recommended a total of 228
numbers of operational and new fire stations in Kerala state. Out of
recommended 228 (157 urban and 71 rural) fire stations, 101 fire stations are
already available in the Kerala state and remaining 127 new fire stations (urban
and rural) are to be established in Kerala. This estimation is based on scientific
study of various fire risk factors therefore can be accepted as blueprint for future
expansion of fire stations in the state.
6.1.10 The above description of existing level of Firefighting / Rescue vehicles,
firefighting / Rescue equipments, specialised firefighting vehicles / equipments,
specialised rescue vehicles / equipments, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs)
and number of Fire Stations clearly suggests that the modernisation level
achieved so far is quite inadequate by any standard and lot needs to be done to
achieve satisfactory level.
OMC‐KSJ Page53
CHAPTER‐7
‘IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING GAPS IN
FIRE STATIONS / MANPOWER /
FIREFIGHTING VEHICLES AND
FIREFIGHTING / RESCUE / SPECIALISED
EQUIPMENTS IN KERALA FIRE &
RESCUE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’
OMC‐KSJ Page54
CHAPTER‐7.1
‘GAPS IN FIRE STATIONS’
OMC‐KSJ Page55
7.1GAPS IN THE FIRE STATIONS:
7.1.1 The RMSI study has recommended a total of 228 numbers of fire stations in
Kerala state. Out of the recommended 228 (157 urban and 71 rural) fire stations,
101 (66 urban & 35 rural) fire stations are already existing in the Kerala state and
remaining 127 new fire stations (urban and rural) are to be opened / established
in Kerala. The RMSI study has even suggested the locations where the new fire
stations should be established in each district of the Kerala state in their report.
Since; the estimation by RMSI is based on scientific study of various fire risk
factors it needs to be accepted as blueprint for future expansion of fire stations
in the state. The details of operational and new proposed urban fire stations and
priority ranking for new fire stations is given in Table 27‐38 of the RMSI report.
Similarly; the details of operational and new proposed rural fire stations and
priority ranking for new fire stations is given in Table 27‐39 of the RMSI report.
The RMSI report Tables 27‐38 and 27‐39 is reproduced below for better
appreciation of the RMSI analysis.
OMC‐KSJ Page56
RMSI REPORT Table 27‐38: Details of operational and new proposed urban Fire Stations with their ideal jurisdiction area,
estimated ideal served population under their jurisdiction, and priority ranking for new Fire Stations
District FS Ref No. Fire Station Name Operational
Type
Population
Den
sity
Priority
Ranking
Alappuzha KL_New_Urban_FS‐38 Kalavoor‐Mannanchery New Urban FS 5,647 6
Alappuzha KL_New_Urban_FS‐40 Punnapra New Urban FS 3,496 9
Alappuzha KL_New_Urban_FS‐37 Kanjikuzhy New Urban FS 3,072 11
Alappuzha KL1154 Alappuzh Fire Station Operational
Urban FS 4,187
Alappuzha KL1155 Mavelikkara Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,962
Alappuzha KL1156 Chengannur Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,243
Alappuzha KL1157 Kayamkulam Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 6,476
Alappuzha KL1158 Cherthala Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 10,697
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐29 Edappally, Ernakulam New Urban FS 16,642 1
OMC‐KSJ Page57
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐30 Eroor, Ernakulam New Urban FS 9,138 2
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐27 Vaduthala, Ernakulam New Urban FS 3,110 10
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐34 Kangarappady, Ernakulam New Urban FS 2,412 12
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐33 Perumbadappu, Kochi New Urban FS 2,285 13
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐31 Shastammugal, Ernakulam New Urban FS 1,252 14
Eranakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐35 Edathala,Aluva New Urban FS 1184 15
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐32 Nadakkavu New Urban FS 855 16
Ernakulam KL_New_Urban_FS‐28 Njarakkal, Vypin New Urban FS 784 17
Ernakulam KL2436 Gandhinagar Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 16,317
Ernakulam KL2440 Trippunithura Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 9,983
Ernakulam KL2443 Mattancheri Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 11,910
Ernakulam KL2451 Moovattupuzhe Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,403
Ernakulam KL2472 Thrikkakara Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 23,477
OMC‐KSJ Page58
Ernakulam KL2454 Club Road Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 16,131
Ernakulam KL2458 Perumbavoor Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,224
Ernakulam KL2464 Angamaly Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,257
Ernakulam KL2466 Eloor Fire & Rescue Station Operational
Urban FS 3252
Ernakulam KL2469 Aluva Fire & Rescue Station Operational
Urban FS 1,932
Ernakulam KL2472 Thrikkakara Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 23477
Ernakulam KL2500 Kothamangalam Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 7,138
Idukki KL2509 Thodupuzhe Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,595
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐6 Chovva, Kannur New Urban FS 23,543 44
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐59 Manal (Chirakkal) New Urban FS 22,466 45
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐4 Puthiya Theru(Chirakkal) New Urban FS 20,711 46
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐7 Thottada New Urban FS 2,655 50
OMC‐KSJ Page59
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐8 Edakkad New Urban FS 2,059 52
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐5 Pappinisseri New Urban FS 1,125 55
Kannur KL_New_Urban_FS‐54 Cheruthazham New Urban FS 807 56
Kannur KL2623 Kannur Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 40,171
Kannur KL2636 Thalassery Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,017
Kannur KL2646 Payyannur Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,231
Kannur KL2649 Thaliparamba Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 811
Kasargod KL_New_Urban_FS‐1 Bedira New Urban FS 4,115 47
Kasargod KL_New_Urban_FS‐2 Nileswaram New Urban FS 3,604 49
Kasargod KL_New_Urban_FS‐53 Cheruvathur New Urban FS 1,487 54
Kasargod KL2652 Thrikkaripur Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,106
Kasargod KL2655 Kanhangad Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,906
OMC‐KSJ Page60
Kasargod KL2659 Kasaragod Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,815
Kollam KL_New_Urban_FS‐42 Vazhappally, Kollam New Urban FS 6,200 27
Kollam KL_New_Urban_FS‐43 Chandanathope,Mangad New Urban FS 5,752 28
Kollam KL_New_Urban_FS‐41 Kavanad‐Sakthikulangara New Urban FS 3,968 31
Kollam KL_New_Urban_FS‐44 Anchal New Urban FS 1,986 36
Kollam KL1138 Punaloor Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,630
Kollam KL1141 Paravoor Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,123
Kollam KL1142 Kollam Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 34,148
Kollam KL1143 Chamakkada Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 20,773
Kollam KL1144 Karunagappally Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,263
Kollam KL1148 Kottarakkara Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,417
Kottayam KL_New_Urban_FS‐39 Ettumanoor New Urban FS 4,115 48
OMC‐KSJ Page61
Kottayam KL_New_Urban_FS‐51 Chingavanam, Kottayam New Urban FS 1,782 53
Kottayam KL_New_Urban_FS‐36 Vaikom New Urban FS 462 57
Kottayam KL1159 Changanasseri Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,224
Kottayam KL1161 Kottayam Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 6,537
Kottayam KL1166 Pala Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,603
Kottayam KL1167 Erattupetta Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 811
Kottayam KL1169 Kanjirappally Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,083
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐13 Thondayad, Kozhikode New Urban FS 22,020 20
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐58 Kunnathupalam
(Kozikhode) New Urban FS 12,282 21
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐11 Pavangad Junction,
Puthiyangadi New Urban FS 7,902 25
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐9 Payyoli New Urban FS 3,441 33
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐10 Koyilany New Urban FS 2079 35
OMC‐KSJ Page62
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐12 Kumaraswamy New Urban FS 1,874 37
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐16 Poovattauparamba New Urban FS 1,743 38
Kozhikode KL_New_Urban_FS‐14 Ramanattukara New Urban FS 1,219 40
Kozhikode KL2576 Vellimadukunnu Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 19,226
Kozhikode KL2577 Kozhikode Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 24,003
Kozhikode KL2589 Meenchantha Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 12,948
Kozhikode KL2599 Vadakara Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,631
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐56 Nooradi (Malappuram) New Urban FS 54,743 18
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐57 Panakkad (Malappuram) New Urban FS 42,767 19
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐17 Manjeri New Urban FS 4,079 29
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐19 Tanur New Urban FS 3,983 30
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐18 Changuvetti, Kottakkal New Urban FS 2,268 34
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐20 Puthanathani New Urban FS 1,739 39
OMC‐KSJ Page63
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐15 Kondotty New Urban FS 1,211 41
Malappuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐21 Edappal New Urban FS 1,023 42
Malappuram KL2553 Ponnani Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,446
Malappuram KL2556 Tirur Fire & Rescue Station Operational
Urban FS 3,172
Malappuram KL2558 Perinthalmanna Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,629
Malappuram KL2562 Malappuram Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 22,921
Malappuram KL2573 Nilambur Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,470
Palakkad KL_New_Urban_FS‐55 Railway Colony,Palakkad New Urban FS 3,535 32
Palakkad KL2532 Kanjikkode Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,273
Palakkad KL2543 Palakkad Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,675
Pathanamthitta KL1149 Adoor Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,856
Pathanamthitta KL1150 Ranny Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,143
OMC‐KSJ Page64
Pathanamthitta KL1151 Pathanamthitta Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 4,054
Pathanamthitta KL1152 Thiruvalla Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,830
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐48 Vazhottukonam,
Trivandrum New Urban FS 8,555 3
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐47 Pappanamcode,
Trivandrum New Urban FS 8,364 4
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐46 Ulloor,Trivandrum New Urban FS 6,312 5
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐45 Kadinamkulam, Trivandrum New Urban FS 5,316 7
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Urban_FS‐49 Poonkulam, Pachalloor New Urban FS 3,742 8
Thiruvananthapuram KL1126 Trivandrum Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 16,187
Thiruvananthapuram KL1127 Chacka Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 8,829
Thiruvananthapuram KL1129 Vizhinjam Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 4,471
Thiruvananthapuram KL1133 Varkala Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,079
Thiruvananthapuram KL1134 Attingal Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,141
OMC‐KSJ Page65
Thiruvananthapuram KL1135 Kazhakkuttom Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,408
Thiruvananthapuram KL1136 Kattakkada Fire and Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 992
Thiruvananthapuram KL1137 Neyyattinkara Fire and
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,953
Thrissur KL_New_Urban_FS‐24 Ollur, Thrissur New Urban FS 9,274 21
Thrissur KL_New_Urban_FS‐23 Mannuthy, Thrissur New Urban FS 9,072 22
Thrissur KL_New_Urban_FS‐22 Olarikkara, Thrissur New Urban FS 8,366 23
Thrissur KL_New_Urban_FS‐25 Keltron Nagar, Thrissur New Urban FS 6,474 25
Thrissur KL_New_Urban_FS‐26 Kodungallur New Urban FS 913
Thrissur KL2515 Thrissur Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 26,116
Thrissur KL2516 Kunnamkulam Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,653
Thrissur KL2520 Guruvayoor Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 1,528
Thrissur KL2522 Puthukkad Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 3,434
OMC‐KSJ Page66
Thrissur KL2524 Chalakkudy Fire & Fire
Station
Operational
Urban FS 4,626
Thrissur KL2526 Irinjalakkuda Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,247
Wayanad KL_New_Urban_FS‐52 Mananthavady New Urban FS 2,556 51
Wayanad KL2615 Kalpetta Fire & Rescue
Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,107
Wayanad KL2617 Sulthan Btheri Fire &
Rescue Station
Operational
Urban FS 2,793
RMSI REPORT Table 27‐39: Details of operational and new proposed rural Fire Stations with their ideal jurisdiction area,
estimated ideal served population under their jurisdiction, and priority ranking for new Fire Stations
District FS Ref No. Fire Station Name Operational Type
Population
Den
sity
Priority
Ranking
Alappuzha KL_New_Rural_FS‐53 Vallikunnam New_Rural_FS 1,274 4
Alappuzha KL_New_Rural_FS‐33 Cheppad New_Rural_FS 916 7
Alappuzha KL_New_Rural_FS‐34 Vezhapra New_Rural_FS 494 9
OMC‐KSJ Page67
Ernakulam KL_New_Rural_FS‐31 Kolencherry New_Rural_FS 416 10
Ernakulam KL2477 Koothattukulam Fire &
Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 545
Ernakulam KL2461 North Paravoor Fire &
Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 425
Ernakulam KL2474 Piravom Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 296
Ernakulam KL2497 Kalloorkkad Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 256
Idukki KL_New_Rural_FS‐57 Muttom New_Rural_FS 446 70
Idukki KL_New_Rural_FS‐55 Vandiperiyar New_Rural_FS 69 71
Idukki KL2510 Kattappana Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 369
Idukki KL2507 Idukki Fire & Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 261
Idukki KL2512 Munnar Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 151
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐11 Kudukkimotta New_Rural_FS 1,092 46
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐10 Mangattuparamba New_Rural_FS 588 53
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐62 Peringathur New_Rural_FS 507 55
OMC‐KSJ Page68
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐12 Peralassery New_Rural_FS 480 56
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐60 Ettikulam New_Rural_FS 473 57
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐8 Kottila New_Rural_FS 281 61
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐64 Chengalai New_Rural_FS 172 65
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐9 Payyavoor New_Rural_FS 127 67
Kannur KL_New_Rural_FS‐13 Alakode New_Rural_FS 103 68
Kannur KL2628 Iritty Fire & Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 156
Kannur KL2643 Peringome Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 153
Kannur KL2640 Mattannur Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 150
Kannur KL2630 Peravoor Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 113
Kannur KL2633 Kuthuparamba Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 99
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐1 Kumbla New_Rural_FS 1,128 45
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐4 Bendichal New_Rural_FS 678 49
OMC‐KSJ Page69
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐5 Tachangad New_Rural_FS 655 50
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐7 Kanhirapoil New_Rural_FS 654 51
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐2 Mundayathaduka New_Rural_FS 395 58
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐3 Mularia New_Rural_FS 351 59
Kasargod KL_New_Rural_FS‐6 Malakkallu New_Rural_FS 136 66
Kasargod KL2666 Uppala Fire & Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 628
Kasargod KL2657 Kuttikol Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 213
Kollam KL_New_Rural_FS‐51 Adichanalloor New_Rural_FS 1,783 15
Kollam KL_New_Rural_FS‐43 Parippally New_Rural_FS 1,401 17
Kollam KL_New_Rural_FS‐37 Odanavattom New_Rural_FS 915 25
Kollam KL_New_Rural_FS‐52 Chavara New_Rural_FS 834 28
Kollam KL_New_Rural_FS‐36 Pathanapuram New_Rural_FS 267 38
Kollam KL_New_Rural_FS‐47 Kulathupuzha New_Rural_FS 54 43
Kollam KL1140 Kundara Fire and Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 1,338
OMC‐KSJ Page70
Kollam KL1147 Shasthamkotta Fire and
Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 1,177
Kollam KL1139 Kadakkal Fire and Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 773
Kottayam KL_New_Rural_FS‐32 Kumarakom New_Rural_FS 631 52
Kottayam KL_New_Rural_FS‐56 Erumeli New_Rural_FS 249 62
Kottayam KL1163 Kaduthuruthy Fire and
Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 620
Kottayam KL1168 Pampady Fire and Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 609
Kozhikode KL_New_Rural_FS‐63 Chemmarathur New_Rural_FS 356 36
Kozhikode KL2587 Narikuuni Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 385
Kozhikode KL2595 Mukkam Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 309
Kozhikode KL2605 Perambra Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 260
Kozhikode KL2613 Nadapuram Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 216
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐66 Velluvambram New_Rural_FS 3,069 13
OMC‐KSJ Page71
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐18 Vengara New_Rural_FS 1,331 19
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐21 Padaparamba New_Rural_FS 1,310 20
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐58 Kuttayi New_Rural_FS 1,124 21
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐59 Parappanangadi New_Rural_FS 1,078 22
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐22 Valanchery New_Rural_FS 996 23
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐20 Pandikkad New_Rural_FS 962 24
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐17 Edavanna New_Rural_FS 707 30
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐65 Kalikavu New_Rural_FS 607 31
Malappuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐16 Chungathara New_Rural_FS 193 41
Palakkad KL_New_Rural_FS‐19 Ottappalam New_Rural_FS 2,691 14
Palakkad KL_New_Rural_FS‐24 Cherpulassery New_Rural_FS 912 26
Palakkad KL_New_Rural_FS‐23 Koottanad New_Rural_FS 748 29
Palakkad KL_New_Rural_FS‐67 Nattukal New_Rural_FS 490 35
Palakkad KL_New_Rural_FS‐25 Mundur New_Rural_FS 355 37
Palakkad KL_New_Rural_FS‐40 Kollengode New_Rural_FS 230 40
OMC‐KSJ Page72
Palakkad KL2541 Chithur Fire & Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 1,404
Palakkad KL2530 Shornnur Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 873
Palakkad KL2534 Alathur Fire & Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 714
Palakkad KL2574 Mannarkkad Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 240
Pathanamthitta KL_New_Rural_FS‐35 Kozhenchery New_Rural_FS 1,236 44
Pathanamthitta KL_New_Rural_FS‐38 Pandalam New_Rural_FS 1,073 47
Pathanamthitta KL_New_Rural_FS‐39 Enathu New_Rural_FS 1,027 48
Pathanamthitta KL_New_Rural_FS‐71 Uthimoodu New_Rural_FS 584 54
Pathanamthitta KL_New_Rural_FS‐54 Pamba New_Rural_FS 17 69
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐72 Kallambalam New_Rural_FS 2,362 1
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐45 Sarkara New_Rural_FS 1,564 2
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐41 Balaramapuram New_Rural_FS 1,559 3
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐46 Venjaramoodu New_Rural_FS 1,158 5
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐44 Vilappilsala New_Rural_FS 1,032 6
OMC‐KSJ Page73
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐49 Perumkadavila New_Rural_FS 771 8
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐42 Kallikkad New_Rural_FS 259 11
Thiruvananthapuram KL_New_Rural_FS‐48 Ponmudi New_Rural_FS 93 12
Thiruvananthapuram KL1130 Poovar Fire and Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 1,246
Thiruvananthapuram KL1132 Parassala Fire and Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 1,020
Thiruvananthapuram KL1128 Nedumangad Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 779
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐28 Cherpu New_Rural_FS 1,755 16
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐26 Edakkalathur New_Rural_FS 1,385 18
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐27 Thriprayar New_Rural_FS 896 27
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐70 Pavaratty New_Rural_FS 604 32
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐29 Kodakara New_Rural_FS 520 33
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐68 Pazhayannur New_Rural_FS 505 34
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐30 Pattikad New_Rural_FS 238 39
Thrissur KL_New_Rural_FS‐50 Vettilapara New_Rural_FS 68 42
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Thrissur KL2529 Vadakkancheri Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 654
Thrissur KL2525 Mala Fire & Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 461
Thrissur KL2550 Wadakkanchery Fire &
Rescue Station Operational Rural FS 307
Wayanad KL_New_Rural_FS‐15 Vythiri New_Rural_FS 297 60
Wayanad KL_New_Rural_FS‐14 Makkiyad New_Rural_FS 226 63
Wayanad KL_New_Rural_FS‐61 Thalappuzha New_Rural_FS 198 64
Wayanad KL2621 Mananthevady Fire & Rescue
Station Operational Rural FS 304
OMC‐KSJ Page75
7.1.2It is true that the opening / establishment of 127 new fire stations is
going to take decades but we must set the target of opening at least five (05) fire stations in a financial year; so that we can achieve the objective of opening 127 new fire stations in three decades time w.e.f financial year 2014‐15. This is not a very tall order keeping in view the urgency of expanding the outreach of emergency services in the state.
7.1.3 Another important thing to be kept in mind is that any new fire station to
be opened in the Kerala state hereinafter should be only at the locations
recommended by the RMSI study in Table 27‐38 and Table 27‐39 of their
report. The priority suggested by the RMSI however can be changed keeping in
view the various other expedient factors.
OMC‐KSJ Page76
CHAPTER‐7.2
‘GAPS IN MANPOWER’
OMC‐KSJ Page77
7.2 GAPS IN MANPOWER:
7.2.1 The strength for any fire station is decided according to the number of
Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s) sanctioned / available in a particular fire
station. And the number of Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s) is to be
determined on the basis of the population of any district / city / town /fire
station.
7.2.2 The man power requirements for fire stations were considered at the
sixth SFAC meeting. It was felt that the manpower requirements varied
according to the types of firefighting appliances, the number of fire engines at
the fire stations, the duty system: continuous or shift duty and extent of other
duties, like inspection of hydrant and water resources, testing of fire alarms
and type of communication system in the organisation.
7.2.3 The SFAC guidelines prescribe the number of Station Officer, Sub officer,
Leading Firemen, Firemen, Drivers /Operators etc. according to the number of
Pump station(s) / Pumping Units including reserve for duty off, training, leave
etc.
7.2.4 The RMSI study has adopted the SFAC guidelines for determining the
manpower requirement for fire station with some minor changes to optimise
the manpower resources. The table 27‐16 of RMSI report titled as “Manpower
requirement for Station Officer and lower staffs for Kerala considering two shiftsduty pattern” is reproduced below.
Sl.No
Size of Station
(Pumping Unit)
Station Officer
Sub Officer
Leading Fireman
Additional LFM
Total LFM
Drivers /
Operators
Fireman
Additional FM
per FS (FAD,HID,
DISP, W
RO)
Total Fireman
Total
1 One 0 1.75 2.5 1.25 3.75 5 15 10 25 35.50
2 Two 1.75 1.75 5 1.25 6.25 7.5 30 10 40 57.25
3 Three 1.75 3.5 7.5 1.25 8.75 10 45 10 55 79.00
4 Four 3.5 3.5 10 1.25 11.25 15 60 10 70 103.25
5 Five 3.5 5.25 12.5 1.25 13.75 17.5 75 10 89 125.00
OMC‐KSJ Page78
6 Six 3.5 7 15 1.25 16.25 22.5 90 10 100 149.25
7 Seven 5.25 7 17.5 1.25 18.75 25 105 10 115 171.00
In addition to the above where the station functions as an independent
unit and has its own cash and store work, one clerk should be provided.
Sweeper should be provided at the scale of one per 5000 sq. ft. of
covered area and one per 7000 sq. ft. of open area, subject to a minimum of
one at each fire station without any reference to the area to be swept.
One gardener for every half acre of land required to be maintained as
garden. At places having more than one fire station or offices of supervisory
officers exists, the number of gardeners should vary from places to place
depending on the area to be maintained.
7.2.5 The fire stations in Kerala had been working on a system of two shifts a
day as mentioned in the department Standing Order No. 22/1964. This two
shift duty (12 hours duty & 12 hours off) system was changed to daily shift
duty (24 hours duty & 24 hours off) system according to the standing order No.
23‐01‐2002. Even though the Kerala fire stations are following the 12 hours
and then 24 hours rotational duty system for long but the sanctioned strength
of operational fire stations are not exactly supportive of this 24 hours
rotational duty system. It is also clarified that there is no category / post of Sub
officer in Kerala Fire & Rescue Services department. There is however the
category / post of Assistant Station Officer in Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
department. For the purpose of manpower requirement we can easily
substitute the category of Sub Officer by the category of Assistant Station
Officer without any changes in the manpower assessment done by RMSI.
OMC‐KSJ Page79
7.2.6 The RMSI report Table 27‐19 regarding the man power gap in operational
fire stations for ideal jurisdiction area is re‐produced below.
District
Fire Stations
Level 10
Level 9
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Level 0
Total Staff
Alappuzha 6 0 0 1 0 1 2 7 21 31 336 ‐1 398
Ernakulam 15 1 1 1 0 1 2 23 52 71 868 4 1,024
Idukki 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 10 20 35 317 1 386
Kannur 10 0 0 1 0 2 2 7 27 33 372 ‐1 443
Kasargod 4 0 0 0 0 2 2 8 17 21 192 2 244
Kollam 9 0 0 1 0 2 2 10 32 46 391 0 484
Kottayam 7 0 1 1 0 2 1 10 30 43 448 0 536
Kozhikode 9 0 1 1 0 1 1 15 36 50 564 ‐1 668
Malappuram 5 0 0 1 0 2 1 2 18 22 251 ‐2 295
Palakkad 7 0 1 1 0 1 1 8 24 37 396 ‐1 468
Pathanamthitta 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 12 7 124 0 147
Thiruvanantha
puram 11 0 1 1 0 1 2 ‐1 27 5 195 3 234
Thrissur 7 0 0 1 0 2 1 10 30 41 474 5 564
Wayanad 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 5 14 22 182 1 228
Total 100 1 5 10 0 23 21 115 360 464 5,110 10 6,119
Level 10: Director General /Additional Director/Deputy Director; Level 9: CFO/Co; Level 8:
Deputy CFO ; Level 7: Deputy Controller; Level 6: DFO/DO/EO/Fire Supervisor; Level 5:
ADO/ADFO/AFO/Fire in Charge; Level4: STO/Sub Inspector/Station in Charge/ASTO/AEO;
Level 3: S O/Assistant Sub Inspector/ASO/Sub‐Fire Officer; Level 2: LFM/Mechanic Driver/
Head Constable/Store Superintendent ; Level 1 : FM/FO Driver/Radio Technician/
SGFM/Driver/Police Constable/Wireless Technician/Radio Technician/Asst.FM/Sanitary
OMC‐KSJ Page80
Inspector, FO/FO Driver/Driver Operator/Driver/Ambulance Driver/ Clerk; Level 0: Cleaner,
Fire Coolie, Supporting Staff, Attendant, Laborer, Peon, , Security Guard, Cleaner, Tindal
7.2.7 The RMSI report Table 27‐20 regarding total staff gap for operational and
new urban fire stations is re‐produced below.
District
Fire Stations
Level 10
Level 9
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Level 0
Total Staff
Alappuzha 9 0 0 1 0 1 4 16 39 67 570 2 700
Ernakulam 24 1 1 1 0 1 4 38 91 144 1368 13 1662
Idukki 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 10 20 35 317 1 386
Kannur 17 0 0 1 0 2 4 23 66 128 1023 6 1253
Kasargod 7 0 0 0 0 2 4 12 28 40 314 5 405
Kollam 13 0 0 1 0 2 4 16 48 73 586 4 734
Kottayam 10 0 1 1 0 2 3 15 42 63 596 3 726
Kozhikode 17 0 1 1 0 1 3 35 81 156 1272 7 1557
Malappuram 13 0 0 1 0 2 3 18 53 94 806 6 983
Palakkad 8 0 1 1 0 1 3 10 30 48 469 0 563
Pathanamthitta 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 12 7 124 0 147
Thiruvananthap
uram 16 0 1 1 0 1 4 14 55 65 631 8 780
Thrissur 12 0 0 1 0 2 3 25 59 104 895 10 1099
Wayanad 3 0 0 0 0 2 4 5 16 24 198 2 251
Total 157 1 5 10 0 2
3
4
5
23
8
64
0 1,048 9,169 67 11,246
Level 10: Director General /Additional Director/Deputy Director; Level 9: CFO/Co; Level 8:
Deputy CFO ; Level 7: Deputy Controller; Level 6: DFO/DO/EO/Fire Supervisor; Level 5:
ADO/ADFO/AFO/Fire in Charge; Level4: STO /Sub Inspector/Station in Charge/ASTO/AEO;
OMC‐KSJ Page81
Level 3: S O/Assistant Sub Inspector/ASO/Sub‐Fire Officer; Level 2: LFM/Mechanic Driver/
Head Constable/Store Superintendent ; Level 1 : FM/FO Driver/Radio Technician/
SGFM/Driver/Police Constable/Wireless Technician/Radio Technician/Asst.FM/Sanitary
Inspector, FO/FO Driver/Driver Operator/Driver/Ambulance Driver/ Clerk; Level 0: Cleaner,
Fire Coolie, Supporting Staff, Attendant, Laborer, Peon, Security Guard, Cleaner, Tindal
7.2.8 The RMSI report Table 27‐21 regarding additional staff required for new
rural fire stations is re‐produced below.
District
Fire Stations
Level 10
Level 9
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Level 0
Total Staff
Alappuzha 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 15 30 193 3 247
Ernakulam 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 7 47 1 60
Idukki 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 14 89 2 115
Kannur 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 22 22 156 9 210
Kasargod 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 19 22 141 7 190
Kollam 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 21 37 232 6 302
Kottayam 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 8 17 107 2 138
Kozhikode 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 16 1 21
Malappuram 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 52 99 677 10 863
Palakkad 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 34 67 442 6 564
Pathanamthitta 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 25 44 309 5 394
Thiruvananthap
uram 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 29 47 302 8 393
Thrissur 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 28 46 289 8 378
Wayanad 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 12 20 132 3 171
Total 71 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 279 474 3,132 71 4,046
OMC‐KSJ Page82
Level 10: Director General /Additional Director/Deputy Director; Level 9: CFO/Co; Level 8:
Deputy CFO ; Level 7: Deputy Controller; Level 6: DFO/DO/EO/Fire Supervisor; Level 5:
ADO/ADFO/AFO/Fire in Charge; Level4: STO/Sub Inspector/Station in Charge/ASTO/AEO;
Level 3: S O/Assistant Sub Inspector/ASO/Sub‐Fire Officer; Level 2: LFM/Mechanic Driver/
Head Constable/Store Superintendent ; Level 1 : FM/FO Driver/Radio Technician/
SGFM/Driver/Police Constable/Wireless Technician/Radio Technician/Asst.FM/Sanitary
Inspector, FO/FO Driver/Driver Operator/Driver/Ambulance Driver/ Clerk; Level 0: Cleaner,
Fire Coolie, Supporting Staff, Attendant, Laborer, Peon, Security Guard, Cleaner, Tindal
7.2.10The following is the details of manpower available for 101 operational
fire stations in Kerala Fire & Rescue Services (As on 1st November,
2013).
Sl.
No. Designation
Sanctioned
Post Present Vacancy
1 Commandant General 1 1 0
2. Director (Technical) 1 1 0
1 Director(Admin) 1 0 1
Divisional Officer 5 5 0
2. Asst. Divisional Officer 15 15 0
3. Station Officer 104 103 1
4. Station Officer (MT) 7 7 0
5. Asst. Station Officer 115 101 14
6. Leading Fireman 421 414 7
Driver Mechanic 106 88 18
7. Fireman Driver cum
Pump Operator 788 727 61
9. Fireman 2409 1370 1039
Total 3973 2832 1141
OMC‐KSJ Page83
7.2.11On perusal of the RMSI report (Tables 27‐20 to 27‐21) the total
requirement of staff comes to 15,292 for estimated 228 fire stations for Kerala.
The total sanctioned staffs for 101 operational Fire & Rescue Stations is
3973.The anticipated additional requirement of staffs for recommended 228
Fire Stations will therefore come to 11,319. The establishment of new 127 fire
stations is going to take many decades. Therefore there is no point in
recommending additional staff of 11,319 for entire 127 new fire stations at this
stage.
7.2.12 What is a must and urgent is to create additional posts in the
department for existing 101 operational Fire & Rescue Stations for successful
adoption of two shift system /pattern in Kerala Fire & Rescue Stations for the
category of Firemen/FDCPOs/DMs/LFs/ASTOs. It is true that the Fire & Rescue
Stations in Kerala are following the 24 hrs rotational duty system (practically
two shift duty patterns) but not enough staff is sanctioned. The present station
staff strength is divided into two 24 hrs shifts and they do the 24 hrs rotational
duty. The RMSI study has calculated the gap in the Table 27‐19 of their report
in existing fire stations on the basis of two shift duty norms. But the analysis of
manpower gap in operational fire stations for ideal jurisdiction area done by
RMSI in Table 27‐19 of their report cannot be accepted in its entirety for the
fire stations of Kerala because of some different rank structure and state
centric specificity.
7.2.13 In order to assess the actual manpower gap in the operational fire
stations of Kerala; we will have to first fix the norm for the number of pumping
stations for the urban and rural fire stations as hither to no scientific norm has
been adopted in sanctioning man power to the fire stations in Kerala. It should
also be kept in mind that there should be a minimum of two pumping units
(turn outs) in one fire station for effective firefighting purposes. The
following manpower norms for urban and rural fire stations based on the
number of pumping units is therefore fixed to assess the manpower gap in of
operational fire stations in Kerala.
i. Minimum Pumping Units for one Municipal Corporation Fire
Station ‐4 Nos.
ii. Minimum Pumping Units for one Urban Fire Station ‐3 Nos.
iii. Minimum Pumping Units for one Rural Fire Station ‐2 Nos.
OMC‐KSJ Page84
iv. There can be more pumping units in any above mentioned
category according to the population and area of the fire
station(s).
7.2.14The following norms for manpower is also fixed for the operational and
new fire stations to be opened in Kerala state here in after. These norms are
being prescribed based on SFAC/RMSI study recommendations with slight
changes to suit the KF&RS organisational hierarchy and specific state centric
requirement.
The norms for manpower for one Pump station / Pumping Unit size fire
station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 1, ii. ASTO: 1, iii. Leading Firemen: 4, iv. Driver Mechanic: 1, v. FDCPO: 8, vi. Firemen: 25, vii. Clerk cum typist cum Computer operator: 1, viii. Sweeper: 1
The norms for manpower for two Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s)
size fire station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 1, ii. ASTO: 3, iii. Leading Firemen: 6, iv. Driver Mechanic: 2, v. FDCPO: 12, vi. Firemen: 40, vii. Clerk cum typist cum Computer operator: 1, viii. Sweeper: 1
The norms for manpower for three Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s)
size fire station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 2, ii. ASTO: 3, iii. Leading Firemen: 9, iv. Driver Mechanic: 3,
OMC‐KSJ Page85
v. FDCPO: 15, vi. Firemen: 55, vii. Clerk cum typist cum computer operator: 2, viii. Sweeper: 1
The norms for manpower for four Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s)
size fire station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 3, ii. ASTO: 4, iii. Leading Firemen: 11, iv. Driver Mechanic: 3, v. FDCPO: 20, vi. Firemen: 70, vii. Clerk cum typist cum computer operator: 3, viii. Sweeper: 1
The norms for manpower for five Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s)
size fire station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 4, ii. ASTO: 5, iii. Leading Firemen: 14, iv. Driver Mechanic: 4, v. FDCPO: 25, vi. FIREMEN: 85, vii. Clerk cum typist cum computer operator: 3, viii. Sweeper: 1
The norms for manpower for six Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s) size
fire station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 4, ii. ASTO: 7, iii. Leading Firemen: 16, iv. Driver Mechanic: 4, v. FDCPO: 30, vi. FIREMEN: 100, vii. Clerk cum typist cum computer operator: 3, viii. Sweeper: 1
OMC‐KSJ Page86
The norms for manpower for seven Pump station(s) / Pumping Unit(s)
size fire station with two shift duty system/pattern shall be as under:
i. Station Officer: 5, ii. ASTO: 7, iii. Leading Firemen: 19, iv. Driver Mechanic: 5, v. FDCPO: 30, vi. Firemen: 105, vii. Clerk cum typist cum computer operator: 3, viii. Sweeper: 1
7.2.15The above manpower norms according to the Pumping Unit(s) size fire station with two shift duty system is summarised below in consolidated form.
SL. No.
Category of Fire Station personnel
One pumping unit
Two pumping units
Three pumping units
Four pumping units
Five pumping units
Six pumping
units
Seven pumping units
1 Station Officer 1 1 2 3 4 4 5
2 Assistant Station
Officer 1 3 3 4 5 7 7
3 Leading Fireman 4 6 9 11 14 16 19
4 Driver Mechanic 1 2 3 3 4 4 5
5 Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator
8 12 15 20 25 30 30
6 Fireman 25 40 55 70 85 100 105
7 Clerk / Typist /
Computer Operator 1 1 2 3 3 3 3
8 Sweeper 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
9 Total 42 66 90 115 141 165 175
OMC‐KSJ Page87
7.2.16There is a total of 101 Fire &Rescue Stations in KF&RS Department. Out of the 101 stations 66 are in urban area and 35
are in rural area. Out of the 66 urban Fire & Rescue Stations Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikkode, Kollam and
Thrissur are municipal corporations but Thiruvananthapuram Fire & Rescue Station, Gandhinagar Fire & Rescue Station,
Ernakulam and Meenchanda Fire & Rescue Station, Kozhikode alone are considered for 4 Pumping Units fire Station.
Therefore; the following is the manpower gap analysis for the existing 101 Fire & Stations in Kerala according to the yardstick
fixed in para 4.2.13 above.
Sl. No. Manpower category
MAN POWER REQUIREMENT TOTAL MAN POWER
REQUIREMENT FOR 101 FIRE STATIONS
TOTAL SANCTIOND MANPOWER FOR 101 FIRE STATIONS AT PRESENT
MAN POWER GAP /SHORTAGE FOR 101 FIRE STATIONS
35 Nos. RURAL FIRE STATIONS @ 2 Pumping units per fire
station
63 Nos. URBAN FIRE STATIONS
@ 3 Pumping units per fire station
03 Nos. MUNICIPAL CORPORATION FIRE
STATIONS @ 4 Pumping units per fire
station
1 Station Officer 35 126 9 170 102 68
2 Assistant Station Officer 105 189 12 306 114 192
3 Leading Fireman 210 567 33 810 418 392
4 Driver Mechanic 70 189 9 268 106 162
5 Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator
420 945 60 1425 780 645
6 Fireman 1400 3465 210 5075 2403 2672
7 Clerk / Typist /
Computer Operator 35 126 9 170 99 71
8 Sweeper 35 63 3 101 87 14
9 Total
2310 5670 345 8325 4109 4216
OMC‐KSJ Page88
7.2.17The commission therefore recommends the creation of 4216 (8325‐4109)
new posts in different category as mentioned in the para above in the existing / operational fire stations of Kerala to make up the manpower gap for effective delivery of services expected of them.
7.2.18The gap analysis of middle and senior level officers of the KF&RS
department will be assessed afresh after new organisational re‐structuring is
proposed. The number of middle level supervisory and senior level posts is highly
skewed and has not kept pace with whatever little growth the organisation has
seen at fire station level.
OMC‐KSJ Page89
CHAPTER‐7.3
‘GAPS IN THE FIREFIGHTING & RESCUE
VEHICLES’
OMC‐KSJ Page90
7.3 GAPS IN THE FIREFIGHTING& RESCUE VEHICLES:
7.3.1 In order to assess the actual gap of firefighting vehicles in the existing
operational fire stations of Kerala; we will have to first fix the scale for the
number of firefighting vehicles for the fire stations as hither to no scientific scale
has been adopted in sanctioning firefighting vehicles to the fire stations in
Kerala. The following scale of firefighting vehicles for fire stations based on the
number of pumping unit(s) is therefore fixed to assess the gap in the scale of
firefighting vehicles of operational fire stations in Kerala. It should also be kept in
mind that there should be a minimum of two pumping units (turn outs) in one
fire station for effective firefighting purposes.
The scale of firefighting vehicles for one Pump station / Pumping Unit size
fire station shall be as under:
i. Water Tender ( 4500 litre capacity)‐1 No., ii. Water Bowser / Lorry‐ 1 No., iii. Ambulance‐1 No., iv. Jeep‐1 No., v. Quick Response Tender ‐ 1No,
The scale of firefighting vehicles for two Pump station(s) / Pumping
Unit(s) size fire station shall be as under:
i. Water Tender ‐2 No., ii. Water Bowser / Lorry‐ 1 No., iii. Ambulance‐1 No., iv. Jeep‐1 No., v. Quick Response Tender ‐ 1No., vi. Motor Cycle with water mist – 1 No.,
The scale of firefighting vehicles for three Pump station(s) / Pumping
Unit(s) size fire station shall be as under:
i. Water Tender ‐3 Nos.,
ii. Water Bowser / Lorry‐ 1 No.,
iii. Ambulance‐1 No.,
iv. Jeep‐1 No.,
v. Quick Response Tender ‐ 1No.,
vi. Motor Cycle with water mist – 1 No.,
OMC‐KSJ Page91
vii. Advance Rescue Tender / Mini Rescue Responder – 1 No.
The scale of firefighting vehicles /equipments for four Pump station(s) /
Pumping Unit(s) size fire station shall be as under:
i. Water Tender ‐4 Nos., ii. Water Bowser / Lorry‐ 2 No., iii. Ambulance‐1 No., iv. Jeep‐1 No., v. Quick Response Tender ‐ 2No., vi. Motor Cycle with water mist – 2 No., vii. Advance Rescue Tender / Mini Rescue Responder – 1 No.
7.3.2 The scale of vehicles for Single Pumping unit size Fire Stations to Seven
Pumping units’ size Fire Stations are tabulated as under.
Sl.
No. Category of vehicles
One pumping
Unit
Two pumping
Units
Three pumping
Units
Four pumping
Units
Five pumping
Units
Six pumping
Units
Seven pumping
Units
1 Water Tender 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2 Water Bowser 1 1 1 2 2 3 3
3 Ambulance 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
4 Jeep 1 1 1 2 2 2 3
5 Quick Response
Tender 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
6 Motor Cycle with
water mist ‐ 1 1 2 2 2 2
7
Advanced Rescue
Responder / Mini
Rescue Responder
‐ ‐ 1 1 1 1 1
8 Total 5 7 9 14 15 17 19
OMC‐KSJ Page92
7.3.3 The details of different types of vehicles available at present in KF&RS Department are as follows:
* The MTU consist of water tenders of all types/capacities, Mini Water Tenders and Mini Water Tenders with mist
technology.
No. O
f F&
R Stations
Urban/Rural
Fire Stations
MTU
(Water Ten
ders & M
ini W
ater
Tenders including with m
ist
technology *
Water Lorries
Foam
ten
der
Advanced Emergency Tender/
Rescue Responder
TTL / ALP / HYD
RAULIC
PLATFORM
DCP Tender
Hose Laying Tender / Lorries
BA Van
Hazmat Van
Quick Rescue Tender
Mini Em
ergency Ten
der / Rescue
Responder
Motor Cycle with m
ist
Fire Boat
Ambulance
Educational Van
Jeep
Recovery Veh
icle
Total N
o. of vehicles
101
Urban
66
217 44 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 32 2 59 0 65 10 459
Rural
35
OMC‐KSJ Page93
7.3.4The requirement of the firefighting& rescue vehicles for 101 fire stations of Kerala according to the scale fixed in
paras 7.3.1 and 7.3.2 above: District
No. O
f F&
R Stations
Urban
/ rural fire stations
Water Ten
ders
Total w
ater ten
ders for the
district
Water Bowser
Foam
ten
der
Advance Emergency Ten
der /
Rescue Responder
Mini Emergency Ten
der /
RescueResponder
TTL / ALP / HYD
RAULIC
PLATFORM
DCP Ten
der
Hose Laying Lorries
BA Van
Hazmat Van
Quick Response
Tender
Motor Cycle with m
ist
Fire Boat
Ambulance
Educational Van
Jeep
Recovery Veh
icle
Total
Alappuzha 5 Urban 5 15
15 5 1 1 4 0 1 1 1 0 5 5 1 5 1 5 1 52 Rural
Ernakulam 15 Urban 11 34
42 16 5 2 9 2 1 2 1 1 16 16 1 15 2 15 2 148 Rural 4 8
Idukki 4 Urban 1 3
9 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 4 0 4 1 4 1 36 Rural 3 6
Kannur 9 Urban 4 12
22 9 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 0 9 9 0 9 1 9 2 81 Rural 5 10
Kasaragod 5 Urban 3 9 13 5 2 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 5 5 0 5 1 5 1 48
OMC‐KSJ Page94
Rural 2 4
Kollam 9 Urban 6 18
24 9 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 0 9 9 0 9 1 9 1 83 Rural 3 6
Kottayam 7 Urban 5 15
19 7 2 1 4 0 1 1 1 0 7 7 0 7 1 7 1 66 Rural 2 4
Kozhikkode 8 Urban 4 13
21 9 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 9 9 0 8 1 8 1 78 Rural 4 8
Malappuram 5 Urban 5 15
15 5 1 1 4 0 1 1 1 0 5 5 0 5 1 5 1 51 Rural
Palakkad 7 Urban 2 6
16 7 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 7 7 0 7 1 7 1 61 Rural 5 10
Pathanamthitta 5 Urban 4 12
14 5 1 1 3 0 1 1 1 0 5 5 0 5 1 5 1 49 Rural 1 2
Thiruvananthapuram 11 Urban 8 25
31 12 2 2 6 2 1 2 1 1 12 12 0 11 1 11 2 109 Rural 3 6
Thrissur 8 Urban 6 18 22 8 1 2 4 1 1 2 1 0 8 8 0 8 1 8 2 77
OMC‐KSJ Page95
Rural 2 4
Wayanad 3 Urban 2 6
8 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 3 0 3 1 3 1 31 Rural 1 2
TOTAL 970
The following criterion has been followed for recommending the above requirements of the firefighting& rescue vehicles.
The pumping units specified here includes Water Tenders, Mini Water Tenders, Mini Water tenders with Mist
Technology, Crash Tenders and Industrial water Tenders available in the Department.
Two Pumping units recommended for rural F&R Stations, Three Pumping units recommended for Urban F&R
Stations and Four Pumping units each are recommended for the District Headquarters F&RS of
Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikkode.
One Water Bouser each is recommended for the fire stations of two Pumping units and three Pumping units. Two
water bousers are recommended for the F&R Stations of four Pumping units.
One Foam Tender has been recommended for each district and one more Foam Tender for the districts having
airports. In addition extra Foam Tenders have been provided to some districts as per RMSI study report.
Emergency Rescue Tenders available in the department are considered as advanced Emergency Tenders / Rescue
Responders and the recommendation is as per RMSI study report.
OMC‐KSJ Page96
Mini Emergency Tenders / Rescue Responders are proposed for all urban F&RS not having an advanced Rescue
Responder.
Recommendation made in terms of Sky Lift, Hose laying Lorries, Fire Boat, Educational Van and Hazmat van are
based on RMSI Report.
Motor cycle with water mist is recommended for all F&R Stations except single Pumping unit size fire stations.
Quick Response Tender (QRT) is recommended for all fire stations.
DCP Tender and BA van are recommended one each for each district.
Hazmat vehicle recommended for Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts
Ambulance and jeep are recommended for all F&R Stations.
A criterion for the recommendation of recovery vehicle is similar to that of the advanced Emergency Tenders /
Advanced Rescue responder specified in the RMSI Report.
Water Bowsers should also be equipped with minimum BA sets and other equipment’s as fitted in a normal water
tender so that they can also supplement as pumping units in case of emergency situations.
The power steering and automatic transimission are the latest technology for firefighting vehicles. This technology
ensures faster start/acceleration/braking/maneavourability/durability /reliability and has inbuilt power take off
(PTO) provision. It is therefore recommended that the firefighting vehicles with power steering and automatic
transimission(automatic gear box) technology only should be purchased here in after.The chasis of the firefighting
vehicles should also be of Volvo/Man / Dennis/Merecedes Benz Company.
OMC‐KSJ Page97
7.3.5The gap analysis of the firefighting& rescue vehicles of the 101 fire& rescue stations of Kerala is summarised in the
table below:
Subject
MTU
(Norm
al & m
ini W
ater
tenders including with m
ist
technology for the district
Water Bowser / Lorry
Foam
ten
der
Advanced Emergency Tender
/ Rescue Responder
Mini Emergency Ten
der /
Rescue Responder
TTL / ALP / HYD
RAULIC
PLATFORM
DCP Ten
der
Hose Laying Lorries
Breathing Apparatus Van
Hazmat Van
Quick Response Ten
der
Motor Cycle with m
ist
Fire Boat
Ambulance
Educational Van
Jeep
Recovery Veh
icle
Total
Total requirement of
firefighting& rescue
vehicles for 101 fire
stations of Kerala.
271 104 26 18 48 9 14 18 14 3 104 104 2 101 15 101 18 970
Total availability of
firefighting& rescue
vehicles in the 101
operational fire stations
of Kerala.
217 44 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 32 2 59 0 65 10 459
Gapin the firefighting&
rescue vehicles in the
101 operational fire
stations of Kerala.
54 60 26 2 48 9 14 18 14 3 90 72 0 42 15 36 8 511
OMC‐KSJ Page98
The gap / shortage in the number of all types of firefighting vehicles come to
511, which is huge and reflects the severe extent of the deficiencies prevalent
in the KF&RS department.
As stated earlier in the report 41% of the total vehicles have completed the life
period of more than 10 Years and 13.95 % of total vehicles have completed
more than 20 years of service. The main firefighting vehicles like Water
Tenders and Water Lorries practically become unfit and unsafe for use after 10
years of use due to heavy load bearing capacity resulting in heavy and frequent
wear and tear of the vehicles.
Therefore commission recommends that the Water Tenders and Water Lorries
which has completed 10 years of service should be phased out for
replacement. The vehicles which have completed 20 years of life span should
also be replaced during the financial year 2014‐15 for maintaining the
efficiency of the fire & rescue services.
The commission therefore recommendsthe procurement of the above
mentioned vehicles totaling 508 on priority to make the Kerala Fire & Rescue
Services efficient and responsive. The purchase of Water Tenders, Water
Bowsers, Advanced Rescue Responders and Mini Rescue Responders should
be done during the financial year 2014‐15 and 2015‐16 positively to bridge
the gap in respect of firefighting and rescue vehicles.
The commission also recommends that the Water Tenders and Water Lorries
which has completed 10 years of service should be phased out for replacement during the financial year 2014‐15 itself.
It is also recommended that water bowsers of 12000 / 9000 litres capacity with high capacity monitors, high power capacity pumps fitted with basic firefighting and rescue equipment’s should only be purchased hereinafter. The normal water Lorries should be phased out and replaced by the water bowsers because they can also be used as pumping units in case of emergency.
We should buy more of mini water tenders with mist technology and Mini Emergency
Tenders / Rescue Responders hereinafter as they are more suitable for the Kerala situation
because of prevalence of narrow lanes and roads in the cities / towns and for hilly regions of
the state where the normal water tenders find it difficult to negotiate the terrain and city
lanes /by lanes.
OMC‐KSJ Page99
CHAPTER‐7.4
‘GAPS IN THE FIREFIGHTING AND
RESCUE EQUIPMENTS’
OMC‐KSJ Page100
7.4 GAPS IN THE FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE EQUIPMENTS:
7.4.1 The scale of equipment’s for Single Pumping unit size Fire Stations to
Seven Pumping units’ size Fire Stations are tabulated as under.
Sl.
No. Category of equipment
One pumping Unit fire
station
Two pumping Units fire
station
Three pumping Units fire
station
Four pumping Units fire
station
Five
pumping Units fire
station
Six pumping Units fire
station
Seven pumping Units fire
station
1 Portable Pump 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 Float Pump 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 Delivery Hose ‐ Synthetic 25 40 55 75 90 105 120
4 Ordinary Branch 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
5 Hand Controlled Branch
(Zero Torque) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 BA Set 3 5 6 8 10 10 10
7 BA Set Spare Cylinder 3 5 6 8 10 10 10
8 Chain Saw ( Petrol) 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
9 Hydraulic Rescue Tool Set 1 1 1 2 2 2 3
10 Inflatable Tower light 1 1 1 2 2 2 3
11 Life Buoy 3 4 6 8 10 10 10
12 Life Jacket 3 4 6 8 10 10 10
13 Foam Making Branch Pipe 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
14 Foam Compound ‐ AFFF
( In Litters) 100 150 300 300 400 500 500
15 Firefighting Suits 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
16 Rubber Dinghy 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
17 Safety Gloves 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
OMC‐KSJ Page101
18 Search Light 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
19 Shears 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
20 Rechargeable Torches 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
21 Folding Stretcher 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
22 Distress Signal Unit 3 4 6 8 10 10 10
23 Adapter set ‐ Suction,
Delivery & Hydrant 1 1 1 1 2 2 2
24 Hose Ramp 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
25 Breathing Air Compressor
1 1 1 1 1 1
26 Ground Monitor
1 1 2 2 2 2
27 Leak Arrester Kit
1 1 2 2 2 3
28 Rope Ladder
1 1 1 1 2 2
29 Rubber Dinghy with OB
Engine 1 1 2 2 2 2
30 SCUBA Set 3 3 3 3 3 4
31 SCUBA Set Spare Cylinder
3 3 3 3 3 4
32
Under water
Communication System
with camera
3 3 3 3 3 4
33 Diving Suites
3 3 3 3 3 4
34 Collecting Breeching
1 1 1 2 2 2
35 Dividing Breeching
1 1 1 2 2 2
36 Aluminium Suits
1 2 3 3 4 4
37 Chain Saw ( Electric)
1 1 1 2 2 2
38 Chemical Suits
1 2 3 5 5 5
39 Concrete Cutter
( Electric) 1 1 1 1 1 1
40 Concrete Cutter ( Petrol)
1 1 1 1 1 1
41 Generators
1 1 1 1 1 1
OMC‐KSJ Page102
42 Life Detectors for search
& rescue (DELSAR) 1 2 2 2 2 2
43 Mega Phone
1 1 1 2 2 3
44 Pneumatic Tools
1 1 1 1 2 2
45 Power Ascender
1 1 1 1 1 1
46 Smoke Extractor
1 1 1 2 2 2
47 Demolishing Hammer
1 1 1 1 1 1
48 High Pressure/Capacity
Portable Pump 1 1 1 1 1 1
49 Multi Gas Detection
Meter 1 1 1 2 2
50 Thermal Imaging Camera
1 1 1 1 1
51 Inline Inductor
1 1 2 2 2
52 High Expansion Foam
Generators 1 1 1 1 1
7.4.2 The gap analysis of the firefighting& rescue equipment’s of the 101
operational fire & rescue stations of Kerala is summarised in the table below.
Sl.
No.
EQUIPMENT
TYPE
REQUIREMENT
TOTA
L
REQ
UIREM
ENT
AVAILABLE AT
PRESEN
T
GAP/
SHORTA
GE RURAL
(2 Pumping
unit fire
station ‐ 35
Numbers)
URBAN
(3 Pumping
unit fire
station ‐ 63
Numbers)
URBAN
(4 Pumping
unit fire
station ‐ 3
Numbers)
1 Portable Pump 35 63 3 101 86 15
2 Float Pump 35 63 3 101 98 3
3 Delivery Hose ‐
Synthetic 1400 3465 225 5090 1904 3186
4 Ordinary Branch 140 378 24 542 216 326
5
Hand Controlled
Branch
(Zero Torque)
70 189 12 271 49 222
6 BA Set 175 378 24 577 200
377
OMC‐KSJ Page103
7 BA Set Spare
Cylinder 140 378 24 542 213 329
8 Chain Saw
( Petrol) 35 126 6 167 118 49
9 Hydraulic Rescue
Tool Set 35 63 6 104 62 42
10 Inflatable Tower
light 35 63 6 104 85 19
11 Life Buoy 140 378 24 542 243 299
12 Life Jacket 140 378 24 542 219 323
13 FMBP 70 189 12 271 135 136
14
Foam Compound
( AFFF)
5250 18900 900 25050 9950
15100
15 Firefighting Suits 350 945 60 1355 36 1319
16 Rubber Dinghy 35 63 3 101 22 79
17 Safety Gloves 350 945 60 1355 92 1263
18 Search Light 70 189 12 271 42 229
19 Shears 70 189 12 271 64 207
20 Rechargeable
Torches 140 378 24 542 129 413
21 Folding Stretcher 70 126 6 202 158 44
22 Distress Signal
Unit 140 378 24 542 0 542
23
Adapter set ‐
Suction,
Delivery &
Hydrant
35 63 3 101 0 101
24 Hose Ramp 140 378 24 542 0 542
25 Breathing Air
Compressor 35 63 3 101 17 84
26 Ground Monitor 35 63 6 104 16 88
27 Leak Arrester Kit 35 63 6 104 10 94
28 Rope Ladder 35 63 3 101 16 85
OMC‐KSJ Page104
29 Rubber Dinghy
with OB Engine 35 63 6 104 19 85
30 SCUBA Set 105 189 9 303 51 252
31 SCUBA Set Spare
Cylinder 105 189 9 303 39 264
32
Under water
Communication
System with
camera
105 189 9 303 0 303
33 Diving Suites 105 189 9 303 0 303
34 Collecting
Breeching 35 63 3 101 0 101
35 Dividing
Breeching 35 63 3 101 0 101
36 Aluminium Suits 35 126 9 170 91 79
37 Chain Saw
( Electric) 35 63 3 101 31 70
38 Chemical Suits 35 126 9 170 26 144
39 Concrete Cutter
( Electric) 35 63 3 101 13 88
40 Concrete Cutter
( Petrol) 35 63 3 101 20 81
41 Generators 35 63 3 101 23 78
42
Life Detectors for
search & rescue
(DELSAR)
35 126 6 167 32 135
43 Mega Phone 35 63 3 101 22 79
44 Pneumatic Tools 35 63 3 101 5 96
45 Power Ascender 35 63 3 101 4 97
46 Smoke Extractor 35 63 3 101 1 100
47 Demolishing
Hammer 35 63 3 101 0 101
48 High Pressure
Portable Pump 35 63 3 101 0 101
49 Multi Gas
Detection Meter 0 63 3 66 0 66
50 Thermal Imaging
Camera 0 63 3 66 0 66
OMC‐KSJ Page105
51 Inline Inductor 0 63 3 66 0 66
52 High Expansion
Foam Generators 0 63 3 66 0 66
The equipment’s at serial numbers 9 (Hydraulic Rescue Tool Set),
10(Inflatable Tower Light), 22 (Distress signal unit), 27(Leakage Arrester Kit), 30
(Scuba Set), 42 (Life Detector) 44 (Pneumatic Tools), 45 (Power Ascenders), 47
(Demolition Hammer), 48 (High Pressure Portable Pumps), 49 (Multi Gas
Detection Meter), 50 (Thermal Imaging Camera) and 52 (High Expansion Foam
Generators) are some of the specialised equipment’s. All these equipment’s are
necessary for the modernisation of the KF&RS Department and should be
procured during next two financial years (i.e. 2014‐15 & 2015‐16).
The equipment’s like Fire Floats equipped with firefighting and rescue
equipment’s; which are very useful in maritime/coastal areas, Search Camera
for Preliminary Surface Search (snake eye camera) for searching lives under
building collapses, Well Rescue equipment’s (useful in rescue operations from
the wells or closed water body enclosures) and Arial Tree Pruner have not
been included in the above list. The requirement and scale of theses
equipment’s should be assessed by Commandant General, KF&RS Department
and procure them accordingly. For rescue from the wells one can also
improvise a device /equipment consisting of light weight tripod stand with
pulley rope and rescue net. This can be locally fabricated by designing it to the
required measurement.
The gaps in the firefighting & rescue equipments assessed above needs
to be made good at the earliest to improve the efficiency level of the KF&RS
department.
OMC‐KSJ Page106
CHAPTER‐7.5
‘GAPS IN THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENTS ( PPEs)’
OMC‐KSJ Page107
7.5 GAPS IN THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS ( PPEs) :
At presentthe helmets and gum boots are being issued by the department but
its issue is erratic and irregular. The other PPE item in the inventory of KF&RS
department is the breathing apparatus but the number is not adequate.
The PPEs can be divided in to two categories for the purpose of procurement
and issue. The PPEs that need to be issued individually to all the fire fighters
and the PPEs that could be issued to the fire stations for the common use by
the fire fighters on need basis.
The individual issue PPEs would include helmets, safety boots / gum boots,
High Quality Heavy Duty (heat and cut resistance) rubber gloves, Overalls fire
resistant suit, pair of knee pads, rain coat, fire man axe and personal safety line
(sash cord) 15” length. These PPEs should be issued individually to each one
from Fire man to Divisional Officer. The total strength of executive staff from
fireman to Divisional Officer for existing 101 fire & rescue stations comes to
3970. The KF&RS department therefore will have to procure 3970 numbers
each of above mentioned individual issue PPEs.
The PPEs that could be issued to fire stations for common use on need basis
would include Water bottle with sling, Face Mask, Gas mask, Eye protection‐
Goggles, Ear protection, Safety belt, Fire entry suit, Fire proximity suit,
Chemical suit, Breathing apparatus (Light weight) and Buoyancy aids like life
jackets and immersion suits.In the para 7.4.1 above the scale of issue of BA
sets, Aluminium suits (fire entry & fire proximity suits) and chemical suits has
been prescribed for assessing the gap of equipment’s. The Commandant
General, KF&RS department should fix the scale for other PPEs meant for
common use in the fire stations and take action to procure them on priority.
The quality of helmets being procured now should also be reviewed as they
don’t have head lamp and ear phone facility. The helmet should be of light
weight and made of polycarbonate fibre.
The Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs) are a must for the
firefightingpurposes. The PPEs builds the confidence and morale of the fire
fighters and helps in efficient and effective firefighting operations. It should be
accorded priority in procurement.
OMC‐KSJ Page108
CHAPTER‐8
‘RE‐ STRUCTURING OF FIRE AND
RESCUE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS’
OMC‐KSJ Page109
8.RE‐STRUCTURING OF FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES
HEADQUARTERS:
8.1 The headquarters of any organisation is the apex body for all administrative
and operational functions of the Dept. It is a bridge between the government
and the department as a whole. The headquarters functions mainly involve
guidance, supervision, control and monitoring of the mandated performance of
the sub ordinate and field units. It also sets the pace for efficient and effective
implementation of the departmental goals / objective and creates the requisite
organisational ethos for the healthy functioning of the department and welfare
of its employees.
8.1.1 The administrative and operational efficiency of any organisation in turn
is fully dependent upon the availability of required / trained man power, nature
of training / training infrastructures, availability of standard equipment’s,
discipline, effective communication and building infrastructure; which are
managed and regulated by the headquarters. The headquarters therefore
reflects the cumulative concern and aspirations of the organisation.
8.1.2 The Functions of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Head Quarters are broadly
categorised and listed below.
a. Policy formulations for the creation of adequate number of Fire &Rescue
Stations and their adequate strengthening / equipping for the task of fire
prevention/fighting and rescue operations andsubmitting to Govt. for
approval and release of required funds.
b. Formulation of modernisation schemes /plans for the Kerala Fire &
Rescue Services Department and submitting to Govt. for approval and
release of required funds.
c. Policy formulations with regard to the training needs of various ranks of
the department and development of training infrastructuresand
submitting to Government for approval and release of required funds.
d. Organising specialised training courses for the officers and personnel of
the department to enhance their professional knowledge and outreach.
e. Policy formulations with regard to the overall infra‐structure
development of the department and submitting to government for
approval and release of required funds.
OMC‐KSJ Page110
f. Organising research and development in the subjects of firefighting and
engineering to the extent possible and ensuring discussion among the
departmental officers and personnel.
g. Conducting survey of latest firefighting equipment’s in the country by
deputing officers to the industries /firms manufacturing the firefighting
vehicles / equipment’s. This will help in devising procurement policy of
the department.
h. Co‐ordinating the major firefighting and rescue operations and
conducting review of major fire and rescue operations by a board of
officers and lessons learnt to be circulated among the department
personnel.
i. Annual plan and Budget preparations.
j. Procurement of general / firefighting vehicles, fire & rescue equipment’s,
fir fighting appliances, uniform articles, etc within budget provisions and
their distributions among the field units.
k. Ensure timely purchase of administrative stores according to
requirement and budget provisions.
l. Deployment and mobilization of personnel and appliances judiciously to
optimise the output.
m. Ensure timely land acquisition for the fire stations and residential
buildings.
n. Ensure timely repairs and maintenance of vehicles, appliance and
equipments.
o. Timely action to report existing and anticipated vacancies to the Govt. /
KPSC and pursue matter for early recruitment against the vacancy.
p. Service Matters: Appointments, Transfer & Posting, Promotions,
Pension, SPARK, Enquiries, Rewards, Medals, Punishments, etc.
q. Issuance of building NOC according to NBC and procedures laid down by
the Government from time to time, issuance of renewal of building NOC
and conduct of building Inspections by all authorised officers of KF&RS
department.
r. Ceremonial parades, festival arrangements, Important National Day
celebrations, etc.
s. Proper management of Welfare and Amenity funds.
t. Monitoring of conduct of Audits and Inspections.
u. Condemnations and Disposal of stores
OMC‐KSJ Page111
8.1.3 To achieve the mandated result and create positive impact in the
organisation and deliver on the expectations of the employees of the
department and government; the headquarters, subordinate offices and all fire
stations should therefore be sanctioned required number and levels of staffs to
fulfil organisational goal.
8.1.4 The present strength of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Headquarters
as on 01‐11‐2013 is given below:
Post Sanctioned Present Vacancy
Commandant General 1 1 ‐‐
Director (Technical) 1 1*
Director (Administration)
1 1 1
Administrative Officer 1 1** ‐‐
Senior Superintendent 1 1 ‐‐
Junior Superintendent 1 1 ‐‐
Head accountant 1 1 ‐‐
Fair copy Superintendent
1 1 ‐‐
Clerk 12 12*** ‐‐
Typist 6 6 ‐‐
Office Attendant 2 2 ‐‐
Station Officer 1 1 ‐‐
Station Officer (M.T) 1 1 ‐‐
Leading Fireman 1 1 ‐‐
Fireman 1 1 ‐‐
Fireman Driver cum pump operator
3 3 1
Night watcher 1 1 ‐‐
OMC‐KSJ Page112
Confidential Assistant 2 2 ‐‐
Part Time Sweeper 1 1 ‐‐
* The incumbent Director (Technical) was transferred to KF&RS Academy, Viyyur on 29‐01‐2013 on administrative ground. The post of Director (Administration) which was lying vacant since the incumbent retired from service on 31‐05‐2013 has been filled by promotion recently in the first week of December 2013. There was no senior executive cadre officer in the KF&RS Hqrs to assist the CG, KF&RS Department for almost six months since 1‐06‐2013. This ad‐hocism has to end for smooth functioning of KF&RS Hqrs. There is no sanctioned post of Director / Dy. Director in the KF&RS Academy. Both the posts of Director (Technical) and Director (Administration) are sanctioned for the KF&RS HQRS. ** The Administrative officer is a deputation post reserved for the Govt. Secretariat staff. ***There are 2 numbers of supernumerary posts of LD Clerks in addition to the 12 posts of clerks already available.
8.1.5 The structure and staff pattern of KF&RS Hqrs is therefore not at all
adequate and sufficient to discharge the functions enumerated above. It is one
of the main reasons for KF&RS Hqrs to have failed in discharging the functions
related to the policy formulation and implementations. The other major reason
for its pronounced failure in critical and crucial functions of policy formulations
and procurement of modern equipment’s is the total absence of technical
officers at the level of DO/ADO in the KF&RS Hqrs. How can the KF&RS Hqrs
deliver on crucial functions with just two executive officers of Director level and
unfortunately one of them has been posted out to KF&RS academy,Viyyur since
2007.
8.1.6 It has been observed that there has been no corresponding increase in
the number of supervisory posts in the department in last 50 years since it
became an independent organisation in 1963. The following data speaks about
this glaring anomaly.
OMC‐KSJ Page113
Sl. No.
Year
No. o
f Fire Stations
Station Officer*/A
ssistant
Divisional Officer
Regional Fire Officer*/
Divisional Officer
Asst. Director
Deputy Director
Director (Admin)
Director (Technical)
Comman
dan
t General
1 1963‐1964 15 4 2 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1
2 1971‐1972 15 6 2 1 ‐ ‐ ‐ 1
3 1983‐1984 31 10 3 1 1 ‐ ‐ 1
4 1984‐1985 37 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
5 1985‐1986 39 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
6 1986‐1987 41 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
7 1987‐1988 41 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
8 1988‐1989 48 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
9 1989‐1990 53 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
10 1991‐1992 54 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
11 1992‐1993 54 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
12 1993‐1994 54 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
13 1994‐1995 54 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
14 1995‐1996 55 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
15 1996‐1997 55 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
OMC‐KSJ Page114
16 1997‐1998 55 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
17 1998‐1999 57 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
18 1999‐2000 63 10 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
19 2000‐2001 68 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
20 2001‐2002 68 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
21 2002‐2003 68 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
22 2003‐2004 70 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
23 2004‐2005 74 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
24 2005‐2006 80 14 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
25 2006‐2007 83 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
26 2007‐2008 83 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
27 2008‐2009 89 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
28 2009‐2010 89 15 3 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
29 2010‐2011 98 13 5 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
30 2011‐2012 100 15 5 ‐ 1 ‐ 1 1
31 2012‐2013 101 15 5 ‐ ‐ 1 1 1
32
2013‐2014 (As on 15‐12‐2013)
101 15 5 ‐ ‐ 1 1 1
OMC‐KSJ Page115
8.1.7 The absence of enough number of executive cadre officers in KF&RS
Headquarters has also adversely affected the overall procurement process of
the department. This has resulted in poor quality technical specification, faulty
tender notices, delays in procurement of modern equipments and lack of
transparency in the overall procurement process. The entire procurement
related subject is dealt by the Director (technical) and concerned clerical staff
under him. There was no system of constituting the technical committees
comprising of technically conversant field officers for deciding technical
specifications and then conducting pre‐supply physical survey / verification of
the equipments / stores. The system of constituting the technical committees for deciding technical specifications and then conducting pre‐supply physical verification / survey was started in the KF&RS Hqrs only from October / November 2012 by the then Commandant General. This made the purchase /
procurement procedure / system quite transparent.
8.2 PROPOSED RE‐STRUCTURING OF KF&RS HEADQUARTERS:
8.2.1PROVISIONING WING:
The need for a ‘Provisioning Wing’ in the KF&RS Hqrs staffed / manned by
technically qualified officers is acutely felt for the following reasons.
As mentioned above no appreciable growth of senior and middle level
officers in the Headquarters and field formations of KF&RS department
in last 50 years of its existence.
The numbers of fire stations have been created from time to time in last
50 years as mentioned above though not up to the required level. And
the bare minimum vehicles, appliances, equipments have been procured
to equip the fire stations. Procurement of firefighting vehicles,
appliances, equipments and now the rescue equipments is the major
task of the KF&RS Headquarters, but no corresponding additions to the
KF&RS Headquarters staff dealing with the procurement subject.
The present purchasing process / system starts from concerned section
clerk; goes through Junior Superintendent, Administrative Officer,
Director (Technical); and reaches Commandant General. The section
clerk, Junior Superintendent and Administrative Officer have no direct
relation and knowledge with the field level operations of the dept. They
are totally unaware of techniques of firefighting and rescue operations
OMC‐KSJ Page116
for which the equipments are required. They are not in a position to
assess and analyse the operational capacity and drawbacks of equipment
employed. The Director is the only person in the procurement chain who
has risen from the experience of firefighting and rescue operations. It is
only he who can provide the technical in puts in procurement process.
This structural deficiency has greatly undermined the procurement
efforts of the department for obvious reasons. This clearly underlines the
necessity of adequate number of higher level departmental officers to be
involved in the process of procurement / purchase. This can be achieved
only by creating the new posts in the KF&RS department.
The poor record of utilisation of sanctioned funds in recent years mainly
because the system has failed to procure the modern technology
equipments.
The KF&RS department’s purchase /procurement procedure is governed
by the Store Purchase Manual of Govt. of Kerala. This Store Purchase
Manual could be serving its purpose as far as the low value stores are
concerned but it is generally out of tune for the procurement of costly
sophisticated machinery / instruments. In fact it is counterproductive for
the purchase of high end technology equipments which are expensive
and sometime not even competitive.
It is relatively easy to purchase the BIS/ISS standard compliant
equipments because the technical specification is well defined and
available in Indian market. But, most of the specialised and modern
equipments like Breathing Apparatus Set, SCUBA Set, Arial ladders (Sky
Lift,TTL, Hydraulic Platforms etc.), Zero Torque Branch, Hydraulic Rescue
Equipments, Power Ascenders, Chain Saws, Power Cutters, Tower Lights,
and host of other firefighting / rescue equipments used in fire & rescue
servicess are manufactured in foreign countries following different
standards. They are not BIS/ISS standard compliant. The KF&RS
department therefore will have to devise its own purchase /
procurement policy and procedures to facilitate and expedite the
procurement / purchase of costly and technology savvy equipments.
The stipulation of lowest bid concept in present procurement procedures
often leads to purchase of poor quality products.This procedure has
failed to supply equipments and appliances in sufficient numbers and of
desired quality in time. This system also does not ensure timely
OMC‐KSJ Page117
maintenance and availability of spares in time. The service, repair and
maintenance of equipments should be included in the original cost of
equipment itself. But the existing Store Purchase Manual does not allow
this. The purchase of advanced equipments should have the provision for
spares and maintenance in the original cost to avoid any malfunctions of
the equipment.
The department uses highly sophisticated equipments and appliances.
Hence field level higher supervisory officers of sound technical
knowledge (Minimum qualification of ADO Course from NFSC) should be
included in selecting, setting standard, defining technical parameters and
purchase of fire & rescue services equipments and appliances. The lack
of such officers is clearly reflected in the botched up procurement profile
and adversely affecting the operational efficiency of the dept.
The ‘Provisioning Wing’ will be responsible for the procurement of all the
purchases of the KF&RS department. The ‘Provisioning Wing’ will
prepare the modernisation and annual plans for the procurement of
modern firefighting vehicles, appliances, equipment’s and rescue
vehicles / equipment’s and liaise with Govt. and State Planning Board for
release of required funds. This wing will also be responsible for the
preparation of long term, mid‐term, short term and annual procurement
policy for the KF&RS department as a whole keeping in view the
modernisation needs of the KF&RS department.
The ‘Provisioning Wing’ shall specify / determine the technical
specifications for all types of firefighting vehicles, appliances,
equipment’s and rescue vehicles / equipment’s on a regular basis. A
catalogue of technical specifications for different type of fighting
vehicles, appliances, equipment’s and rescue vehicles / equipment’s
which are commonly used in Kerala situation shall be prepared by the
proposed provisioning wing and then circulated / discussed among the
officers of department and then finalised for incorporating the same in
the tenders whenever such equipment(s) are to be purchased / procured
by the department.
This ‘Provisioning Wing’ will also expedite the sanction orders within the
competence of Commandant General KF&RS department on the
purchases, ratifications, condemnations, auction confirmations and write
off proposals in respect of all the stores received from the sub‐ordinate
OMC‐KSJ Page118
offices and field units. The proposals beyond the competence of
Commandant General KF&RS department will be forwarded to Govt.
after proper scrutiny of proposals of the sub‐ordinate offices and field
units.
The ‘Provisioning Wing’ will also prepare the catalogue of manufacturers
of general and specialised firefighting vehicles / systems / equipment’s in
India and abroad for ready reference to be used at the time of calling
tenders for making the procurement broad based and more inclusive.
The other important function of the ‘Provisioning Wing’ shall involve the
liaison work with govt., industry and other stake holders in making the
Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department purchases /procurements
efficient and transparent.
Therefore a new ‘Provisioning Wing’ should be created in the KF&RS
Hqrs and it should be manned / staffed by creating the new posts of one
Divisional Officer, Two Assistant Divisional Officers, Two Station
Officers, Two Leading Firemen and Two FDCPO.They all should be
technically competent and knowledgeable.
8.2.2 TECHNICAL WING:
Even though the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Department depends heavily
upon the technical assets for its efficiency and service delivery; there is no
technical wing / branch in the KF&RS Headquarters. The efficiency of
emergency department like KF&RS not only depends upon the acquisition of
modern firefighting vehicles, firefighting equipment’s & rescue equipment’s
but strong repair and maintenance support systems.
Recently some action has been taken by the Govt. of Kerala in this direction by
sanctioning the creation of 7 posts of STO (MT) in KF&RS department for
ensuring timely repairs and maintenance of the KF&RS department motor
vehicles / firefighting vehicles /firefighting& rescue equipment’s and other
related jobs vide G.O. (MS) 10/201/Home Dated 13/11/2011 and G.O. (MS)
69/2011/Home Dated 28/02/2012. The duties of STO (MT) has been issued vide
G.O. (MS) No. 04/2013/Home dated 08/01/2013 and communicated to all
officers / units of KF&RS through KF&RS Hqrs Standing Order No. 02/2013
Dated 11/03/2013. The 7 sanctioned STOs (MT) are for 5 Divisional Offices of
KF&RS Department located at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam,
Palakkad & Kozhikode and one each for KF&RS Headquarters and KF&RS
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Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. The STOs (MT) have the power to issue essentiality
certificate for the repair and spare parts up to Rs. 50,000/‐ and this initiative
has already started yielding positive results in reducing the delay in repairs &
maintenance of the vehicle. There is need for creating four more posts of STOs
(MT) in the department to further strengthen the repair and maintenance
efforts.
One post each of Divisional Officer (Technical) and Assistant Divisional Officer
(Technical) needs to be created to constitute a technical wing in the KF&RS
Headquarters as part of re‐structuring the KF&RS Headquarters.
The Divisional Officer (Technical) and Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) in
the KF&RS Headquarters will advise the Commandant General on all technical
matters and supervise the repair & maintenance of motor vehicles / firefighting
vehicles / firefighting& rescue equipment’s. They will be instrumental in
technological advancement of the KF&RS department. The post of Divisional
Officer (Technical)) will be filled by the KF&RS department officer. But the post
of Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) can be filled either by direct
recruitment of a mechanical Engineer as Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical)
in KF&RS Headquarters or on deputation basis from any Engineering
department of the State Government. The details of recruitment /deputation
of Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) in the KF&RS Headquarters can be
worked out by the Commandant General / Government.
The Divisional Officer (Technical) and the Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical)
together with the one STO (MT) already sanctioned and two new posts of
Driver Mechanics will constitute the ‘Technical Wing’ in the KF&RS
Headquarters.
The technical wing shall be responsible for processing and expediting the
requests for the sanction orders within the competence of Commandant
General KF&RS department on the purchase, repair & maintenance,
condemnations, auction confirmations and write off proposals in respect of all
the general / specialised motor vehicles, firefighting vehicles / appliances /
equipment’s and rescue vehicles / equipment’s received from the sub‐ordinate
offices and field units. The proposals beyond the competence of Commandant
General KF&RS department will be forwarded to Govt. after proper scrutiny of
proposals of the sub‐ordinate offices and field units.
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The other important task of ‘Technical Wing’ in the KF&RS Headquarters will be
to conduct the research on the latest technology innovations and their
adoptions in manufacturing of firefighting systems / equipment’s. It will be the
research and development wing of the KF&RS department.
The Divisional officer (Technical) and Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) will
assist the proposed ‘Provisioning Wing’ in formulating all the procurement &
technical proposals, preparing the technical specifications for different type of
fighting vehicles, appliances, equipment’s and rescue vehicles / equipment’s.
The commission therefore recommends creation ofone post Divisional officer
(Technical), one post of Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) & two posts of
Driver Mechanics in the KF&RS Headquarters and four (04) posts of STOs (MT)
in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Kannur districts.
8.2.3 COMMUNICATION WING:
The absence of communication wing in the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
department is clearly telling upon the efficiency of the department. In fact near
total lack of computerisation in the department is also in a way reflection of
the disadvantages of not having a proper communication system / wing.
Therefore the establishment of a communication wing is highly necessary to
ensure seamless intra and inter communication needs of the department and
also pave the way for total computerisation of the department. Apart from the
communication systems to be devised as recommended in the chapter dealing
with the communications of this report, it is recommended that there should
be an officer of the rank of the Additional Divisional Officer and Station Officer
level to constitute a communication wing in the KF&RS Headquarters. The
communication wing will co‐ordinate the communication infra‐structures of
the department to ensure robust communication network till the last man
engaged in firefighting and rescue operation. The maintenance component of
communication assets also underlines the need for communication wing in the
KF&RS Headquarter. The computerisation initiatives have not been able to take
off in the KF&RS department mainly because there are no dedicated technically
savvy officers in the headquarters to guide and co‐ordinate the required efforts
in the direction of computerisation.
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The commission therefore recommends the creation of posts of one
Additional Divisional Officer (Communication), one Station Officer
(Communication), one post of Leading Fireman and one post of FDCPO to
constitute a communication wing in the KF&RS Headquarters. The posts
ofAdditional Divisional Officer (Communication), Station Officer
(Communication),can be created either on deputation basis from Govt.
departments or direct recruitment. The eligibility criterion can be decided by
the Commandant General KF&RS department and Home department. This
wing will be responsible for establishing a robust communication system and
guide the computerisation effort of the KF&RS department.
There is need to open a control room in the KF&RS headquarters and this
control room will be organized by the ADO (Communications) under the
supervision of Director (Operation). The finer details of the establishment and
running of the control room in the KF&RS headquarters may be decided by the
Commandant General, KF&RS department according to organisational
requirement.
8.2.4 FIRE PREVENTION WING:
The fire prevention work is another important work of KF&RS department and
all formations of the department from the STO to Commandant General are
involved in this work.
The fire prevention aspect of duties also comprises the advisory role of the
Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department by strict compliance of the
guidelines on fire protection measures for high rise building, factories, and
places of Public resort and organizing of fairs and festivals to ensure that they
conform to regulations contained in various Acts and Rules for fire preventive
measures.
The fire prevention duties of the department are governed by Kerala Municipal
Building Rules 1999 and Kerala Panchayath Building Rules 2011. The
Commandant General KF&RS department also has to issue NOC for the
construction of buildings above 24 meters height according to Kerala Govt.
orders. The recent trend of going vertical due to space crunch and necessity of
modern day living / security considerations there is huge demand for multi
storey buildings; as a result there is sharp increase in the NOC applications to
be issued by the KF&RS headquarters. The processing of the NOC applications
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in the KF&RS headquarters is presently done by a committee headed by either
Director (Technical) or Director (Administration) based on the site inspection
report of Divisional Officers concerned and put up to Commandant General
KF&RS department for orders. There are often delays in issuing NOCs from the
headquarters and no other executive cadre officer other than Director
(Technical/ Administration) available to Commandant General, KF&RS
department for causing further verification on any NOC application to be
decided either by Commandant General KF&RS department or the DOs /ADOs.
It is a serious handicap under which the Commandant General, Fire & Rescue
Services Department has to work. This inhibits the Commandant General,
KF&RS department from conducting any meaningful enquiries in to the
complaints regarding issue of NOCs. Issuing of NOCs is not the only work under
fire prevention programme. The department needs to take up awareness
campaign regarding fire prevention and detection and safety issues in the
society and schools. The status of such initiative at present is negligible. Even
the observance of Fire Day is very lukewarm due to weak awareness campaign
of the department. The checking of existing firefighting arrangements
especially in the high rise buildings, cinema houses, schools, hospitals, shopping
complexes (Malls) and SSI units which is very important from the fire
prevention perspective is rarely done due to lack of staff in the KF&RS
headquarters, inadequacy of the officers at the level of Divisional Officers and
Assistant Divisional Officers.
The fire prevention wing in the headquarters will also conduct fire investigation
in any incident deemed necessary by the Government and Commandant
General,KF&RS Department.
Therefore in order to strengthen the monitoring of issuance of NOCs of
buildings in the KF&RS headquarters and in the offices of DOs / ADOs, fire
prevention awareness / education programs and checking of firefighting
equipment’s in the buildings; the commission recommends the creation of the
posts of One Divisional Officer, one Assistant Divisional Officer, one STO, one
LF, and two FDCPOs in the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Headquarters in the
fire prevention wing on priority basis.
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The failures and lacunae witnessed at present in the working of the KF&RS
headquarters can be easily attributed to its present in adequate organisational
structure which does not allow it to fulfil its responsibility.
8.2.5 The new Provisioning Wing, Technical Wing, Communication Wing, Fire
Prevention Wing in the KF&RS headquarters along with the streamlining /
rationalization of procurement / purchase procedures proposed in another
chapter of this report will not only provide necessary fillip to rejuvenate the
sagging morale of the KF&RS department as a whole but shall energize the
KF&RS headquarters in discharging its duties in a manner befitting the role of
the headquarters of the department in all administrative and operational
matters.
8.3 DIVISION OF WORK OF KF&RS HEADQUARTERS IN TWO DIRECTORATES:
It is therefore proposed that there will be two Directorates (i.e. Operations
Directorate and Administration Directorate) in the KF&RS headquarters under
the direct command, control and supervision of the Commandant General.
8.3.1 OPERATION DIRECTORATE:
The Operations Directorate will be in charge of all the subordinate offices and
fire stations of the department. The present Director (technical) shall be re‐designated as Director (Operations) and will be head of the operations
directorate. Some of the major duties and functions of the Director
(Operations) will be as following:
i. Direct supervision and co‐ordination of all the firefighting and
rescue operations in the state.
ii. Field visits and inspections of field sub ordinate offices and fire
stations.
iii. Supervise the work of the field DOs, ADOs and fire stations.
iv. Fire prevention works of the department viz; processing of
building NOC applications in KF&RS headquarters, awareness /
education programs of department and physical inspection of
firefighting arrangements in the buildings. The licenses and their
renewals etc. The newly proposed Fire Prevention wing in the KF&RS headquarters will therefore function under him.
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v. Handling matters regarding the establishing of new Fire and
Rescue Stations, ensuring basic infrastructure, liaison with other
departments etc.
vi. All Stand By Duties, Ceremonial Parades, Public Functions, Festival
celebrations, Important Day celebrations, etc
vii. Audit and Inspections
viii. Rewards and medal recommendations
ix. Mobilizations and Deployment of Appliances and Equipment’s
from within and outside agencies for any emergencies
x. Co‐ordination with NDMA, NDRF, SDMA, SDRF, Revenue
department, Police department and other outside agencies
xi. Research and analysis of firefighting and rescue operations and
issues
xii. Organizing seminars, demonstrations, mock exercises etc for the
preparedness of the fire stations and public awareness purposes.
8.3.2 ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORATE:
The Administration Directorate will be in charge of all administrative matters
and subjects of department in the KF&RS headquarters. The present Director
(Administration) shall continue to be called as Director (Administration) and
will be head of the administration directorate. Some of the major duties and
functions of the Director (Operations) will be as following:
i. All Service Matters in the headquarters: Transfer and Postings,
SPARK Admn, Promotion, Departmental Enquiries & Punishments,
GPAIS Claims, etc
ii. All purchases & procurements of the department. The newly
proposed Provisioning wing in the KF&RS headquarters will therefore function under him.
iii. All the repairs and maintenance work of the department. The
newly proposed Technical wing in the KF&RS headquarters will therefore function under him.
iv. Communications and computerization of the department. The
newly proposed Communication wing in the KF&RS headquarters will therefore function under him.
v. Budgeting: Fund allotment, demands for additional funds and re‐
appropriation.
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vi. Management of Welfare and Amenity Fund and other welfare
measures in the department.
vii. Preparation of modernization and infra‐structure development
schemes of the department.
viii. Preparing proposals periodically to modify outdated systems, after
collecting feedback from Dos, ADOs and STOs
ix. Sorting, Analyzing and Issuing necessary standing orders /
instructions based on letters, orders and circulars from Govt.,
Courts, Tribunals, Commissions and other statutory bodies.
x. All correspondences of and with KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur
and training institutions inside and outside state (NFSC, Nagpur
etc) for training purposes of KF&RS officers /personnel.
xi. Cash & bill branches of KF&RS headquarters
xii. The Fair Copy section of the KF&RS headquarters
xiii. The store section /branch
If any section or branch of KF&RS headquarters is omitted from the above
distribution of works between the Administration and Operation directorates
then the Commandant General KF&RS department should do the further
distribution of such sections and branches.
The existing Chief Store shall be dissolved and merged with the newly proposed
Provisioning wing under Administrative Directorate.
It is further clarified that the Administration and Operation directorates will
function under the direct command, control and supervision of Commandant
General KF&RS department for all purposes. The Commandant General KF&RS
department will be the final arbiter/authority of all administrative and
operational matters.
8.4 REVAMPMING OF MINISTERIAL WING IN KF&RS HEADQUARTERS:
8.4.1 The above mentioned re‐structuring of KF&RS headquarters will not be
complete without corresponding re‐vamping of headquarters ministerial
wing. The present strength of ministerial staff of KF&RS headquarters
shall be suitably distributed among the Administration and Operation
directorates according to the work load and few more ministerial staff
will also have to be created for making the KF&RS headquarters efficient
and responsive.
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8.4.2 The present section wise details of works in the KF&RS Headquarters are as follows:
A1‐ Establishment matters of officers to the rank of Asst. Station officer and above A2‐ Establishment matters of Fireman, Leading Fireman A3‐ Establishment matters of Ministerial Staffs A4‐ Establishment matters of Fireman Driver, Driver Mechanic B1‐ Budget matters B2‐ Loans, Advances, IFMA etc. C1‐ Bills and SB of Headquarters staff D1‐Modernisation related subjects D2‐Repair of Vehicles and Equipments E1‐Audit F1‐ Purchase of Vehicles and Equipments G1‐ Issue of No objection Certificate H1‐Inward & Despatch R1‐ Records and Miscellaneous
8.4.3The present file routing system in the KF&RS Headquarters,
Thiruvananthapuram is as follows.
Legends: CG‐Commandant General, DA‐Director Administration, AO‐Administrative Officer, SS‐Senior Superintendent, HA‐Head Accountant
8.4.4The proposed rearrangement of sections of KF&RS Head Quarters is as
follows:
CG DA
AO JS
A1
A2
A3
A4
B1
B2
E1SS
C1
D1
D2
F1
H1
R1
HA G1
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Establishment Wing:
A1‐ Establishment matter of officers to the rank of Asst. Station officer and above
A2‐ Establishment matter Fireman A3‐ Establishment matter Ministerial Staff, Home Guard. A4‐ Establishment matter Fireman Driver A5‐ Establishment matter Leading Fireman, Driver Mechanic Accounts Wing:
B1‐Budget B2‐Loans and Advances B3‐Bills B4‐Audit 1 B5‐ Audit 2 and Inspection Technical Wing: C1‐Modernization of this department C2‐ Repairs of Vehicles and Equipments C3‐ Purchase of Vehicles C4‐ Purchase of Equipments and e‐tender C5‐ NOC Tapal Wing: D1‐ Inward D2‐ Despatch D3‐ Record Fair Copy Section: This section will be responsible for of all types of type writing works and consist of typists under control of Fair Copy Superintendent.
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8.4.5The following restructuring of the ministerial wing in KF&RS Hqrs is proposed:
8.4.5 The above proposed re‐structuring of ministerial wing in the KF&RS
headquarters would involve creation of the additional posts of Accounts Officer
(1 number) in the grade of Manager existing pay scale of 22360‐37940, Junior
Superintendent (2 numbers) in the existing pay scale of 16180‐29180, Clerks (6
numbers) in the existing pay scale of 9940‐16580, Record Keeper (1 number) in
the pay scale of 9940‐16580, and Office Attendant (2 numbers) in the pay scale
of 8730‐13540.
8.4.6The need for the post of an Accounts Officerin the grade of Manager is
deeply felt as there is no senior post in the KF&RS, Headquarters to properly
guide the section clerks and advise the Commandant General, KF&RS,
Department in accounts/financial matters. This will be the promotion post for
the senior most Senior Superintendent of the KF&RS department.
8.4.7The creation of the 2 posts of Junior Superintendent is being proposed as there is only one post of Junior Superintendent in the KF&RS Headquarters
which is not at all sufficient for ensuring the proper supervision of the works of
clerks.
8.4.8The 6 posts of clerksarebeing proposed keeping in view the proposed creation of ‘Provisioning Wing’, ‘Technical wing’ and ‘Fire Prevention Wing’ in
the KF&RS Headquarters.
8.4.9There is no body in the KF&RS Headquarters to keep the records of the
department in proper order and retrieve them whenever needed. The
maintenance of records in the KF&RS Headquarters is in total shambles.
Accounts Officer in the grade of Manager
Senior Superintendant
Junior Superintendant
Technical Wing
Junior Superintendant
Accounts Wing
Junior Superintendant
Establishment wing and Thapal Wing
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Therefore one post of Record Keeper is suggested.The post of record keeper will be the promotion post for the office Attendants.
8.4.10The post of 2 numbers Office Attendants is in keeping with the general
restructuring of the KF&RS Headquarters.
8.5A number of new posts have been proposed in this chapter as part of the
re‐structuring of KF&RS Headquarters. The summary of the new posts to be
created in the KF&RS Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram as part of its
modernization plan is furnished below.
Sl. No.
New Posts to be created in KF&RS
Hqrs.
Provisioning
Wing
Technical W
ing
Communication
Wing
Fire Prevention
wing
Ministerial W
ing
Total
1. Divisional Officer 1 1 ‐ 1 ‐ 3
2. Assistant Divisional
Officer 2 1 1 1 ‐ 5
3. Station Officer 2 * 1 1 ‐ 4
4. Leading Fireman 2 ‐ 1 1 ‐ 4
5. Driver Mechanic ‐ 2 ‐ ‐ ‐ 2
6. Fire man Driver cum Pump
Operator (FDCPO) 2 ‐ 1 2 ‐ 5
7. Accounts Officer in
the grade of Manager
‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1 1
8. Junior Superintendent ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 2 2
9. Clerks ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 6 6
10. Record Keeper ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1 1
11. Office Attendant ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 2 2
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Total 9 4* 4 6 12 35
* In addition to the above it is also recommended to create 4 more post of STOs
(MT) at Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Kannur to strengthen the
technical wing in the KF&RS department.
It is further clarified that the distribution of sections as suggested above is
though quite rational but if any subject is not coverd above that can be
assigned new section or can be allotted to the any one of the existing section.
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CHAPTER‐9
‘STREAMLINING / RATIONALISATION
OF PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES’
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9. STREAMLINING / RATIONALISATION OF PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES:
9.1 The streamlining / rationalisation of procurement procedures for the high
end and strategic firefighting and rescue equipments is the dire necessity of the
hour to salvage the reputation of the KF&RS department. The efficiency of
Firefighting and Rescue Operation greatly depends upon the condition and
quality of vehicles, appliances and equipment’s used. Hence the standard of
the vehicles, appliances and equipment’s should be ensured during the time of
procurement itself followed by strong repair and maintenance mechanism. The
streamlining / rationalisation of procurement procedure are therefore crucial
to ensure quality strategic firefighting and rescue equipment’s. The following
actions are recommended for rationalisation of procurement procedures.
9.1.1The Store Purchase Manual should be applicable for the purchases of
office stationary items, office machinery, computers & accessories, general
communication equipment’s, general duty motor vehicles like motor
cycles/jeeps/cars/buses/trucks, ambulances, tyres and furniture’s etc.
9.1.2 The general firefighting vehicles / equipment’s and rescue vehicles /
equipment’s manufactured in compliance to BIS /ISS standard can also be
governed by the Store Purchase Manual procedures.
9.1.3 The specialised and technologically advanced equipment’s which fall in
the category of highly expensive strategic firefighting and rescue equipment’s
like Breathing Apparatus Set, SCUBA Set, Arial ladders (Sky Lift, TTL, Hydraulic
Platforms etc.), Zero Torque Branch, Hydraulic Rescue Equipments, Power
Ascenders, Chain Saws, Power Cutters, Tower Lights, and host of other
firefighting / rescue equipments used in fire & rescue servicess are
manufactured in foreign countries following different standards. Most of these
equipments are not BIS/ISS standard compliant. The procurement of expensive
strategic firefighting and rescue equipment’s therefore should be taken out of
the purview of Store Purchase Manual and following procedure are
recommended to be adopted for the procurement /purchase of expensive
strategic firefighting and rescue equipment’s be.
Most of the expensive strategic firefighting and rescue
equipment’s are not BIS/ISS standard compliant and
manufactured in foreign countries and traded through Indian
partner firms with different features and facility, there is inherent
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difficulty in deciding common technical specifications to be
followed by all manufacturing companies.
The technical committee shall be constituted by the
Commandant General KF&RS department for deciding the
technical specifications in broad and general terms. This technical
committee shall consist of departmental officers working in the
proposed provisioning / technical /communication / Fire
Prevention wings in the KF&RS headquarters and field officers.
The technical committee constituted for such expensive strategic
equipments should summarise the requirement for any particular
equipment in general terms with few major and common
technical features rather than prescribing minute technical
specification details of the equipment. Describing of minute
technical specifications invariably ends up favouring product of a
particular manufacturing company / firm for simple reason that
no two companies/firms follow same standard of specifications.
There are European standard, American standards, Japanese
standard and Korean standard etc. The manufacturing companies
follow the country specific standards. This is most pronounced in
the case of Sky Lift, TTL and Hydraulic Platforms etc. The
experience of purchasing such equipments in the past has
revealed this truth. The transparency and probity in such
procurement is therefore severely compromised at the time of
deciding technical specification itself.
We should therefore adopt ‘two bid systems’ in the procurement
of expensive strategic firefighting equipments. The tenders for
such equipments should be invited with major and common
technical features of the equipment and two bids (i.e. technical
bid and financial / price bid) in separate double sealed covers
shall be invited with usual terms and conditions according to the
departmental requirements.
The tenders will be opened by a committee consisting of
Commandant General, one Director of KF&RS Hqrs, one DO from
field, and Administrative Officer of the KF&Rs Hqrs. The tenders
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will be opened in the presence of the tenderers or the authorised
representative of the company/firm. The tenders of those who
fail to attend the tender opening either in person or through
authorised representative shall be summarily disqualified. This
committee will separate the technical and financial / price bids
and Commandant General KF&RS department shall keep them in
separate sealed covers in his personal custody.
Another technical committee consisting of senior technical
experts from within the department and outside shall be
constituted by the Commandant General KF&RS Department
according to the requirement of the equipment to open the
technical bid first. The technical committee as a whole shall verify
and scrutinise the technical brochure of the product specifying
the details of technical specifications of the equipment and then
physically inspect the equipment with reference to the technical
specifications offered by the tenderer. The technical committee
shall after detailed scrutiny of technical specifications and
physical verifications of the equipment offered by tenderers will
shortlist the equipment’s in the category of ‘technically accepted’
and ‘technically not accepted’ according to the requirement of
the department.
The financial / price bid in respect of only those firms whose
products qualify to be in the technically accepted category will
alone be opened by a committee of Commandant General and
one Director of KF&RS Hqrs, one DO from field, and
Administrative Officer of the KF&Rs Hqrs in the presence of the
tenderers or the authorised representative of the company/firm.
It is the technical suitability / superiority of the equipment
according to the department’s requirement that will tilt the
selection in its favour and not the lowest price bid among the
competitors in the category of technically accepted tenders. This
way we can ensure the high quality of the equipment.
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The Commandant General KF&RS department can also conduct
price negotiation with the firm whose product is found most
suited in the technical evaluation.
The report of technical committee and financial / price bids of
those firms found technically accepted along with price
negotiation conducted if any; will be forwarded by Commandant
General, KF&RS department to the Home department for
consideration and decision of the Departmental Purchase
Committee headed by Home Secretary to the Government.
Alternatively; the KF&RS department can also adopt search, scout
and select route without following the tender inviting route in
case of very highly specialised equipment’s like Sky Lift, TTL,
Hydraulic Platforms and emergency rescue tenders because there
are few European and other foreign country firms that are
manufacturing these equipment’s. There are no indigenous firms
manufacturing such high end value strategic firefighting
equipment’s. The Commandant General, KF&RS department can
constitute a technical committee consisting of senior technical
experts from within the department and outside for such highly
specialised equipment’s. The technical committee will be tasked
to conduct the technical evaluation and physical verification of
these highly specialised and expensive equipment’s
manufactured by few select firms and shortlist the most suitable
of them for procurement. The Commandant General, KF&RS
department can also negotiate about the price with selected
firm(s). The proposal then will be forwarded to the Home
department for consideration and decision of the Departmental
Purchase Committee headed by Home Secretary to the
Government. This procedure will reduce the time of procurement
and ensure procurement of the equipment most suited to the
departmental needs. But this procedure as said above can be
applied only for the procurement / purchase of the Sky Lift, TTL,
Hydraulic Platforms and Emergency Rescue Tenders fitted with
state of the art rescue equipment’s for various rescue situations
including NBC accidents. This procedure also demands courage,
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honesty and fortitude of highest order at administrative and
political level to take decisions.
The members of all the technical committees constituted for all
purchases should be of highest integrity and probity.
There shall be different members for all the technical committees
to be constituted by the Commandant General, KF&RS
department in the various stages of procurement of any
expensive strategic firefighting and rescue equipment’s.
9.1.4 Other important issue to be addressed to ensure the quality and assured
service from the equipment is the long guarantee period and timely
replacement of spare parts & maintenance of the equipment after the expiry of
the guarantee period. Therefore the long guarantee period and annual
maintenance contract for spare parts & maintenance thereafter should be
incorporated in the purchase deal itself especially in the case of purchase
/procurement of high end value expensive strategic firefighting and rescue
equipment’s.
9.1.5 The purchase /procurement deal should also have the provision of
training of departmental personnel in the operation and maintenance protocol
of the high end value expensive strategic firefighting and rescue equipment’s at
the cost of the supplier of the equipment. The Commandant General KF&RS
department should ensure training of all the STOs (MT), selected DOs / ADOs
/STOs, maximum number of FDCPOs including all the Driver mechanics and
randomly selected LFs / Firemen by the supplier firm.
9.1.6 All the STOs(MT), selected DOs / ADOs / STOs, maximum number of
FDCPOs including all the Driver mechanics and randomly selected LFs / Firemen
shall also be given training regarding safe operation procedures and
maintenance of a new Equipment or Appliance or vehicles purchased.
9.1.7 The tender notices and supply orders of the high end value expensive
strategic firefighting& rescue vehicles, appliances and equipment’s, should be
legally vetted before issue to avoid any legal liability or other infirmities in
purchase of the equipment. The reasonable guarantee period, replacement of
spare parts, repair & maintenance of equipment, penalties, pre‐supply survey /
physical verification by a board of officers constituted by the Commandant
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General KF&RS department and training of KF&RS departmental personnel by
supplier etc should be negotiated before issue of supply order and
incorporated in the final supply order for the equipment.
9.1.8 The Store Purchase Manual should be suitably amended /modified by
adding a clause to the effect that ‘purchase of high end value expensive
strategic firefighting vehicles, appliances, equipment’s, and rescue vehicles &
equipment’s purchased by Kerala Fire and Rescue Services shall be excluded
from the stipulation of lowest price quotation / tender. Such firefighting&
Rescue vehicles, appliances and equipment’s shall be purchased solely on the
basis of technical suitability / superiority and not on the basis of lowest price
quotation / tender. The Commandant General KF&RS department shall be the
authority to define and certify whether a particular equipment falls in the
category of high end value expensive strategic firefighting vehicles, appliances,
equipment’s, and rescue vehicles & equipment’s or not’.
9.1.9 There is need to create a ‘Provisioning wing’ in the KF&RS Headquarters
to ensure transparency and objectivity in the procurement / purchasing
system.
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CHAPTER‐10
‘COMMUNICATION
INFRA‐STRUCTURE/ SYSTEM’
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10. COMMUNICATION INFRA‐STRUCTURE / SYSTEM:
10.1 The communication infra‐structure / facility available in the KF&RS
department are highlighted below:
10.1.1 The fixed land lines telephone connections are available at following
offices of the department.
KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram,
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur
Divisional Office Headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and
Kozhikode
101 Fire & Rescue Stations spread across the state.
The 14 Assistant Divisional Officers (ADOs); functioning / acting as
District Officers in KF&RS department from the district headquarters are
not sanctioned the fixed land line connections. The ADO offices are the
most important offices discharging many vital administrative and
operational duties. This is the first level of supervisory office above Fire &
Rescue Stations. Such vital offices are also without fixed land line
connectivity in KF&RS department.
Even the Divisional Office Headquarters at Kottayam and Palakkad have
not been sanctioned with fixed land lines connection so far.
The DOs Kottayam / Palakkad and all 14 ADOs have somehow hooked
their office communication requirements with the district headquarter
Fire &Rescue Station fixed land line telephones for the sake of
expediency as their offices are housed in the same buildings.
10.1.2 The fax facility is available at KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram,
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur, Divisional Offices Thiruvananthapuram /
Ernakulam / Kozhikode connected to the sanctioned office fixed land line
telephone. In all the 14 ADOs the fax facility is through the official fixed land
line telephone of the district Headquarters Fire & Rescue Stations as their
offices are housed in the same buildings. But the fax facility is not functioning.
This means of communication should be maintained all the time for instant
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sending of messages and documents. The Fire & Rescue stations are not having
the fax facility.
10.1.3 The mobile CUG BSNL connectivity is available to all the officers of and
above the rank of ASTO in the KF&RS department.
10.2 Present Inadequacy:
10.2.1 No communication wing in the KF&RS department. No wireless
connectivity available in the KF&RS department. No connectivity between the
Fire &Rescue Stations and Firefighting vehicles except CUG and personal
mobile phones of firefighting personnel.
10.2.2 The absence of communication wing in the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
department is clearly telling upon the efficiency of the department. Therefore
the establishment of a communication wing is highly necessary to ensure
seamless intra and inter communication needs of the department.
10.3 First step:
10.3.1 The Kerala Fire &Rescue Services Department should have the following communication facility / system.
The fixed land line telephone connectivity should be provided to
the offices of DOs Kottayam / Palakkad and all 14 ADOs offices in
the district headquarters.
Internet facility should be provided to all the101 operational Fire
& rescue stations, 14 ADO offices and 5 DO offices of the KF&RS
department so that e‐mail communication can be established in
the department.
All the Fire & Rescue Stations in the state should be provided with
separate emergency telephone connection number 101 for
avoiding delay in communication during emergency.
Hotlines connecting Fire & Rescue Stations with major Industrial,
commercial and other strategically important establishments
should be provided.
Video Conferencing Facility should be provided connecting
Assistant Divisional Offices, Divisional Offices and Commandant
General Office.
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Laptops may be provided to Officers of and above the rank of
Assistant Divisional Officers.
Megaphones can be provided to be used during firefighting and
rescue operations. It can also be used for keeping the mob away
from the affected area firefighting and rescue.
The fire stations and firefighting vehicles should be equipped with
communication devices. The following communication
equipment’s are recommended for the fire stations.
i. Static Wireless Set (VHF): One set at each Fire Station
ii. Mobile Wire Set (VHF): One per vehicle
iii. Hand Held Set (Walky‐Talky): 5 per vehicle
iv. Megaphone: Two per Fire Station
10.4 Next Step:
10.4.1 The communication between the officer in charge of the firefighting /
rescue operation (incident commander) and others in the team and the fire
stations can be taken care by the above communication arrangement /
equipment’s. But another unexplored area of communication in the fire &
rescue services is the communication between the fire fighter or rescuer and
the incident commander on the spot for proper coordination of firefighting and
rescue operations. Nobody has cared to explore this crucial aspect of
communication in firefighting and rescue operations. At present the fire fighter
or rescuer has to come out of the actual scene of firefighting / rescue to convey
any change of tactics or seeking reinforcement etc. and then rush to the actual
scene of fire or rescue. This causes loss of crucial time and leads to inefficiency.
The situation could be salvaged better if there is some on line communication
system between the incident commander and the actual fire fighter /rescuer.
This requirement could perhaps be met by one to one communication system
discussed below.
10.4.2.One to One Communication:
This system could be useful between the incident commander and fire
fighter/rescuer and during night hours. In this system one base unit will have to
be installed in each vehicle of the fire station. Hand Free wireless sets with
headsets will be issued to the crew members of each vehicle. In this system
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communication is possible within a radius of 1km of the Base Unit installed in
the vehicle. The advantages of this system are as following.
1. Less cost effective when compared to VHF / UHF wireless system.
2. No Repeater Towers are required.
3. Easy to operate, maintain and repair.
10.4.3. Requirements for one to one system:
License should be obtained from wireless planning & co‐ordination wing,
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Department of
Telecommunication (www.wpc.dot.gov.in) with Southern Regional Office at
Chennai and Monitoring Station in Kerala at Nettayam, Thiruvananthapuram.
For operation one person has to be deputed for handling the Base Unit.
He will control the messages from each sets given to others. For example, if the
man who is doing the Firefighting or Rescue Operation needs to convey a
message to any other crew member at a distance, then he will pass his
intension through the Control Unit and Control Unit will make the receiver
crew member ready to receive the message without other’s interference.
For the effective functioning of one to one system, a minimum of 10 wireless
sets should be given to each station. All the wireless sets should be with
headsets so that the rescuer or Fire Fighter need not hold the wireless sets.
There are two variants in headsets. One type with pressing a button to receive
signal and another version which automatically get activated when talking
begins (Sound sensing type). The second version is the most suitable one for
Fireman
with
Wireless set
Pump operator
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this department as the hands of the Fire Fighter or Rescuer are not free for
operating wireless sets.
10.4.4 TRAINING: No system can work properly without adequate training. The
departmental personnel will have to be trained in operation of the wireless
sets, and to act as the controller of Base Unit and for the proper functioning of
this communication system. One Fireman can be deputed as the controller of
the Base Unit after giving proper training. Only one Base Unit and 1 incident
commander (Officer In charge of fire / rescue operation) will be enough for all
the wireless sets at one incident spot, even if many Turn‐outs are present at
there.
10.4.5 The Commandant General, KF&RS Department should therefore conduct
proper study of this crucial aspect of operational communication relevant to
fire & emergency services and adopt the one to one communication systems
discussed above if found feasible on further scrutiny by communication
experts.
10.5 COMMUNICATION WING IN THE KF&RS HEADQUARTERS:
10.5.1 It is therefore recommended that there should be an officer of the rank
of the Additional Divisional Officer and Station Officer level to constitute a
communication wing in the KF&RS Headquarters. The communication wing will
co‐ordinate the communication infra‐structures of the department to ensure
robust communication network till the last man engaged in firefighting and
rescue operation. The maintenance component of communication assets also
underlines the need for communication wing in the KF&RS Headquarter. The commission therefore recommends the creation of posts of one Additional Divisional Officer (Communication), one Station Officer (Communication), one post of Leading Fireman and one post of FDCPO to constitute a communication wing in the KF&RS Headquarters. The posts ofAdditional Divisional Officer (Communication), Station Officer (Communication),can be created either on
deputation basis from Govt. departments or direct recruitment. The eligibility
criterion can be decided by the Commandant General KF&RS department and
Home department. This wing will be responsible for establishing a robust
communication system and also guide the computerisation effort of the KF&RS
department.
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10.5.2 It is also recommended that one qualified communication fireman
should be made available in all the district fire & rescue services office for the
maintenance of wireless sets of all the fire stations of that District.
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CHAPTER‐11
‘E‐GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE AND A BLUE PRINT FOR TOTAL
COMPUTERIZATION OF DEPARTMENT’
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11. E‐GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE AND A BLUE PRINT FOR TOTAL COMPUTERIZATION OF DEPARTMENT:
11.1 Introduction: 11.1.1 The present status of computerisation in KF&RS department is at
abysmal level. There is absolutely no delivery of any services through e‐
government initiative in the KF&RS department. The department is still
struggling to provide fixed line connectivity to all of its offices. The total
computerisation is a far cry for this neglected department. The status of
communication and computerisation infra‐structure is discussed below.
11.1.2 Present Status:
11.1.3The official e‐mail ID has been provided to KF&RS Headquarters
Thiruvananthapuram, KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur, all Divisional Officers
and all Assistant Divisional Officers of the KF&RS department. The Fire &Rescue
Stations have not been issued with official e‐mail ID. The internet connections
are available at following offices of the department.
KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur
Divisional Office Headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and
Kozhikode
Divisional Office Headquarters at Kottayam and Palakkad and all 14
ADOs have taken net connection through the district Headquarters Fire
& Rescue Stations land line telephone connections as their offices are
housed in the same buildings.
11.1.4 The computers are available in KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram, KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur and in the offices of all the Divisional Officers and Assistant Divisional Officers of the KF&RS department. But no computers have been sanctioned to Fire & Rescue Stations. The computers are working as standalone devices /systems in all the offices of KF&RS department. There is no LAN even in KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram. The computers are being used in KF&RS department mainly for typing, printing and sending e‐mails purposes. The availability of computers in KF&RS department is as following.
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KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram‐ 18 computers The KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur ‐ 4 computers. The 5 DO offices ‐ 4 computers each ADO offices ‐ 2 computers each Fire &Rescue Stations ‐ Nil
11.1.5 A mandatory e‐governance initiative sponsored by Govt. of Kerala called SPARK regarding salary, service and administrative matters is being implemented in the department with the help of computers. This is the only e‐governance initiative in operation in the department. 11.1.6 The KF&RS department is so sluggish and laggard that it has not yet devised its own web site for public interface. Some action was taken in this regard towards the end of financial year 2012‐13 and part money was also deposited in the C‐Dit, which was entrusted with the task of development of official web site of the KF&RS department but it is understood that the matter has not progressed further. The Commandant General should immediately look into this and complete the process of completing the creation of web site for the KF&RS department. This is the first step towards the e‐governance initiative of the department. 11.2 Scope: 11.2.1 SCOPE OF E‐GOVERNANCE AND COMPUTERISATION IN THE KF&RS DEPARTMENT:
Speedy delivery of services
Submission of various reports in time
Speedy delivery of intra / inter communications within and outside the organisation
Transparency and reduction of delays in departmental purchases and issuance of NOC’s etc
Transparency and reduction of delays in internal office processes: Tracking of office files etc
Achieve paperless environment in the department
Creation of public user‐friendly organizational environment
Increase overall efficiency of the department
Creation of Data bank of departmental men, material and services for ready references for statutory, public and other requirements
Cost effective in long run
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11.3 Activities and Time line: 11.3.1 The above mentioned scope of e‐governance and computerisation of the KF&RS department will involve the following activities and the blue print for completion of these activities is discussed below.
a. The activities to be completed during the current financial year (2013‐14).
First and foremost action to be taken in any e‐governance initiative is to equip all the field operational units, intermediary subordinate offices and headquarters with computers and necessary accessories. At present there are no computers sanctioned to the Fire & Rescue Stations which are the basic operational units of KF&RS department. The first thing to be done therefore is to sanction at least two computers with printers, scanners, photo copiers and other accessories along with internet connectivity to 101 Fire & Rescue Station of KF&RS department. Equipping of 101 Fire & Rescue Stations of KF&RS department with computers and accessories should therefore be done in the financial year 2013‐14 itself.
The KF&RS Hqrs Thiruvananthapuram and offices of DOs and ADOs are having bare minimum computers for the purpose of computerisation of the KF&RS department.
Divisional Office Headquarters at Kottayam and Palakkad and all 14 ADOs have not been sanctioned the fixed land line telephone connection so far. Therefore these offices should be sanctioned office telephones for effective communication and net connectivity. This should be done in the financial year 2013‐14 itself.
Establishment of a computer lab in the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Academy, Viyyur for the training purposes. For this at least fifteen (15) computers with printers, scanners and other accessories are to be sanctioned during 2013‐14.
Digitalisation of tender documents of all purchases made from
2008‐09 to 2013‐14 and e‐Tendering from 2013‐14 onwards.
Creation of web site for the KF&RS department. The website of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services shall have facilities for online submission of application of NOC’s and RTI act. It shall also have provision to submit various applications to concerned offices through the website. The right to service act pertaining to KF&RS department shall be published in the website. News
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regarding latest fire incident shall be uploaded here in addition to different departmental orders.
Development of software for digitalisation and online data
entry for various requirements of the KF&RS department. This
task of development of software for the department can be
entrusted to NIC / C‐Dit / Keltron because of their expertise in
this field.
Creation of digital signatures of all officers of and above the
ADOs by the end of 2013‐14.
Reviving of electronic punching system in the KF&RS
Headquarters with immediate effect.
b. The activities to be completed during the financial year 2014‐15.
Digitalisation of all the records pertaining to purchases and
maintenance of all types of general / firefighting / rescue
vehicles in the inventory of the department latest by the end
of 2014‐15 and on line data updation on regular basis
thereafter.
Digitalisation of all the records pertaining to purchases and
maintenance of all types of firefighting and rescue
equipments in the inventory of the department latest by the
end of 2014‐15 and on line data updation on regular basis
thereafter.
Digitalisation of service / training records of all serving KF&RS
personnel to be completed latest by September 2014 and on
line data updation on regular basis thereafter.
Digitalisation of the administrative reports / budget estimates
/ expenditure & savings statements / statements of receipts of
the departments for the years from 2008‐09 to 2014‐15 and
online data entry of these reports from 2014‐15 onwards
File tracking system in KF&RS Headquarters to be started from
the beginning of 2014‐15.
Generation and on line submission of all the periodical reports
as mandated in the Standing Orders of KF&RS Headquarters
by the Fire & Rescue Stations and consolidation / on line
submission at ADO / DO/ KF&RS Hqrs level during 2014‐15.
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Electronic punching system in subordinate offices during
2014‐15.
E‐Submission, processing and tracking of NOC applications for
buildings during the financial year 2014‐15.
c. The activities to be completed during the financial year 2014‐15.
Introduction of GPS system in every firefighting vehicles and
vehicle tracking system in the Fire & Rescue Station during 2015‐
16.
11.4 TRAINING: 11.4.1 A computer lab shall be established at Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy with at least fifteen (15) computers with printers, scanners and other accessories during this current year (i.e. 2013‐1415) for imparting training in computerisation programme of the KF&RS department as proposed above. 11.4.2 At least 30 Leading Firemen / Firemen including ministerial staff from different units shall be trained as ‘Master Trainers’ by the implementing agency in the departmental software and website for proper implementation of the e‐governance initiative as proposed above. These ‘Master Trainers’ shall be deployed at the KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram and 5 Divisional Offices according to the actual requirement. 11.4.3 All the officers of and above the rank of ASTOs and the entire ministerial staff of the KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram, 5 Divisional Offices, 14 Assistant Divisional Offices, all Fire & Rescue Stations shall be trained at the computer lab of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy by the Master Trainers. The training of above category of officers / personnel shall be completed within a period of 6 months prior to the implementation of the project. 11.4.4 After the launching of the project the leading firemen on the rolls of the department will be given training in batches at Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy in e‐governance programme. This e‐governance programme should also be included in all the in‐service courses of the department personnel. 11.4.5 It is also clarified that the master trainers shall be entrusted with the task of uploading the information’s in the website at the KF&RS Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy, Viyyur and 5
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Division Offices. These master trainers will also monitor the progress of computerisation programme of the department at various levels.
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CHAPTER‐12
‘DELEGATION OF POWERS AND DECENTRALISATION’
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12.THE PREVAILING DELEGATION OF POWERS AND NEED FOR
FURTHER DECENTRALISATION TO MAKE THE DEPARTMENT MORE
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE:
12.1Introduction:
12.1.1 The financial powers enjoyed at present by the Commandant General,
Divisional Officers, Assistant Divisional Officers of Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services department is still far from satisfactory. The head of the department
and other officers of emergency services like Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
need far more delegation of power compared to other departmental heads
because of the emergency nature of the job and the urgent need for
maintaining the firefighting appliances, vehicles and equipment’s in use / road
worthy conditions at all times needs no reiteration. Many firefighting vehicles
remain in unfit conditions for long periods due to delay in getting
administrative sanction for repairs from the government for the mechanical &
electrical repair works. The procedure for obtaining sanction for administrative
sanction even for small repairs from KF&RS Headquarters is also causing delays.
In the absence of immediate sanction for carrying repairs the vehicles have to
be garaged until the proper sanction is obtained. The long spell of garaging of
vehicles for want of administrative sanction for carrying repairs further
requires unforeseen repairs which are not included in the first estimate for
repairs. This ultimately leads to a situation where adequate numbers of
vehicles are not available for duty and thereby severely affecting the efficiency
of department.
12.1.2 The other dimension of the problem is that the cost of spare parts and
maintenance labour charges of firefighting appliances, vehicles and
equipment’s are increasing beyond imagination. Same is the story of furniture’s
and essential office equipment’s and stores. The cost of construction materials
and labour charges is also increasing at rate of 20 to 25 percent annually. There
is all‐round inflation impacting the cost of living and increase in the cost of
materials of all types and services. In such depressing scenario of all‐round
inflation and also of corruption it is almost impossible to keep ready the
firefighting appliances, vehicles and equipment’s use / road worthy at all times
with present level of delegation of power. And this affects the efficiency and
response time of emergency services like Kerala Fire and Rescue Services to
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render the required service at the nick of the time. The immediate
enhancement of delegation of financial powers to Commandant General,
Divisional Officers, Assistant Divisional Officers of Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services department is therefore of utmost urgency for ensuring effective
performance of the Department.
12.1.3 The existing financial powers exercised by the Commandant General,
Kerala Fire and Rescue Services department is in accordance with the G.O (MS)
No. 576/94/Fin Dated 19/10/94, G.O. (P) No. 350 / 2008 / Fin Dated
06/08/2008 and G.O. (P) No. 110 / 2013 / Fin Dated 01/03/2013. Even after the
recent increase in the financial powers of heads of departments vide G.O. (P)
No. 110 / 2013 / Fin Dated 01/03/2013, there is still need for further
enhancement of financial powers of Commandant General because of
emergency nature of the job profile of the KF&RS department. The following
delegation of power is recommended to Commandant General, Kerala Fire and
Rescue Services department.
12.2Delegation of Power:
12.2.1 PROPOSED DELEGATION OF POWERS TO COMMANDANT GENERAL:
Existing Powers Proposed Powers
1. a) Petty Expenses: Rs. 5000/‐
b)Non‐recurring contingent expenditure other than stores stationery, computer, furniture:
Rs.50000/‐ subject to budget provision
a) Rs. 20000/‐
b) To incur non‐recurring
contingent expenditure up to
one lakh rupees subject to
budget provision
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2. Purchase:
a) stationery:
Rs. 1 lakh subject to budget provision
b) Stores other than Computer and
Peripherals and Furniture: Rs. 20 Lakh
Vide Appendix XXII of Store purchase
manual and subject to budget provision.
a) Rs.2 lakh subject to budget
provision
b) Rs. 30 Lakh
3. Electrical installation and Rewiring of
Fire station Building:
Extension of electricity installations to
incur expenditure up to Twenty
thousand rupees.
To incur expenditure for
extensions of electric installations
to incur expenditure up to One
lakh rupees.
4. Repairing, Cleaning, Painting,
Varnishing of Furniture:
To incur expenditure for repairing,
cleaning, painting, varnishing of
furniture subject to an annual limit of
Twenty thousand rupees.
To incur expenditure for repairing,
cleaning, painting, varnishing of
furniture subject to an annual
limit of two lakh rupees.
5. Petty Construction, Repair and
Maintenance works of Government
Buildings:
To sanction maintenance and petty
construction and repair works for
execution up to five lakhs rupees on a
proper estimate in each case without
referring to the Public Works Dept.
To sanction maintenance and
petty construction and repair
works for execution uptoten lakhs
rupees on a proper estimate in
each case without referring to the
Public Works Dept.
6. Repair of department vehicles in un
approved workshops:
To accord sanction for repair of dept.
To accord sanction for repair of
dept. vehicles in unapproved work
shops where approved workshops
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vehicles in unapproved workshops
where approved workshops are not
available at a reasonable distance up to
Rs 5000/‐.
are not available at a reasonable
distance ( within 15 kms) up to Rs.
50000/‐
7 Works:
To accord administrative sanction for
estimate of works up to fifty lakhs
rupees in approved plans for quarters
and office buildings subject to budget
provision.
To accord administrative sanction
for estimate of works up to One
crore rupees in approved plans for
quarters and office
buildingswithout administrative
sanction from the Government.
8. Rewards:a) To sanction rewards to
fire and Rescue personnel up to the rank
of station officers Rs. 2000/‐ in any one
case subject to the condition that the
maximum reward to any one individual
will not exceed 500/‐.
b) Members of public
Up to 2500/‐ per head
To sanction rewards to fire and
Rescue personnel up to the rank
of station officers Rs. 25000/‐ in
any one case subject to the
condition that the maximum
reward to any one individual will
not exceed 5000/‐.
Up to 10000/‐ per head
9. Purchase of furniture (Wooden and
steel): To sanction purchase of
furniture(wooden and steel) up to two
lakhs rupees with administrative /
purchase sanction from the Government
as per G.O. (P) No. 224/2000/Fin. Dated
27‐01‐2000.
To sanction purchase of furniture
(wooden and steel) with an
annual limit up to ten lakhs
rupees without any administrative
/ purchase sanction from the
Government.
10. Repairs to Motor Vehicles&
firefighting /rescue equipments:
a) To sanction expenditure of repairs
including purchase of spare parts etc. for
departmental vehicles except
a)To sanction expenditure of
repairs including purchase of
spare parts etc. for general
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firefighting vehicles up to twenty
thousand rupees.
b) Fifteen thousand rupees in each case
with annual limit of Fifty thousand
rupees per firefighting vehicle subject to
availability of budget provision.
c) No limit prescribed at present for
repairs including purchase of spare parts
etc. for firefighting/ rescue and other
equipment’s.
purpose departmental vehicles
except firefighting vehicles up to
Rs. 100,000/‐ (one lakh rupees) in
each case with annual limit of
three lakhs per general purpose
departmental vehicle except
firefighting vehicles subject to
availabliaty of budjet provision.
b)Two lakh rupees in each case
with annual limit of fivelakhs
rupees per firefighting/ rescue
vehicles subject to availability of
budget provision.
c) One lakh rupees in each case
with annual limit of three lakhs
rupees per firefighting/rescue and
other equipment for repairs
including purchase of spare parts
etc.
11.Printing: To sanction printing charges up to fifty thousand rupees (In emergent cases printing work may be entrusted to private presses without reference to SGP not exceeding Rs. 1000/‐ at a time subject to an annual limit of Rs. 10000/‐)
To sanction printing charges up to
one lakh rupees (In emergent
cases printing work may be
entrusted to private presses
without reference to SGP not
exceeding Rs. 5000/‐ at a time
subject to an annual limit of Rs.
50000/‐).
12.Refreshment charges: To sanction refreshment charges not exceeding Rs. 2 per head subject to
Rs.100 at a time.
To sanction refreshment charges
not exceeding Rs. 100/‐ per head
subject to Rs.10000/‐ at a time.
13. Hiring/Renting of Buildings:
To sanction renting of private building
up to Rs 15000/‐p.m. in each case
To sanction of renting of private
building up to Rs. 50000/‐ p.m. in
each case subject to rent and non‐
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subject to rent and non‐availability
certificate from PWD and subject to
budget provision.
availability certificate from PWD
and subject to budget provision.
14. Leasing out in auction of the right to
collect usufructs from the trees in the
land/property of the Department:
Full powers delegated to Heads of
Departments following transparent and
competitive procedure. The amount
should be deposited in the relevant
revenue receipt Head of Account of
Department concerned.
The existing power should
continue. No change suggested.
15. Burial charges:
To sanction Rs1000/‐ in each case of
burial or cremation of those who belong
to Fire force and die while on duty.
To sanction in each case of burial
or cremation of those who belong
to Fire force and die while on duty
without any ceiling.
16.Binding Charges:
To accord sanction for payment of binding charges up to Rs.500/‐ at a time.
Limited to Rs.2000 a Year.
To accord sanction for payment of
binding charges up to Rs.5000/‐ at
a time.
Limited to Rs.25000/‐ a Year.
17. Purchase of Cycles:
To sanction for the purchase of new
Cycles.
Cycle as a mode of transport has
become outdated and should be
replaced by Motor Cycle. The
Commandant General, KF&RS
department should be given the
power to sanction the purchase of
new Motor Cycles up to the cost
of one lakh fifty thousand rupees
in each case subject to budget
provisions.
18. Disposal in Auction/ scrap disposal To sanction the disposal of all
unserviceable or surplus stores,
OMC‐KSJ Page159
other than vehicles:
To sanction the disposal of all
unserviceable or surplus stores, tools
and parts, office furniture, materials at
site of works, dismantled material etc.
as the case may be up to a book value of
three lakhs rupees in each case.
Attention invited to G.O. (MS) No.
223/12/Fin. Dated 17‐04‐2012.
tools and parts, office furniture,
materials at site of works,
dismantled material etc. as the
case may be without any ceiling
irrespective of the Book value.
19. Purchase of Books and Maps:
To sanction purchase of Books and Maps
up to Rs.2000/‐ at a time and annual
limit of Rs 20000/‐.
To sanction purchase of Books
and Maps up to Rs.10, 000/‐ at a
time and annual limit of Rs.100,
000/‐.
20. Leave:
The Heads of Departments may sanction
Leave Without Allowance under
Appendix XII A and XII C of Part I KSR
according to rules prevailing in the
matter.
No change suggested.
21. Write off:
Heads of Departments may sanction up to Rs.25000/‐ in each case with an
annual limit of one lakh rupees subject to the strict compliance of KFC Article 300‐303 and KFC Article 161of Vol. I
The commandant General, KF&RS, department may sanction any
amount without any annual limit subject to the strict compliance of
KFC Article 300‐303 and KFC Article 161 of Vol. I
22. Purchase of delivery hose for
firefighting, motor tyres and tubes
under DGS and D rate contract:
To accord sanction for purchase of
delivery hose for firefighting, motor
tyres and tubes under DGS and D rate
contract up to five lakhs rupees
To accord sanction for purchase of
delivery hose for firefighting,
motor tyres and tubes under DGS
and D rate contract up to twenty
five lakhs subject to annual limit
of fifty lakhs rupees.
OMC‐KSJ Page160
subjectto annual limit of ten lakhs
rupees.
23. Purchase of Mechanical foamCompound:
To sanction purchase of Mechanical
foam compound for the use of
firefighting up to Rs.3Lakh in each case
subject to annual limit of Rs.10 lakh.
To sanction purchase of
Mechanical foam compound for
the use of firefighting up to Rs.15
Lakh in each case subject to
annual limit of Rs.50 lakhs.
24. Purchase of cleaning materials:
To sanction purchase of cleaning
materials such as brasso,bar soap and
dungry cloth up to Rs.75000/‐ in each
case subject to annual limit of two lakhs
rupees.
To sanction purchase of cleaning
materials such as brasso, bar soap
and dungry cloth upto one lakh
rupees in each case subject to
annual limit of five lakhs rupees.
25. Ceremonial function:
To incur expenditure for each
ceremonial function up to Rs. 8000/‐
To incur expenditure for each
ceremonial function up to Rs.
25000/‐.
26. Condemnation of Government
vehicles;
Having upset value upto Rs. 1 lakh
subject to compliance of guidelines and
norms fixed in G.O.(MS) No. 110/76PWD
dtd 10/5/76.
Having upset value upto three
lakhs rupees subject to
compliance of guidelines and
norms fixed in G.O.(MS) No.
110/76PWD dtd 10/5/76.
27. Demolition of old & dilapidated
buildings:
To sanction demolition of old and
dilapidated buildings up to a limit of 3
lakhs rupees subject to availability of
survey report from PWD.
To sanction demolition of old and
dilapidated buildings up to a limit
of five lakhs rupees subject to the
availability of survey report from
PWD.
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28. AMC for computer,printer
photocopiers, machinery, lab
equipments, AC & all other electronic &
electrical equipments used for the
functioning of the offices.
Up to two lakhs rupees subject to
observance of Rules and procedures,
PWD or accredited agencies in the case
of other equipments/machineries and
subject to budget provision
Up to three lakhs rupees subject
to observance of Rules and
procedures, PWD or accredited
agencies in the case of other
equipments/machineries and
subject to budget provision.
29. shifting of Office
To incur charges up to Rs. 5000/‐ subject
to budget provision (loading and
unloading charges will be at the rate
fixed by Labour department). For other
items tender procedure should be
followed.
To incur charges up to Rs. 25000/‐
subject to budget provision
(loading and unloading charges
will be at the rate fixed by Labour
department).For other items
tender procedure should be
followed.
12.2.2It is to be mentioned hrer that the financial power of heads of
departments have been revised and increased in 2008 and 2013, but there has
been no corresponding revision and increase of financial powers of Divisional
and Assistant Divisional Officers of KF&RS departmentsince 1994. The level of
delegation of power in respect of Divisional and Assistant Divisional Officers of
KF&RS department is at the level prescribed vide G.O (MS) No. 576/94/Fin
Dated 19/10/94. The financial powers delegated to DOs and ADOs is abysmal
and totally inadequate to carry out even petty repairs of vehicles and repairs.
The substantial increase in their financial power is absolutely must if the
preparedness and efficiency of emergency service like KF&RS department is to
be ensured. The following delegation of power is proposed in respect of DOs
and ADOs of KF&RS department.
OMC‐KSJ Page162
12.2.3PROPOSED DELEGATION OF POWERS TO DIVISIONAL OFFICER:
Existing Powers Proposed Powers
1.Non recurring contingent ExpenditureTo incur non‐recurring contingent expenditure up to Rs2000/‐ in each case
To incur non‐recurring contingent expenditure up to Rs5000/‐ in each case.
2. Local Purchase of stationery articles To sanction purchase of stationery articles locally in urgent and unforeseen circumstances up to a limit of 500/‐ at a time subject to an annual limit of Rs 5000/‐
To sanction purchase of stationery
articles locally in urgent and
unforeseen circumstances up to a
limit of 5000/‐ at a time subject to
an annual limit of 25000/‐
3. Electrical installation and Rewiring of Fire station Building. To incur expenditure for electric installation and re‐wiring of Fire Station Building up to 5000/‐.
To incur expenditure for electric
installation and re‐wiring of Fire
Station Building up to 25000/‐.
4. Repairing, Cleaning, painting,
Varnishing of Furniture.
To accord sanction to incur expenditure
of repairing, cleaning, painting and
varnishing of furniture each up to Rs.
500/‐ at a time subject to an annual limit
of Rs. 5000/‐.
To accord sanction to incur
expenditure of repairing, cleaning
each up to Rs. 3000/‐ at a time
subject to an annual limit of Rs.
25000/‐.
5. Petty Construction, Repair and
Maintenance works.
To sanction petty construction repair
and maintenance work uptoRs.10000/‐
on a proper estimate in each case of
work
To sanction petty construction
repair and maintenance work
uptoRs.100000/‐ on a proper
estimate without referring to the
Public Works Dept.
6. Repair of department vehicles in un To accord sanction for repair of
dept. vehicles in unapproved work
OMC‐KSJ Page163
approved workshops.
To accord sanction for repair of dept.
vehicles in unapproved work shops
where approved workshops are not
available at a reasonable distance up to
Rs 500/‐.
shops where approved workshops
are not available at a reasonable
distance up to Rs 5000/‐
7. Rewards
a) To sanction rewards up to a limit of
Rs.400/‐ in any one case subject to the
condition that the maximum reward to
any one individual will not exceed
Rs.150/‐
b) Members of Public.
Up to Rs.2500/‐per head.
a)To sanction rewards up to a
limit of Rs.2000/‐ in any one case
subject to the condition that the
maximum reward to any one
individual will not exceed Rs.500/‐
b) Members of Public.
Up to Rs.2500/‐ per head.
8.Purchase of furniture(Wooden and
steel).
To sanction purchase of
furniture(wooden and steel) with an
annual limit up to Rs. 5000/‐.
To sanction purchase of
furniture(wooden and steel) with
an annual limit up to Rs20000/‐.
9. Repairs to Motor Vehicles.
a) To sanction repairs to motor vehicles
including cost of spare parts for all kinds
of vehicles and equipments up to
Rs.3000/‐
To sanction repairs to motor
vehicles including cost of spare
parts for all kinds of vehicles and
equipments up to Rs.25000/‐.
10. Renting of Buildings
To sanction renting of private building
up to Rs1000/‐
To sanction renting of private
building up to Rs10000/‐
11. Burial charges
To sanction Rs. 500/‐ in each case of
To sanction Rs.10000/‐ in each
case of burial or cremation of
OMC‐KSJ Page164
burial or cremation of those who belong
to Fire force and die while on duty.
those who belong to Fire force
and die while on duty.
12.Binding Charges
To accord sanction for payment of
binding charges up to Rs.500/‐
To accord sanction for payment of
binding charges up to Rs.2500/‐
13. Purchase of New Cycles The existing power will continue
14.Repair to Cycles
To sanction repairs cycles up to Rs.100/‐
at a time
To sanction repairs cycles up to
Rs.500/‐at a time.
15. Condemnation of Stores
To sanction condemnation of stores up
to a book value of Rs.1000/‐
To sanction condemnation of
stores up to a book value of
Rs.50000/‐
16.Lease
To sanction sale or lease of usufructs
standing in the Govt. land up to Rs.1000
To sanction sale of lease of
usufructs standing in the Govt.
land up to Rs.5000/‐.
17.Investigation of Arrear Claims
Power Exercised The existing power will continue.
18.Purchase of Books and Maps
To sanction purchase of books and maps
up to Rs.300/‐per year
Purchase of Books and Maps
To sanction purchase of books
and maps up to Rs.3000/‐per year
19.Torch light cells
To sanction purchase of torch light cells
up to Rs.100/‐ at a time subject to the
annual limit of Rs.1000/‐
To sanction purchase of torch
light cells up to Rs.500/‐ at a time
subject to the annual limit of
Rs.5000/‐
20.Leave Existing power will continue
OMC‐KSJ Page165
To sanction of all kinds of leave except
leave to join spouse, leave without
allowance for taking up other
employment, LWA exceeding 120 days
,study leave and special disability leave
to all the members of staff working
under him
21.Write off
To sanction Write off up to a book value
of Rs.200/‐ in each case up to an annual
limit of Rs.2000/‐
To sanction Write off up to a book
value of Rs.10000 /‐in each case
up to an annual limit of
Rs.25000/‐
12.2.4PROPOSED DELEGATION OF POWERS TO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL
OFFICER:
Existing Powers Proposed Powers
1.Non Recurring contingent Expenditure To sanction Non Recurring contingent Expenditure up to Rs.1000/‐
To sanction Non Recurring contingent Expenditure up to Rs.2500/‐
2.Local Purchase of Stationery
To sanction local purchase of stationery
up to Rs.250/‐ in each case subject to
an annual limit of Rs.2500/‐
To sanction local purchase of
stationery up to Rs.2500/‐ in
each case subject to an annual
limit of Rs.10000/‐
3. Electrical installation and Rewiring
of Fire station Building.
Nil
To incur expenditure for electric
installation and re‐wiring of Fire
Station Building up to 10000/‐.
4. Repair of department vehicles in un
approved workshops.
Nil
To accord sanction for repair of
dept. vehicles up to Rs.2000/‐in
unapproved work shops where
approved workshops are not
available at a reasonable
distance (15km)
5. Petty Construction, Repair and To sanction petty construction
OMC‐KSJ Page166
Maintenance works.
Nil
repair and maintenance work
uptoRs.25000/‐ on a proper
estimate in each case of work
without referring the Public
Works Dept.
6.Repairing ,Cleaning, Paining and
Varnishing of Furniture
To sanction, .Repairing ,Cleaning,
Paining and Varnishing of furniture up
to Rs.500/‐at a time
To sanction, Repairing, Cleaning,
Paining and Varnishing of
furniture up to Rs.2000/‐at a
time.
7.Repairs to Motor Vehicles
To sanction repairs to Motor Vehicles
including cost of spare parts for all
kinds of vehicles up to Rs.1000/‐.
a) To sanction repairs to all
types of Vehicles including
firefighting vehicles
/equipment’s and their cost
of spare parts to Rs.15000/‐
with reference to technical
authority
b) To sanction replacement of
minor parts / labour charges
of all vehicles including
firefighting vehicles
/equipment’s, costing up to
Rs.5000/‐ without reference
to any technical authority.
8.Binding Charges
To sanction binding charges up to
Rs.250/‐
To sanction binding charges up to
Rs.500/‐at a time.
9.Leave
To sanction of all kinds of leave except
study leave and special disability
leave leave to join spouse, leave
without allowance for taking up other
employment, LWA exceeding 120
Existing power will continue
OMC‐KSJ Page167
days,to all officers of and below the
rank of station officers working under
him.
10. Rewards
Nil
To sanction rewards up to a limit
of Rs.1000/‐ in any one case
subject to the condition that the
maximum reward to any one
individual will not exceed
Rs.200/‐
11.Purchase of furniture
(Wooden and steel)
Nil
To sanction purchase of
furniture(wooden and steel) with
an annual limit up to Rs 10,000/‐
12. Renting of Buildings
Nil
To sanction renting of private
building up to Rs. 5000/‐
13. Burial charges
Nil.
To sanction Rs 5000/‐ in each
case of burial or cremation of
those who belong to Fire force
and die while on duty
14.Purchase of Books and Maps
Nil
Purchase of Books and Maps
To sanction purchase of books
and maps up to Rs.1000/‐per
year
12.3 ENHANCEMENT OF THE AMOUNT OF FIRE STATION PERMANENT
ADVANCE:
Permanent Advance to a Fire and Rescue Station is meant for meeting
the unforeseen repair and replacement of spares of firefighting vehicles /
equipments. The Standing Order 5/98 Dated 05/03/1998 enhanced the
permanent advance of Fire and Rescue Stations from Rs.200/‐ to Rs.500/‐ with
the monetary limit of Rs.200/‐ at a time to meet unforeseen expenditure. This
amount was not sufficient even during late 1990s. It is a pittance by any
standard. There is manifold increase in the prices of articles / spare parts and
services since 1990s. One cannot do anything for Rs.200/‐. Therefore the
OMC‐KSJ Page168
amount of ‘Permanent Advance’ to Fire & Rescue stations should be enhanced
to Rs.25000/‐ (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand) with expenditure limit of
Rs.5000/‐ at a time for the following purposes and any other unforeseen
emergency expenditure.
i) Repair and Replacement of minor parts of Vehicles.
ii) Repair and Replacement of minor parts of Firefighting Vehicles /
Appliances.
iii) Repair and Replacement of minor parts of Firefighting Equipments.
iv) Repair and Replacement of minor parts of Rescue Equipments.
v) Repair of Furniture.
vi) Purchase of Stationery Articles.
vii) Purchase of Electrical Fitments & minor Installation.
viii) Un expected Expenditure on Firefighting& Rescue Operations.
ix) Refreshment including drinking water expenditure for firefighting
personnel on duty on any firefighting & rescue operations lasting
more than four hours.
x) Any unforeseen emergency expenditure not covered above.
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CHAPTER‐13
‘REPAIR & MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES / FIREFIGHTING VEHILES /
FIREFIGHTING & RESCUE EQUIPMENTS’
OMC‐KSJ Page170
13.REPAIR& MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES / FIREFIGHTING
VEHICLES / FIREFIGHTING& RESCUE EQUIPMENTS:
13.1Introduction:
13.1.1 There is an old proverb which says that ‘A STICH IN TIME SAVES NINE’.
The import of this proverb is most relevant in the case of timely repairs and
maintenance of the KF&RS department motor vehicles / firefighting vehicles
/firefighting& rescue equipments in more than one way. The timely repairs and
maintenance not only ensure availability of nearly hundred per cent technical
resources in use / road worthy conditions all the time but also prevents
degradation and deterioration of technical assets of department thereby
ensuring optimal utility of technical resources and finally saves Govt. finances
from being frittered away on un necessary and wasteful recurring repairs and
maintenances. But these timely repairs cannot be achieved by continuing with
the outdated procedures and highly restrictive delegation of financial powers
at all levels of departmental hierarchy competent to sanctions repairs and
maintenance. The decentralisation and liberal delegation of financial powers to
all levels of departmental hierarchy competent to sanctions repairs and
maintenance as suggested in this report is absolutely necessary without
wasting any more time.
13.1.2 The Govt. of Kerala has created 7 posts of STO (MT) in KF&RS
department for ensuring timely repairs and maintenance of the KF&RS
department motor vehicles / firefighting vehicles /firefighting& rescue
equipments and other related jobs vide G.O.(MS)10/201/Home Dated
13/11/2011 and G.O.(MS) 69/2011/Home Dated 28/02/2012. Their duties has
been issued vide G.O. (MS) No. 04/2013/Home dated 08/01/2013. The
sanctioned seven STOs (MT) are for 5 Divisional Offices of KF&RS Department
located at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad & Kozhikode
and one each for KF&RS Headquarters and KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
13.1.3 The Essentiality Certificates for all repairs and Economy Certificates for
Light Vehicles requiring repair expenditure up to Rs.25000/‐ and repair
expenditure up to Rs. 40,000/‐ for heavy vehicles are necessary for conducting
OMC‐KSJ Page171
repairs of Govt. vehicles. The PWD Mechanical wing is the authority for issuing
these certificates. The power of issuing essentiality certificate for the repairs up
to Rs. 50,000/‐ including spare parts has now been entrusted to STOs (MT) of
Kerala Fire & Rescue Services vide G.O (MS) No. 04/2013/Home dated
08/01/2013 and communicated to all officers / units of KF&RS through KF&RS
Hqrs Standing Order No. 02/2013 Dated 11/03/2013. The delay in conducting
repairs has now been considerably reduced after the transfer of power for
issuing essentiality certificate for the repairs up to Rs. 50,000/‐ including spare
parts to STOs (MT) of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services. There used to be delay of
two to three months on this account alone when the essentiality certificates
were required to be obtained from PWD Mechanical wing. The CE PWD,
Mechanical wing even now issues the essentiality certificate for the repairs
above Rs. 50,000/‐.
13.1.4 The following enhancement in the delegation of power and streamlining
of procedures to avoid delays and ensuring timely repairs of KF&RS department
motor vehicles / firefighting vehicles /firefighting& rescue equipments is
therefore suggested / recommended.
i. The Commandant General KF&RS department should have the power to
accord sanction for repair of dept. vehicles in unapproved work shops
where approved workshops are not available at a reasonable distance
(say up to 15 Kms) up to Rs. 50,000/‐ (Fifty Thousand rupees) in each
case. The existing power of Commandant General is Rs. 5000/‐ only.
ii. The Commandant General KF&RS department should have the power to
accord sanction for repair of dept. vehicles including purchase of spare
parts etc. for general purpose departmental vehicles except firefighting
vehicles up to Rs. 100,000/‐ (one lakh rupees) in each case with annual
limit of three lakhs per general purpose departmental vehicle subject to
availabliaty of budjet provision. The existing power of Commandant
General is Rs. 20,000/‐ only.
iii. The Commandant General KF&RS department should have the power to
accord sanction expenditure of repairs including purchase of spare parts
etc. for firefighting /rescue vehicles up to Rs 200,000/‐ (two lakhs
rupees) in each case with annual limit of five lakhs per fire fighting /
OMC‐KSJ Page172
rescue vehicle subject to availabliaty of budjet provision. The existing
power of Commandant General is Rs. 50,000/‐ only.
iv. The Commandant General KF&RS department should have the power to
accord sanction expenditure of repairs including purchase of spare parts
etc. for the firefighting and other equipment’s up to Rs. 100,000/‐ (one
lakh rupees) in each case with annual limit of three lakhs per fire fighting
/ rescue and other equipments subject to availabliaty of budjet
provision. There is no clarity in the existing govt. orders about the
Commandant General’s power in this regard.
v. The Divisional Officers of KF&RS department should have the power to
accord sanction for repair of all types of vehicles including firefighting
vehicles and all types of equipment’s including firefighting equipment’s
and purchase of their spare parts etc. up to Rs25,000/‐ in each case. The
existing power of Divisional Officers is Rs. 3,000/‐ only.
vi. The Assistant Divisional Officers of KF&RS department should have the
power to accord sanction for repair of all types of vehicles including
firefighting vehicles and all types of equipment’s including firefighting
equipment’s and purchase of their spare parts etc. up to Rs15,000/‐ in
each case. The existing power of Assistant Divisional Officers is Rs.
1,000/‐ only.
vii. The Station Officers of Kerala Fire & Rescue Stations should have the
power to incur the expenditure up to Rs. 5,000/‐ only for conducting
urgent repairs and replacements of minor parts of all types of vehicles
including firefighting vehicles and equipment’s without reference to any
technical authority in each case. These urgent repairs can be conducted
in any workshop. The controlling Assistant Divisional Officers will
sanction the bills up to Rs.5000/‐ submitted by the Station Officers of
Fire & Rescue Stations without reference to any technical authority in
each case.
viii. The STOs (Motor Transport) KF&RS department should have the power
to issue essentiality certificates for repair of all types of vehicles including
firefighting vehicles and all types of equipment’s including firefighting
equipment’s and purchase of their spare parts etc. up to Rs100,000/‐ in
OMC‐KSJ Page173
each case. The existing limit for issuing essentiality certificates by the
STOs (MT) KF&RS department is Rs. 50,000/‐ only.
ix. At present the essentiality certificates are required only for the repairs
for more than Rs. 1000/‐. The essentiality certificate should be made
mandatory for the repairs above Rs.5,000/‐ only. The limit of Rs.5,000/‐
is proposed for the emergency repairs by STOs of Fire &Rescue Stations
of Kerala.
x. The Economy certificate is still being issued by the PWD Mechanical
wing. This power can also be transferred to STOs (MT) of KF&RS
department at par with their power of issuing essentiality certificates.
The present power of issuing essentiality certificate by the STOs (MT) of
KF&RS department is for the repairs up to Rs.50,000/‐. It has now been
proposed to be enhanced to RS. 100,000/‐ in this report.
13.2 Steps to Avoid Delays in Repair & Maintenance Works:
13.2.1 At present the proposal for repairs for motor vehicles / firefighting
vehicles /firefighting& rescue equipments is initiated by the concerned STOs of
Fire & Rescue Stations of Fire & Rescue Stations and submitted through proper
channels even if the sanctioning authority is Govt. or Commandant General.
This causes delays in carrying out the necessary repairs. The delay on this
account can be easily reduced considerably if the STOs of Fire & Rescue
Stations after obtaining essentiality or economy certificates from competent
authority submit the repair proposals direct to the competent sanctioning
authority and copy of proposals only be sent to intermediary supervisory
officers. In another words; the repair proposals requiring the sanction of
Commandant General and Government should be directly forwarded to KF&RS
Headquarters by STOs of Fire & Rescue Stations with copy of repair proposals
marked to ADO / DO offices. This will save the delay of minimum 30 days. The
repair proposals requiring sanction of DO or ADO will be sent to them directly
by STOs.
13.2.2 The STOs of Fire & Rescue Stations shall get the repair estimates from
the concerned approved / un‐approved workshops and submit the estimates
for essentiality or economy certificate within 7 days of any vehicle/equipment
becoming off road / unfit for use.
OMC‐KSJ Page174
13.2.3 To avoid delay in getting essentiality and economy certificates from
PWD Mechanical wing; the Govt. should fix the time limit of 10 days from the
date of receipt of request from the STOs of Fire Stations.
13.2.4 The STOs (MT) of KF&RS should issue the essentiality and economy
certificates within their competence within 5 days of receipt of request from
STOs of Fire & Rescue Stations.
13.2.5 The ADOs and DOs of KF&RS department will issue sanction orders
within their competence within 03 days of receipt of repair proposals from
STOs of Fire & Rescue Stations.
13.2.6 The Commandant General KF&RS should issue sanction orders within his
/ her competence within 10 days of receipt of repair proposals in the KF&RS
Headquarters directly from STOs of Fire & Rescue Stations.
13.2.7 The Home Department, Govt. of Kerala should issue sanction orders
within 15 days of receipt of repair proposals from the KF&RS Headquarters.
13.3 Other Issues Related to Repair & Maintenance :
13.3.1 A general view emerging out from the interaction with officers of KF&RS
department is that the repairs of vehicles and equipments should be generally
got done from the manufactures or suppliers or company workshops instead of
from the govt. approved workshops. The officers are of unanimous view that
repairs of specialised vehicle and equipments in any case should be done only
through the suppliers of the vehicles and equipments and not through any
other source.
13.3.2 At present the repair of all types of vehicles of KF&RS is conducted at
Govt. approved workshops only with some exceptions for conducting repairs in
un‐approved workshops. It is proposed that the repairs of KF&RS department
vehicles can be conducted either in Govt. approved workshops or KSRTC
workshops whichever is nearby and/or better equipped to carry out the proper
repairs.
13.3.3 The need for a central workshop in KF&RS Department needs to be
examined in detail by Commandant General in view of the strength of vehicles
/ firefighting appliances / equipments and problems relating to the
management of such central workshops. The experiences of other departments
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who are having such captive workshops need to be studied in depth for any
conclusion on the matter. The finances, creation of large numbers of technical
posts, investment in the machinery / repair infra‐structures and management
skills and over all work culture required for setting up of a central workshop are
the key determinants in taking a final call on this crucial issue. My gut feeling is
that we should refrain from such venture.
13.3.4 Whether the KF&RS department deserves an exclusive central workshop
or not is subject to the findings of the study by the Commandant General as
suggested above. But even without the establishment of central workshop
some more posts of technical experts will have to be created. First, there
should be one post each of Divisional Officer (Technical) and Assistant
Divisional Officer (Technical) in the KF&RS Headquarters to advise the
Commandant General on all technical matters and supervise the repair &
maintenance of motor vehicles / firefighting vehicles / firefighting& rescue
equipments at state level. They will be instrumental in technological
advancement of the KF&RS department. The post of Divisional Officer
(Technical) will be filled by the KF&RS cadre officer. But the post of Assistant
Divisional Officer (Technical) can be filled either by direct recruitment of a
mechanical Engineer as Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) in KF&RS
Headquarters or on deputation from any Engineering department of State
Government. The details of recruitment /deputation can be worked out by the
Commandant General / Government. Secondly, the present number of STOs
(MT) needs to be increased.
13.3.5 There should one STO (MT) in all the revenue districts except Kassargod,
Wayanadu, Malappuram, Iddukki, and Alappuzha districts. That means there
will be one STO (MT) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta,
Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.
There is already one STO (MT) sanctioned in the Divisional Offices in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kozhikode districts.
There is need for creation of additional four (04) posts of STOs (MT) in Kollam,
Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Kannur districts. After the creation of these
additional four posts of STOs (MT), the STO (MT) Kottayam will also be in
charge of Alappuzha district, STO (MT) Pathanamthitta will also be in charge of
Idukki district, STO (MT) Palakkad will also be in charge of Malapuram district
OMC‐KSJ Page176
and STO (MT) Kozhikkode will also be in charge of Wayanadu district and STO
(MT) Kannur will also be in charge of Kasargod district.
13.3.6The commission therefore recommends creation of one post each of
Divisional Officer (Technical) and Assistant Divisional Officer (Technical) in the
KF&RS Headquarters and four (04) posts of STOs (MT) in Kollam,
Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Kannur districts.
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CHAPTER‐14
‘INCENTIVES AND MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS’
OMC‐KSJ Page178
14. INCENTIVES AND MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS:
14.1.1Introduction:
14.1.2 The Following allowances are at present available to the KF&RS officers
and personnel vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and
G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011issued in pursuance of the
recommendations of the ninth pay revision commission on revision of pay and
allowances of state Govt. employees & staff of educational institution etc.
Uniform Allowance (FM to Director)
Risk Allowance (LF, DM, FDCPO, FM)
Smartness Allowance (LF, DM, FDCPO, FM)
Weekly Day Off Allowance (FM to STO)
Fire Force Special Allowance (FM to DO)
Special Allowance (FDCPO, FDCPO to CG, STO & LF of KF&RS Academy)
Compensatory Allowance (FDCPO & DM)
Ration Money (FM to STO)
Water & Electricity Allowance (LF, DM, FDCPO, FM)
Feeding Charges (FM to ADO)
The above mentioned allowances to the KF&RS officers / personnel
sanctioned vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O. (P)
No. 143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011are very meager compared to the nature of
the job profile of the KF&RS officers / personnel. The KF&RS department is the
emergency service organisation and involved in firefighting and rescue
operations with imminent threat to their life and person. Every call of their
duty is full of risks and uncertainties. There is need to substantially enhance the
quantum of these allowances.
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14.1.3 UNIFORM ALLOWANCE:
A comparison of the uniform allowance sanctioned vide Govt. order (P)
No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin.
Dtd.30.03.2011 to the Police and KF&RS officers / personnel is given below.
Name of allowance
Existing
Fire & Rescue Police
Officers of & above Asst. station Officer
FM, FDCPO, LF, DM
S.P (Non IPS), Dy. SP
Officers from
A.S.I, up to Circle Inspector
Head Constable and Police Constable.
Uniform Allowance
once in a year 2000 2400 3000 2800 2750
Kerala Fire and Rescue Services personnel cater to various types of
firefighting duties in rural/urban areas, commercial & industrial fires, rescuing
persons alive or dead from water bodies, sewage drains, traffic accidents etc
but the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services personnel are provided with one type of
uniform; which is used for all types of duties including for attending fire, rescue
and incident calls. While attending fires in the Rexene houses, rubber go
downs, paint shops, oil fire etc. their uniform gets damaged / soiled. Their
uniforms also gets spoiled /damaged during rescue works. Similarly; while
engaging in the rescue work from sewage, drainage pits, septic tank etc.
uniform gets spoiled. While removing traffic obstruction by cutting down trees
which contain latex dyes etc. uniform gets damaged. The KF&RS personnel do
not have separate operational uniforms for attending fire, rescue and incident
calls.
It is therefore suggested /recommended that the KF&RS department
should have two types of uniforms; one for normal office duties and other for
operational duties. The Commandant General should send proposals in this
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regard to Govt. immediately. It is really pathetic that the KF&RS don’t have
operational dress for attending fire, rescue and incident calls.
In view of the peculiar nature of duty in which the uniforms are more
likely to get damaged /spoiled during operations unlike any other services
including Police; there is urgent need for enhancing the annual uniform
allowance of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services officers and personnel as
following.
Proposed Uniform Allowance for KF&RS Department
Officers of and above ADO STO, ASTO, FM, FDCPO, LF, DM
Rs. 3500/‐ per year Rs.5000/‐per year
14.1.4RISK ALLOWANCE:
A comparison of the risk allowance sanctioned vide Govt. order (P)
No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin.
Dtd.30.03.2011to the Police and KF&RS officers /personnel is given below.
Existing
Name of
allowance
Kerala Fire & Rescue
Services Kerala Police
Risk
Allowance
Officers
FM,
FDCPO,
LF, DM
C.I S.I ASI/HC/PC
Nil 75 80 60 50
It needs to be understood by all that among all the departments of Govt.,
the duty and responsibility of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services is most risk prone
and its officers and personnel are exposed to all kinds of hazards one can think
of. They have to fight fire; which is the most common hazard all the times. The
Fire & Rescue Services officers and men have to deal with hazardous material
like chemical spills, gas tanker explosions, gas leakages, smoke filled
enclosures, plastics / other polymers fires that release dioxin that are
carcinogenic and fire at pharmaceutical storage places at regular interval.
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These are all health hazard exposures. For rescue operations they have to very
often work in polluted as well as unhygienic places / environment. The risk to
life is very high in the rescue works in septic tanks, manholes, sewage plants
etc. The firefighting and rescue operations are therefore highly risk prone
activities and pose severe health hazard to fire fighters but they are
unfortunately paid pittance as risk allowance. At present the Risk allowance is
given to FM, LF, DM, and FDCPO only. This should be given to the following
executive staff at the rates mentioned below.
Proposed Risk Allowance for KF&RS department
ADOs and DOs STO, ASTO, FM, FDCPO, LF, DM
Rs. 1500/‐ per month Rs. 3000/‐ per month
14.1.5SMARTNESS ALLOWANCE:
A comparison of the smartness allowance sanctioned vide Govt. order
(P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin.
Dtd.30.03.2011to the Police and KF&RS officers and personnel is given below.
Existing
Name of allowance
Fire & Rescue Police
Officers of and above
ASTO
FM, FDCPO, LF, DM
SI, ASI HC,PC
Smartness Allowance
Nil 60 50 50
This allowance is a symbolic gesture to encourage the spirit of smartness,
dignity, uniformity, happiness, willingness and self‐respect among the
uniformed personnel. But the amount given is too small to have any
motivational value. It is also seen that in KF&RS department; it is not given to
the STOs and ASTOs like police department where the SI and ASI are also
eligible for this allowance. It needs to be enhanced and given to the officer
category also. The following is proposed in this regard.
Proposed Smartness allowance amount
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STOs and ASTOs FM, FDCPO, LF, DM
Rs. 500/‐ per month Rs. 500/‐ per month
14.1.6 WEEKLY DAY OFF ALLOWANCE:
At present the Day off allowances is given to STOs, ASTOs, LF, DM FM,
FDCPO vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.(P) No.
143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011. But see the difference in this regard between
Police and KF&RS personnel.
Existing
Name of allowance
Fire & Rescue Police
Weekly Day Off Allowance
Officers FM, FDCPO,
LF,DM CI,SI,ASI, HC,PC
STO‐ 90ASTO‐ 80
80 250 HC‐230PC‐200
It is difficult to imagine the difference in day off allowance between the
Police and KF&RS personnel. It defies any logic. There should not be any
difference in the day off allowance of Police and KF&RS personnel. This
anomaly should be removed immediately and justice done to KF&RS personnel.
The amount fixed by Govt. is also arbitrary. It should not be a fixed amount as it
has no scientific basis. The Day off allowance must be equal to one day wages
of respective categories. Moreover the Circle Inspector is eligible for the Day
off Allowance. Therefore the ADO in KF&RS department whose pay scale is less
than the CI should be made eligible for the Day off Allowance. The following is
therefore proposed in this regard.
Proposed Weekly Day off Allowance amount
ADO, STO and ASTO FM, FDCPO, LF, DM
Day off allowance must be equal to one day salary.
Day off allowance must be equal to one day salary.
14.1.7 FIRE FORCE SPECIAL ALLOWANCE:
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A comparison of the fire force special allowance and police special
allowance sanctioned vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and
G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011to the Police and KF&RS officers and
personnel is given below.
Name of allowance
Existing
Fire & Rescue Police
Fire force allowance / Police special allowance
Officers LF, DM,
FM, FDCPODySP, CI SI,ASI HC,PC
DO‐130 ADO‐120 STO‐110 ASTO‐100
90 225 200 150
This allowance should be given according to the nature of duty, risk and
working hours unique to the organization. Here again it is difficult to imagine
the difference in the special allowance between the Police and KF&RS
personnel. It defies any logic. There should not be any difference in the Fire
force special allowance and police special allowance. The following is therefore
proposed in this regard.
Proposed Fire Force Allowance amount
DO, ADO, STO, ASTO LF, DM, FDCPO, FM,
Rs.300/‐ per month Rs.250/‐ per month
14.1.8SPECIAL ALLOWANCE:
At present this allowance is given to Fireman Driver Cum Pump Operators
(FDCPOs), FDCPO to CG, STO & LF of KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur at
following rates vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.
(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011.
FDCPO: Rs.210/‐ per month
FDCPO to CG: Rs. 170/‐ per month
STO KF&RS Academy: Rs.90/‐ per month
LF KF&RS Academy: Rs.80/‐ per month
No change is suggested in the structure and rates of this allowance.
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14.1.9 COMPENSATORY ALLOWANCE:
At present the Compensatory allowance is given to Driver Mechanics and
FDCPOs only vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O. (P)
No. 143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011at the following rates.
Existing
Name of allowance
Fire & Rescue
Compensatory Allowance
Officers (Of and above ASTO)
LF, FM DM, FDCPO
Nil Nil Rs.80/‐per month
The amount of this allowance needs to be enhanced to at least Rs.250/‐ per
month because of crucial nature of duty performed by the FDCPOs in
firefighting and rescue operations.
14.1.10RATION MONEY:
A comparison of the ration money sanctioned vide Govt. order (P)
No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin.
Dtd.30.03.2011to the Police and KF&RS officers and personnel is given below.
Existing
Name of
allowance Fire & Rescue Services Police
Ration Money
Officers
LF, DM,
FDCPO,
FM
SI, ASI, HC,
PC
STO and ASTO ‐
105 105 180
OMC‐KSJ Page185
The present amount of the ration money is very meager and the existing
cost escalation definitely seeks revision of ration money amount. It is
therefore recommended that the ration money amount should be enhanced
to Rs1500/‐per month for the STO, ASTO, LF, DM, FDCPO and FM category
personnel.
14.1.11 WATER& ELECTRICITY ALLOWANCE:
At present the water &electricity allowance are given to LF, DM, FDCPO,
FM category personnel only at the rate of Rs.40/‐per month vide Govt. order
(P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O. (P) No. 143/2011/ Fin.
Dtd.30.03.2011. it is at par with police personnel. The rates of water and
electricity charges are getting hiked at regular interval. It is therefore
recommended that the water &electricity allowance should be enhanced to
Rs. 300/‐ per month.
14.1.12 FEEDING CHARGES:
At present feeding charges are given vide Govt. order (P) No.85/11/Fin.
Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O.(P) No. 143/2011/ Fin. Dtd.30.03.2011. A
comparison of the same is done with Police.
Existing
Name of allowance
Fire & Rescue Police
Feeding charges
Officers LF, DM FDCPO, FM
CI, SI, HC, PC
ADO‐80 STO/ASTO‐60
60 80
The commission recommends that the ADOs, STOs, ASTOs, LF, DMs, FDCPOs,
FM of KF&RS department should be given the feeding charges at the
following rates.
An amount of Rs.150/‐ if they perform more than 4 hours continuous
firefighting /rescue operations.
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An amount of Rs.200/‐ if they perform more than 6 hours continuous
firefighting /rescue operations.
An amount of Rs.250/‐ if they perform more than 8 hours continuous
firefighting /rescue operations.
An amount of Rs.100/‐ if they perform more than 8 hours continuous
standby duties.
An amount of Rs.150/‐ if they perform more than 12 hours continuous
standby duties.
An amount of Rs.200/‐ if they perform more than 24 hours continuous
standby duties.
14.2 NEED FOR MORE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES:
There are many gaps in the above mentioned regime of allowances
sanctioned by the Govt. to the KF&RS department personnel. They need to be
streamlined, rationalized and many new allowances according to the nature of
duty are to be introduced for them. Some of the new allowances which are
necessary to boost up the morale of KF&RS department personnel are
recommended below.
14.2.1 One Month’s Salary in lieu of Gazetted Holidays:
The Kerala Fire & Rescue Services personnel don’t have the privilege and
pleasure of availing the benefit of second Saturdays, Sundays and other Govt.
declared holidays on account of continuous working schedule of 24*7 being an
emergency service. They are deprived of benefit of holidays available to other
Govt. servants. The need for compensating the loss of holidays is therefore a
valid and reasonable and should be entertained. The commission therefore
recommends that the executive staff (STO / ASTO / LF / DM / FDCPO / FM) of
KF&RS department should be paid one month’s salary in a financial year in
lieu of the loss of Gazetted holidays.
14.2.2 Washing Allowance:
The Kerala Fire & Rescue Services personnel need to wash their uniforms
more frequently than normally required due to peculiar nature of the job. The
commission therefore recommends that the fire & rescue station executive
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staff of KF&RS department should be paid the washing allowance of Rs.100/‐
per month.
14.2.3 Ex‐gratia payment:
The commission recommends that ex‐gratia payment should be made
to the personnel of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services for injuries and death caused
during firefighting and rescue operations. The modalities and amount of such
Ex‐gratia payment can be decided by Govt. in consultation with the
Commandant General, KF&RS department.
14.2.4Tuition Fee Allowance:
At present no allowance is given to KF&RS department personnel to
meet the education expenses of their children. The tuition fees and other
educational costs are increasingly becoming unaffordable for all but the worst
affected are the employees in the lower rung of the organisational ladder. It is
therefore recommended that the Govt. sanction a lump sum amount as
tuition fee allowance to be given to KF&RS department personnel annually /
half yearly / quarterly / monthly as deem fit by the Govt. The tuition fees
allowance should be limited to two children only. The Commandant General,
KF&RS department should submit a viable proposal to the Govt. in this regard.
This will help in boosting up the morale of the KF&RS department personnel.
14.2.5Creation of Benevolent Fund:
The Govt. should create a benevolent fund for the KF&RS department
personnel so that financial aid /loan can be advanced for the medical expenses,
education of children and other welfare activities. One time grant of a
substantial sum (not less than one crore rupees) should be sanctioned to create
a corpus fund which could be used as seed money for this proposed benevolent
fund. The department can also be allowed to seek donation from the public
towards the proposed benevolent fund as is regularly done by the Delhi Fire &
rescue services during the Fire & rescue services Week (April 14‐20) every year
by way of selling / pinning of fire & rescue services flags. The nitty‐gritty and
other details of the scheme should be studied by Commandant General, KF&RS
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department in detail and submit a viable proposal to the Govt. in this regard.
This will help in boosting up the morale of the KF&RS department personnel.
14.2.6ANSWER SHEET VALUATION ALLOWANCE:
There are no allowances at present for evaluating the answer papers of
various examinations conducted by the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. An answer sheet valuation allowance should be
introduced and sufficient fund should be made available at KF&RS Academy,
Viyyur, Thrissur for payment towards the valuation of answer sheets at the @
Rs.25/‐ per copy.
14.2.7TECHNICAL ALLOWANCE:
The Kerala Fire &Rescue Services personnel of all categories handle the
fire and rescue equipment’s. The efficiency of fire & rescue services essentially
depends upon the time response and efficient handling and operation of the
various types of equipment’s. The technical knowledge and skill is highly
needed in carrying out the day to day activities of the fire &rescue services.
Operation of various types of equipment’s skillfully and safely requires
technical expertise. The preventive maintenance of the equipment’s is done at
the fire station level which also requires technical knowhow. The handling,
operation and maintenance of the fire &rescue equipment’s are continuous job
of a firefighter which certainly requires a motivational incentive. This can be in
the way of a technical allowance, because the fire & rescue servicess are
essentially technical services to great extent. This allowance should be named
as ‘Technical Allowance’ and must be given to all the persons belonging to STO,
ASTO, LF, DM, FDCPO and FM category who do the job of handling,operation
and maintenance of the fire &rescue equipment’s on continuous basis. The
DOs and ADOs should also be given this allowance as they have to supervise
and guide to ensure the efficiency of the fire & rescue stations under their
command and control.
Proposed Technical Allowance Amount
DO, ADO, STO and ASTO LF, DM, FDCPO, FM
Rs.1000/‐per month Rs.1500/‐per month
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14.2.8TRAINING ALLOWANCE FOR ACADEMY STAFF:
At present a special allowance is given to academy staff vide Govt. order
(P) No.85/11/Fin. Dated 26.02.2011 and G.O. (P) No. 143/2011/ Fin.
Dtd.30.03.2011at the following rates. This allowance is given to STOs and LFs
only.
Existing
Name of allowance Fire & Rescue Services
Special Allowance
for Academy Staff
Officers LF, FM, DM FDCPO
STO only Rs.90/‐
per month
LF only Rs.80/‐
per month NIL
Giving this allowance to STOs and LFs only does not seem to be justified
and rational. It is therefore recommended an allowance named as ‘Training
Allowance’ should be given to all the executive staff posted against the
sanctioned strength of the KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur because all of
them are engaged in imparting training in the Academy. This is absolutely
essential for boosting the morale of training staff and attracting good officers
and staff for training work in the academy.
Proposed ‘Training allowance’ amount
Officers (Of and above ASTO) LF, DM, FDCPO, FM
Rs.1500/‐per month Rs.1000/‐per month
14.2.9Facility of Bus & Railway Warrants:
The facility of Bus warrants and Railway warrants should be introduced
in the KF&RS department on the lines that is available to the police officers and
personnel in the police department. The Commandant General, KF&RS
department should study this welfare measure in detail and submit a proposal
to Govt. after proper evaluation.
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14.2.10All the journeys performed in connection with the firefighting and
rescue operations should be taken out of the ambit of existing travelling allowance ceiling ordered by the Govt. 14.3 OTHER MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS: The above mentioned monetary allowances are necessary to keep the
organisation striving for its assigned job. But the monetary benefits are not the
only driving factors in many situations where the organisational set up is
regressive and failing to keep pace with the aspirations of its members and
other modernisation needs of the department. As far as the KF&RS department
is concerned there are serious organisational issues that are creating
motivational imponderables / roadblocks in its smooth functioning.
14.3.1 NEED FOR DISTRICT OFFICES IN KF&RS DEPARTMENT:
The first and foremost de‐motivational factor is the absence of district
office and a district level officer to head the KF&RS department at district level.
At present the Assistant Divisional Officer is functioning as the district officer by
default and not by a well‐conceived administrative and operational district
organisational set up with adequate sanctioned office staff and infrastructure.
The present Assistant Divisional Office staffs are cobbled up by attaching the
clerks and executive staff from the fire stations on working arrangements.
There is no sanctioned staff to the Assistant Divisional Office. He is the only one
sanctioned in his office. The Assistant Divisional Office has not been established
as district office either by Govt. order or declared by any standing order of the
Commandant General KF&RS department. It has assumed the role of district
office by some weird assumptions such as there is only one post of ADO in one
district and ADO is the drawing and disbursing officer for all the fire station
staff in the district. The district organisational set up with adequate sanctioned
staff is the sine qua non for effective administrative and operational efficiency.
Therefore it is strongly recommended that a district office with adequate staff
strength should be established in KF&RS department in each revenue district
headquarters of districts of Kerala. This is absolutely must for the smooth
functioning and operational efficiency of the department. The Commandant
General, KF&RS department should prepare a detailed proposal in this regard
and submit to Govt. for approval and action.
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Who (whether DO or ADO) should head the district in the KF&RS
department is another issue to be decided. This matter is not probed further
here because it pertains to the overall organisational modernisation plan
/scheme of the KF&RS department. Suffice to mention here that the absence of
district office is causing lot of heartburns in the department and proving to be a
serious drag factor for the progress of the organisation.
14.3.2NEED FOR PARITY OF PAY SCALE OF ASSISTANT DIVISIONALOFFICER WITH THAT OF CIRCLE INSPECTOR OF POLICE:
The 9TH pay Revision Commission recommended for equal scale of pay
for similar posts in Kerala Police and Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, but the
posts of Assistant Divisional Officer and Divisional Officer were not considered
for parity. Even though Assistant Divisional Officer of KF&RS department is
functioning as district level officer; the pay scale sanctioned to Assistant
Divisional Officer is similar to that of Sub Inspector of Police (Higher Grade)
only.
There seems to be some wrong assessment of the workload and
responsibilities of the Assistant Divisional Officers compared with other district
level officers. It needs to be understood that the Assistant Divisional Officer is
functioning as the district level executive officer of the Fire and Rescue Services
Department. He is otherwise also the first level supervisory officer of fire &
rescue stations. The standing order No. 01/1998 dated 06/02/1998 of
Commandant General, KF&RS department also designates the Assistant
Divisional Officer as the district level supervisory officer in the KF&RS
department. But the pay scale of the Assistant Divisional Officer is less than
that of the Circle Inspector of Police. Actually Assistant Divisional Officer is
drawing only the pay scale equivalent to that of Sub Inspector of Police Higher
Grade (18740‐33680). Before the 9th pay Commission the pay scales of
Assistant Divisional Officer and Circle Inspector of Police was one and the same
(i.e.; 10790‐18000). While the pay commission has recommended the pay
scale of 20740‐36140 to the Circle Inspector of Police, the pay scale sanctioned
to the Assistant Divisional Officer is only 18740‐33680. Therefore it is strongly
recommended that the Scale of Pay of Assistant Divisional Officer should be
raised and equated to the pay scale drawn by the Circle Inspector of Police (i.e.;
20740‐36140).
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The Assistant Divisional Officers of Fire & Rescue Services Department
are highly disappointed and disgruntled lot on this account. They have to
function as district level officer and attend various district level meetings but
are highly diffident because of their low pay scale. They seem to have lost the
jest for the job and become de‐motivated on this account. This serious anomaly
in the pay scale of Assistant Divisional Officers of Fire & Rescue Services
Department needs to be corrected at the earliest and orders issued for bringing
parity between the Circle Inspector of police and Assistant Divisional Officer of
Fire & Rescue Services Department in pay scales.
14.3.3NEED FOR PARITY OF PAY SCALE OF STATION OFFICER OF KF&RS
DEPARTMENT WITH THAT OF SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE: In para 7.25.2 (V1) even though the 9th Pay Commission recommended that the
scale of pay of Station Officer of Fire &Rescue Service to be equivalent to that
of the Sub Inspector of police ( i.e.; 16980‐31360), the pay scale sanctioned to
Station Officer of Fire &Rescue Service by Govt. is only 16180‐29180. There is
no justification for such disparity in the pay scales of Station Officer of Fire
&Rescue Service department and Sub inspector of Police. Therefore it is
strongly recommended that the Scale of Pay of Station Officer of Fire &Rescue
Service Department should be raised and equated to the pay scale sanctioned
to the Sub Inspector of Police (i.e.; 16980‐31360).
14.3.4NEED FOR PARITY OF PAY SCALE OF ASSISTANT STATION OFFICER OF KF&RS DEPARTMENT WITH THAT OF ASSISTANT SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE:
In para 7.25.2 (V11) even though the 9th Pay Commission recommended
the pay scale of 16180‐29180 to the Assistant Station Officer of Fire & Rescue
Service Department ; which is at par with Assistant Sub Inspector of Police, it is
not sanctioned to the Assistant Station Officer of Fire & Rescue Service
Department. The Assistant Station Officer of Fire & Rescue Service Department
is sanctioned the pay scale of 14620‐25280 only.
Therefore it is recommended that the Scale of Pay of Assistant Station
Officer of Fire &Rescue Service Department should be increased and equated
with the pay scale sanctioned to the Assistant Sub Inspector of Police (i.e.;
16180‐29180).
OMC‐KSJ Page193
14.3.5 The demand of ADOs, STOs and ASTOs of Fire & Rescue Services
Department for pay parity with that of ASI, SI, and CI of Police Department is a
genuine and rational demand. This is least the Govt. can do to improve the
morale of the ADOs, STOs and Assistant Station Officers of Fire & Rescue
Services Department; who are technically more qualified and engaged in
emergency duty round the clock involving far more risks to their life and person
than any other service /department of the state. It also needs to be mentioned
here that the KF&RS department officers and personnel have to pass the
mandatory qualifying examinations for becoming eligible for promotion to the
next higher posts unlike other department. The professional standards for
becoming eligible for promotions are far more exacting in KF&RS department
than any other department of the Govt. including the police department. In
such scenario depriving the KF&RS department officers / men of their dues;
which is also recognized by the 9th Pay Commission is not fair and justified.
14.3.6CREATION OF PROMOTIONAL AVENUES / OPPORTUNITY:
Another serious issue nagging the minds of middle level officers
especially at the level of STOs/ADOS/DOs is the lack of adequate promotional
avenues to the next immediate higher level/post. This has also caused the
growth of uneven span of control at the level of ADO/DO. The organisation has
grown at the grass root level from 15 fire stations in 1963 to 101 fire stations in
2013. But there are only 15 posts of ADOs (14 in districts and 1 in Academy), 5
posts of DOs and 2 posts of Directors.
It is clear that there has not been corresponding growth in the middle
and senior level supervisory posts in the department over the years. The
creation of more posts is directly linked to the organisational modernisation
plan involving creation of district offices in KF&RS department under the DOs
designated as district fire officers, redefining the role of ADOs as operational
and fire prevention officers in the districts under the direct control of DOs,
creation of the posts of regional fire officers, creation of various posts in the
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur and creation of additional posts at the KF&RS
Headquarters etc.
OMC‐KSJ Page194
14.3.7ORGANISATIONAL RE‐STRUCTURING IS KEY TO THE MODERNISATION
OF DEPARTMENT:
It needs to be understood here very clearly that the modernisation of
KF&RS department is not going to be achieved only by purchasing few modern
equipment’s and opening fire stations. The modernisation of KF&RS
department can be ensured only by modernising the organisational structure of
the department; which involves creation of district office with adequate staff,
creation of adequate number of middle and senior level supervisory posts,
creation of additional supervisory levels like DOs at district level and regional
fire officers at zonal / regional level, creation of more posts of ADOs in the
districts, creation of various posts in the KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur and
creation of additional posts at the KF&RS Headquarters etc, apart from opening
of more fire stations and procurement of basic and modern equipment’s. It is a
complete package and not a piecemeal accretion of the technical assets. This
approach alone will be able to motivate KF&RS officers / personnel to the
higher level of efficiency and proficiency. The organisational re‐structuring on
the lines suggested above is therefore the key to the modernisation and
progress of the KF&RS department. Technology without corresponding human
resource strength will take us nowhere.
14.3.8REGULAR / TIMELY ISSUE OF UNIFORM ARTICLES:
The uniform allowance is meant for the purchase of the uniform cloth
and stitching charges as per G.O. (Ms) 95/92/Home dated 29/04/1992. The
other uniform items /articles as mentioned in the Commandant General,
KF&RS Department Standing Orders No. 16/1967 dated 21/04/1967 and
17/1977 dated 01/11/1977 are to be centrally purchased by the department
and disbursed among the officers and personnel. It is regretted that these
uniform items /articles have not been procured for some years now. The
officers and personnel are made to arrange these uniform articles on their
own. This is really pathetic state of affairs. The Govt. should immediately look
into this matter and task the Commandant General, KF&RS department to
initiate urgent action to procure the required uniform items / articles and
distribute among the officers and men according to the prescribed scale and
life mentioned in Standing Orders No. 16/1967 and 17/1977. The delay in
OMC‐KSJ Page195
procurement of uniform items /articles is happening due to absence of a well‐
established provisioning wing in the KF&RS headquarters. The establishment of
a provisioning wing has now been recommended in the chapter dealing with
re‐structuring of the KF&RS Headquarters of this report. The non‐issue of
uniform articles has adverse impact on the morale and confidence of
firefighting personnel.
14.3.9NEED FOR PROCURMENT OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
(PPEs):
The Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs) are a must firefighting force.
Lack of PPEs is retarding factor in emergency/disaster management operations
and decreases the efficiency and performance of the department. The PPEs
builds the confidence and morale of the fire fighters and helps in efficient and
effective firefighting operations. The following is the list of recommended PPEs
for the fire & rescue servicess world over.
Helmet with head lamp and ear phone
Water bottle with sling
Face Mask & safety (Eye protection) Goggles
Gas mask
Rain Coats
Ear protection
Safety steel‐toe boots
Safety belt
Knee pads
Heat resistance and cut resistance gloves
Overalls fire resistant suit
Personal safety line (sash cord) 15” length
Gum boot / safety boot / firefighting boot for foot protection
Fire entry Suit
Fire proximity Suit
Chemical Suit
Fire men axe
Breathing apparatus (Light weight)
Diving Suit
OMC‐KSJ Page196
Buoyancy aids like life jackets and immersion suits
The helmets and gum boots are being issued by the department but its
issue is erratic and irregular. The last issue of helmet was done in 2009 and few
gum boots were last issued in 2012. The Commandant General, KF&RS
department should therefore conduct the audit of stock of these two items of
PPEs on priority and streamline the procurement and issue of these two PPE
items. The quality of helmets being procured now should also be reviewed as
they don’t have head lamp and ear phone facility. The helmet should be of light
weight and made of polycarbonate fibre.
The other PPE item in the inventory of KF&RS department is the
breathing apparatus but the number is not adequate. It is recommended that
there should be a minimum of five breathing apparatus per turn out in each
fire station.
Since the procurement of PPEs is essential to enhance the efficiency of
the fire & rescue servicess, the Commandant General, KF&RS department
should fix the scale of PPEs for each fire station and fire fighter and take action
to procure them on priority.
This will help in motivating the fire fighters of KF&RS for better output
and results.
14.3.10NEED FOR DUTY AND SPORTS MEET:
There is no professional platform available to the Kerala fire & rescue
services department personnel to exhibit and excel in professional matters. The
KF&RS department should therefore organise annual duty meet for the fire &
rescue services personnel on the lines of police duty meet. This will help to
enhance the professionalism and also generate competitive professionalism
among the fire &rescue personnel. The Commandant General, KF&RS
department should therefore take immediate initiative in this regard and
organise the first duty meet during the financial year 2014‐15 positively. The
Govt. of Kerala should sanction required fund for this purpose on the basis of
proposal of the Commandant General, KF&RS department.
After successful conduct of duty meet in 2014‐15 the initiative to
organise the sports meet in subsequent years should be taken. The holding of
OMC‐KSJ Page197
duty and sports meet will go long way in inculcating the camaraderie and
sportsman spirit among the fire & rescue services personnel.
CHAPTER‐15
‘HOUSING STATUS: AVAILABILITY OF LAND / FIRE STATION BUILDING /
FAMILY ACCOMMODATION IN KF&RS DEPARTMENT’
OMC‐KSJ Page198
15. HOUSING STATUS: AVAILABILITY OF LAND / FIRE STATION BUILDING / FAMILY ACCOMMODATION IN KF&RS
DEPARTMENT:
15.1 INTRODUCTION:
The following statement informs the availability of land / buildings for the fire stations and family accommodations for
KF&RS department personnel.
15.1.1DISTRICT WISE DETAILS OF FIRE STATIONS FUNCTIONING IN GOVT. / PRIVATE / PANCHAYAT / MUNICIPALITY
BUILDINGS:
Sl.
No. District Name of Fire station
Whether
functioning in
Government
building or
Panchayath /
Municipality
/Corporation /
other building
The area of
land under
possession if
the Fire
Station is
functioning in
Government
Building
Whether rent
paid by the
Department or
not; if fire
station is
functioning in
Panchayath /
Municipality /
Corporation /
others building
Availability of
family
quarters. If yes
number/ type
of family
quarters at
each locality.
Remarks
1 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Government 85.14 cent N.A No
2 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CHACKA Government 2.75 acre N.A 46 (A‐6, B‐40)
3 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM NEYYATTINKARA Municipality N.A Rent free No
OMC‐KSJ Page199
4 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM VIZHINJAM Harbour
Department N.A Rent free No
5 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ATTINGAL Government 40 cent N.A No
6 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM VARKALA Government 2acre 31cent N.A No
7 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM PARASSALA Panchayat N.A Rent free No
8 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM NEDUMANGAD Municipality N.A Rent free No
9 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM KATTAKKADA Panchayat N.A Rent free No
40 Cents of land has been
acquired by KF&RS
department from
Kattakad Panchayat. Building not
yet constructed
10 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM POOVAR Panchayat N.A Rent free No
11 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM KAZHAKKUTTAM Technopark N.A Rent free No
60 cents of land is available near
OMC‐KSJ Page200
Kazhakkutam bypass in
the name of department
But no action so far to build fire station building.
12 KOLLAM KADAPPAKADA Government 2.68 acre N.A 21(A‐9,B‐12)
13 KOLLAM CHAMANKKADA Government 27.7 cent N.A No
14 KOLLAM KUNDARA Government 2.56 acre N.A No
15 KOLLAM PUNALUR Government 1.54 acre N.A No
16 KOLLAM KADAKKAL Panchayat N.A Rent free No
70 Cents of land is already available with the
department but no action so far to
construct
OMC‐KSJ Page201
the fire station building.
17 KOLLAM KARUNAGAPALLY Private N.A Rent by
Department No
18 KOLLAM PARAVOOR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
19 KOLLAM KOTTARAKKARA Panchayat N.A Rent free No
20 KOLLAM SASTHAMKOTTA Private N.A Rent by
Department No
21 PATHANAMTHITTA PATHANAMTHITTA Government 48 cent N.A No
22 PATHANAMTHITTA ADOOR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
1.80 acre of
land is
already
available
with the
department
but no
action so
far to
construct
the fire
station
building.
OMC‐KSJ Page202
23 PATHANAMTHITTA THIRUVALLA Government 48 cent N.A No
24 PATHANAMTHITTA RANNI Private N.A Rent by
Department No
25 PATHANAMTHITTA SEETHATHODE Panchayat N.A Rent free No
56 Cents of
land is
already
available
with the
department.
Construction
of fire
station
building in
progress.
26 KOTTAYAM KOTTAYAM Government 70 cent N.A 16(B‐16)
27 KOTTAYAM KANJIRAPPALLY Private N.A Rent by
Department No
28 KOTTAYAM CHANGANACHERRY Government 1.58 acre N.A No
29 KOTTAYAM PALA Government 1.52 acre N.A No
30 KOTTAYAM ERATTUPETTAH Private N.A Rent by
Department No
31 KOTTAYAM PAMBADI Panchayat N.A Rent by
Panchayath No
OMC‐KSJ Page203
32 KOTTAYAM KADUTHURUTHY Panchayat N.A Rent by
Panchayath No
33 ALAPPUZHA ALAPPUZHA Government 1.04 acre N.A No
34 ALAPPUZHA CHENGANNUR Municipality N.A Rent free No
35 ALAPPUZHA KAYAMKULAM Government 2.5 acre N.A 14 (A‐6,B‐8)
36 ALAPPUZHA MAVELIKKARA Government 44 cent N.A No
37 ALAPPUZHA CHERTHALA Government 1.5 acre N.A No
38 ERNAKULAM ERNAKULAM Government 2 acre N.A No
39 ERNAKULAM CLUB ROAD Government 60 cent N.A 32 (B‐32)
40 ERNAKULAM MATTANCHERY Government 1.90 acre N.A 34 (B‐34)
41 ERNAKULAM THRIKKAKARA Government 94 cent N.A No
42 ERNAKULAM ALUVA Government 50 cent N.A No
43 ERNAKULAM ELOOR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
44 ERNAKULAM ANGAMALY Government 45 cent N.A No
OMC‐KSJ Page204
45 ERNAKULAM PERUMBAVOOR Government 50 cent N.A No
46 ERNAKULAM KOTHAMANGALAM Government 2 acre N.A No
47 ERNAKULAM MUVATTUPUZHA Municipality N.A Rent free No
48 ERNAKULAM PIRAVOM Government 12 cent N.A No
49 ERNAKULAM THRIPPUNITHURA Government 50 cent N.A No
50 ERNAKULAM NORTH PARAVUR Government 38 cent N.A No
51 ERNAKULAM KOOTHATTUKULAM Panchayat N.A Rent free No
52 ERNAKULAM KALLOORKAD Panchayat N.A Rent free No
53 ERNAKULAM FORT KOCHI TRNG
SCHOOL Government 93 cent N.A 9 (B‐9)
54 THRISSUR THRISSUR Government 95 cent N.A 19 (A‐1,B‐18)
55 THRISSUR CHALAKUDY Private N.A Rent by
Department No
56 THRISSUR GURUVAYOOR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
57 THRISSUR MALA Government 25 cent N.A No
OMC‐KSJ Page205
58 THRISSUR IRINJALAKUDA Government 2.52 acre N.A No
59 THRISSUR KUNNAMKULAM Government 1.18 acre N.A 22 (A‐1,B‐21)
60 THRISSUR PUTHUKKADU Government 25 cent N.A No
61 THRISSUR VADAKKENCHERRY(TSR) Government 20 cent N.A No
62 THRISSUR KF&RS, ACADEMY
VIYYUR Government 8 acre N.A 11 (A‐5,B‐6)
63 IDUKKI KATTAPPANA Private N.A Rent by
Department No
64 IDUKKI MUNNAR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
65 IDUKKI THODUPUZHA Private N.A Rent by
Department No
66 IDUKKI IDUKKI Government 50 cent N.A No
67 MALAPPURAM MALAPPURAM Government 2.26 acre N.A 38 (A‐7,B‐31)
68 MALAPPURAM TIRUR Government 74 cent N.A No
69 MALAPPURAM PERINTHALMANNA Government 40 cent N.A 6 (A‐2, B‐4)
70 MALAPPURAM PONNANI Government 4 acre N.A 22(A‐1,B‐21)
OMC‐KSJ Page206
71 MALAPPURAM NILAMPUR Municipality N.A Rent free No
72 PALAKKADU PALAKKADU Government 1.02 acre N.A 22 (A‐4, B‐18)
3 ‘A’ type
quarters
taken for
Div. Office
73 PALAKKADU CHITTUR Government 2 acre N.A No
74 PALAKKADU ALATHUR Private N.A Not fixed No
75 PALAKKADU SHORNUR Government 1 acre N.A No
76 PALAKKADU KANJIKODE Government 25.5 cent N.A No
77 PALAKKADU VADAKKUMCHERY(PKD) Panchayat N.A Panchayath No
78 PALAKKADU MANNARKADU Panchayat N.A Panchayath No
79 WAYANAD KALPETTA Government 56.5 cent N.A No
80 WAYANAD SULTHANBATHERY Government 1 acre N.A No
81 WAYANAD MANANTHAVADY Panchayat N.A Rent free No
24.5 Cents
of land is
already
available
with the
OMC‐KSJ Page207
department
but no
action so
far to
construct
the fire
station
building.
82 KOZHIKODE MEENCHANTHA Government 1.47 acre N.A 56 (A‐8,B‐48)
83 KOZHIKODE BEECH Government 81 cent N.A 17 (A‐1,B‐16)
84 KOZHIKODE VELLIMADUKUNNU PWD N.A Rent free No
85 KOZHIKODE VADAKARA Government 2.05 acre N.A No
86 KOZHIKODE PERAMBRA Government 18.82 cent N.A No
87 KOZHIKODE NARIKKUNI Private N.A Rent by
Department No
88 KOZHIKODE MUKKOM Private N.A Rent by
Department No
89 KOZHIKODE NADAPURAM Panchayat N.A Rent free No
90 KANNUR KANNUR Government 1.27 acre N.A 22 (A‐1,B‐21)
91 KANNUR IRITTY Panchayat N.A Rent free No
OMC‐KSJ Page208
92 KANNUR THALASSERY Government 1.7 acre N.A 23 (A‐1,B‐22)
93 KANNUR KOOTHUPARAMBU Municipality N.A Rent free No
94 KANNUR MATTANUR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
1.03 acre of land
acquired by the
department from the Mattanur
municipality during
2012. The construction
of fire station
building yet to start.
95 KANNUR THALIPARAMBU Private N.A Rent by
Department No
96 KANNUR PAYYANUR Government 1.52acre N.A No
97 KANNUR PERAVOOR Private N.A Rent by
Department No
98 KANNUR PERINGOM Panchayat N.A Rent free No
99 KASARGODE KASARGODE Government 1.70 acre N.A 22 (A‐1,B‐21)
OMC‐KSJ Page209
100 KASARGODE UPPALA Panchayat N.A Rent free No
1.5 acre of land has been
acquired by the
department.
But construction
of fire station
building yet to start.
101 KASARGODE KUTTIKKOL Government 2 acre N.A No
102 KASARGODE THIKARRIPUR Government 2.50 acre N.A No
103 KASARGODE KANHANGAD Government 17 cent N.A No
17 cents of land has been
acquired by the
department in 2010. Action to construct fire station building is yet to start.
OMC‐KSJ Page210
15.1.2DISTRICT WISE ABSTRACT OF FIRE STATIONS FUNCTIONING IN GOVT.,
PANCHAYAT, MUNICIPALITY, OTHER DEPARTMENT AND PRIVATE
BUILDINGS:
Sl. No District Number of fire stations working
in Govt. b
uild
ing
Number of fire stations working
in Pan
chayat build
ing
Number of fire stations working
in M
unicipality build
ing
Number of fire stations working
in other Departm
ent build
ing
Number of fire stations working
in Private build
ing
Total
1 Thiruvananthapuram 4 3 2
1
(Harbour
Deptt.)
1 11
2 Kollam 4 2 3 9
3 Pathanamthitta 2 1 2 5
4 Kottayam 3 2 2 7
5 Alappuzha 4 1 5
6 Ernakulam 11 2 1 1 15
7 Idukki 1 3 4
8 Thrissur 6 2 8
9 Palakkad 4 2 1 7
10 Malappuram 4 1 5
OMC‐KSJ Page211
11 Kozhikode 4 1 1(PWD) 2 8
12 Wayanad 2 1 3 6
13 Kannur 3 2 1 6
14 Kasargode 4 1 5
15 KF&RS Academy,
Viyyur *
16 Fort Kochi Training
School *
Total 56 17 6 2 20 101
* The details of buildings are given in the chapter dealing with modernisation of
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. There is one two storeyed training building and
9 family quarters in the Fort Kochi Training School.
15.1.3 The information in paras 15.1.1 and 15.1.2 above has been collected by
personally contacting the ADO offices and Fire Stations from the Commission’s
office as the data on the subject was not completely available in the KF&RS
headquarters and other relevant offices. The in accuracy if any in the data may be
overlooked.
15.1.4 It is disheartening to note that as much as 55% fire & rescue stations are
without land and buildings of their own. They are functioning in the private /
panchayat / municipality / rented buildings which do not have adequate facility
required for proper functioning of fire stations. In addition; a number of existing
buildings need re‐construction because of their dilapidated conditions. This also
acts against the efficiency and morale of the departmental personnel. It is
therefore necessary to construct the buildings at the locations of the existing fire
stations on priority wherever the land is available but buildings are not
constructed so far due to various reasons.
OMC‐KSJ Page212
15.1.5 The existing fire stations are of different dimensions and designs. There is
need to standardise the design of the fire station building. The following number
of bays according to the scale of fire station is recommended.
I. The one pumping unit size fire station should be 4 bay building.
II. The two pumping unit size fire station should be 6 bay building.
III. The three pumping unit size fire station should be 7 bay building.
IV. The four pumping unit size fire station should be 10 bay building.
V. The fire stations should have adequate facility for watch rooms,
office rooms for STO, ASTO, LFs, store rooms, dormitories,
recreation rooms, Driver Mechanic room with attached workshop
room, sufficient number of guest rooms to accommodate the
visiting officers / personnel, one lakh litres capacity underground
water tank and open space for drill and practical demonstration
purpose etc. The number of bays in a fire station will be according
to the pumping units’ size fire station as suggested above.
VI. There are no accommodation facilities available for the visiting
KF&RS officers and men especially in the big cities and district
headquarters. They are at great inconvenience for want of proper
accommodation facilities during their official tours. It is therefore
recommended that some single and double rooms with minimum
facility should be constructed at the existing offices or fire station
buildings in district headquarters for the visiting KF&RS officers
and men. For example the KF&RS headquarters building at
Thiruvananthapuram can be easily modified to construct some
rooms for visiting KF&RS officers and men. If there is no scope for
partitions or modifications in the existing buildings in district
headquarters then the guest room(s) facility can be constructed in
the terrace of the buildings. The provision of guest rooms /
dormitory for the visiting KF&RS officers and men should be
included in all the new fire station building constructions here in
after.
OMC‐KSJ Page213
VII. The Commandant General KF&RS department should therefore
constitute a board of officers to deliberate and decide the
standard design of fire stations buildings keeping in mind the size
of the fire station and location of the fire station and incorporate
the above mentioned facility for visiting officers and personnel.
This task can also be outsourced to any architect.
VIII. The Commandant General KF&RS department should also decide
about the requirement of land for each type of fire station as
there is no criterion adopted so far for acquiring the land for fire
stations of different sizes and the family quarters.
15.1.6 The fire stations at Kattakada (Thiruvananthapuram), Kazhakkuttan
(Thiruvananthapuram), Kadakkal (Kollam), Adoor (Pathanamthitta), Seethathode
(Pathanamthitta), Mananthavady (Wayanad), Mattanur (Kannur), Kanhangad
(Kassargod) and Uppala (Kassargod) are presently functioning in privte /
panchayat / municipality buildings but land have been acquired for these fire
stations. It is therefore recommended that the adequate funds for the construction of the fire stations and minimum 10 family quarters at these 9 places should be released by the Govt. during 2014‐15. The Commandant General, KF&RS
department should take up the matter with Govt. immediately for sanctioning the
required funds for construction of fire station buildings and at least 10 numbers of
family quarters each at above mentioned 9 places.
15.2 AVAILABILITY OF FAMILY QUARTERS IN KF&RS DEPARTMENT:
15.2.1 The family quarters are available at following locations in KF&RS
department.
Sl. No. LOCATION Type ‘A’ Type ‘B’
1 Fire Station, Chacka, Thiruvananthapuram
6 40
2 Fire Station, Kadappakkada, Kollam
9 12
3 Fire Station, 0 16
OMC‐KSJ Page214
Kottayam
4 Fire Station, Kayamkulam
6 8
5 Fire Station, Club‐Road, Ernakulam
0 32
6 Fire Station, Mattancherry
0 34
7 Fire Station, Thrissur 1 18
8 Fire Station, Kunnmakulam
1 21
9 Fire Station, Malappuram
7 31
10 Fire Station, Perinthalmanna
2 4
11 Fire Station, Ponnani 1 21
12 Fire Station, Palakkad
4 18
13 Fire Station, Meenchantha, Kozhikkode
8 48
14 Fire Station, Kozhikode Beech
1 16
15 Fire Station, Kannur 1 21
16 Fire Station, Thalasserry
1 22
17 Fire Station, Kasargode
1 21
18 KF&RS, Academy,Viyyur
5 6
19 Fort Kochi Training School
0 9
Total 54 398
OMC‐KSJ Page215
15.2.2 The following is revealed from above statement of family quarters:
I. There is acute shortage of family quarters.
II. Only 452 (A & B Type included) family quarters available against the
sanctioned strength of 4274 including ministerial staff. The family
accommodation is available for only 10.57% of sanctioned strength of
KF&RS department. That means average one out of ten employees is
having the comfort of family accommodation. This is really revealing.
III. The family quarters are available only at seventeen locations against the
101 locations of fire stations. The 84 locations are without any family
quarters. This is highly skewed development.
IV. It is true that at many locations there may not be much demand for family
quarters but it is really sad commentary on the affairs of the department
that there is no accommodation whatsoever at 84 locations. This cannot be
accepted as normal. It is therefore recommended that there should be at
least 10 family quarters at every fire station location either in the fire
station premises or at nearby place.
V. For constructing more than 10 family quarters at any fire station location;
the demand for family quarters at each fire station location will have to be
assessed /surveyed afresh.
VI. The demand for family quarters is generally in almost all district
headquarters and big cities. But before planning the construction of family
quarters we should find out the sought after locations for family
accommodation. The Commandant General, KF& RS department should
therefore conduct the survey in this regard among the department
personnel and ascertain the favourite locations for family
accommodations and then plan the construction of family quarters at
such favoured locations.
VII. The department should strive for at least 50% satisfaction level as far as
family accommodations is concerned in next five years beginning from F.Y.
2014‐15. That is the Govt. /Department should strive to build at least
2000 dwelling units for KF&RS department in next 5 years.
VIII. The existing dwelling units available in the department lack in basic
facilities. There is urgent need to change the design of the dwelling units of
OMC‐KSJ Page216
the KF&RS department with more rooms etc. there are only two types of
family quarters available now.
IX. There should be at least four types of family quarters for the KF&RS
department personnel. The Type –I for Fireman / LF / FDCPO / DM and
corresponding rank personnel, Type‐II for ASTO / STO and corresponding
rank personnel, Type‐III for ADO / DO and corresponding rank officers and
Type –IV for Dy. Director & above and corresponding rank senior officers.
The Commandant General, KF&RS department should devise the design
and plan for the suggested types of family quarters to be constructed
hereinafter. X. The most disturbing aspect is the total lack of interest / orientation among
the KF&RS department officers at all levels to pay concerted attention
towards acquiring land and other infra‐structure development works. The
new provisioning wing proposed in the KF&RS department headquarters
and the entire field officers at all levels shall be entrusted with this task of
finding land and revamping construction activity in the KF&RS department.
The Commandant General, KF&RS department should take necessary
initiatives in this regard.
15.3 CONSTRUCTION BY KERALA POLICE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION
CORPORATION LTD.
It is seen that the fire station buildings and family quarters of KF&RS
department are being constructed by the state PWD. It is recommended that
entire construction works of KF&RS department should be entrusted to Kerala
Police Housing Construction Corporation Ltd. The Memorandum of Association of
KPHCC Ltd. clearly states that one of the objectives of the KPHCC Ltd. would be
the construction of Fire & Rescue Services department buildings and family
quarters. The Govt. should therefore order that the construction works of KF&RS
department shall be taken over by the KPHCCwith immediate effect and allot the
construction budget of KF&RS department direct to KPHCC Ltd. instead of PWD
head of Account as being done at present.
The construction of fire stations and family quarters at Kattakada
(Thiruvananthapuram), Kazhakkuttan (Thiruvananthapuram), Kadakkal (Kollam),
OMC‐KSJ Page217
Adoor (Pathanamthitta), Seethathode (Pathanamthitta), Mananthavady
(Wayanad), Mattanur (Kannur), Kanhangad (Kassargod) and Uppala (Kassargod);
where land has already been acquired by the department should be taken over by
the KPHCC Ltd.
15.4 Public ‐ Private Partnership in construction of fire stations & family
quarters:
It to be noted here that a number of fire stations along with family quarters
have been constructed in Bengaluru city and one in Mysore city by the corporate
houses. The facilities provided are ultra‐modern in line with the corporate
ambience and culture. The Commandant General, KF&RS department can also
persuade some of the industrial concerns and other institutions in Govt. and
private sector to construct few fire station building with few family quarters in the
state on the pattern of public‐private partnership venturein construction of fire
stations & family quarters as seen in Karnataka state. The one such place which
comes to mind easily is the construction of fire station, Techno‐park for which the
land is available. This should be tried with the Techno‐park authorities.
OMC‐KSJ Page218
CHAPTER‐16
‘MODERNISATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF KERALA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES
ACADEMY VIYYUR,THRISSUR ’
OMC‐KSJ Page219
16. MODERNISATION / DEVELOPMENTOF KERALA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES
ACADEMY, VIYYUR, THRISSUR
16.1.1The Fire Force Training School, Fort Kochi started functioning in the year 1964 for
imparting basic training to Fire force personnel.
16.1.2The Fire Force Training School, Fort Kochi was shifted lock, stock and barrel to
Viyyur, Thrissur and renamed as Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy
Viyyur, Thrissur in the year 2007 as per G.O (M.S.) No. 1788/2007 Home dated
04/07/2007. The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyur, Thrissur was
inaugurated by the then Hon. Chief Minister on 12/07/2007. It is situated
adjacent to Kerala Police Academy, Thrissur and opposite to Govt. Engineering
College, Thrissur and is about 7 KMs away from Thrissur town. The Academy is
spread over in an area of 8 acres land of Its own.
16.1.3It is the one and only training centre of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Department for imparting basic and in‐service training to fire & rescue service
personnel. Presently the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyur,
Thrissur is conducting training such as Basic Fireman training course, Basic
Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator Course, Leading Fireman (in‐service)
Course, Driver Mechanic Eligibility (in service) course, Driver Mechanic ( in
service) Course, Training of Trainers ( in service) course (for STOs, ASTOs and
LFs), Assistant Station Officers ( in service) Course, Station officers Induction (
in service) Course and Station management ( in service) course. But large
numbers of Firemen are still sent to Kerala Police Academy for basic training
for lack of adequate training facility in the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Academy Viyyur, Thrissur. The courses conducted at Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services Academy Viyyur, Thrissur so far since its inception is given below.
OMC‐KSJ Page220
SL.
No.
COURSES CONDUCTED AT KF&RS ACADEMY,
VIYYUR, THRISSUR
PERIOD
No. O
F TR
AINEES
KER
ALA
POLICE ACADEM
Y,
THRISSU
R
KF&
RS, A
CADEM
Y,
VIYYUR
Remarks
FROM TO
1. TOT (1St Batch)
03.08.07 23.08.07 67 67
2. TOT (2nd Batch)
06.09.07 26.09.07 46 46
3.
Basic Training Course for
Fireman Recruits (12th Batch)
22.10.07 21.04.08 383 300 83
There were 4 candidates from VSSC and 2 from FACT in this batch of 83 trainees.
4. ASTO Course In‐Service (21st Batch)
23.01.08 22.05.08 36 36
5.
Basic Training Course for
Fireman Recruits (13th Batch)
24.03.08 23.09.08 349 300 49
6. L/F Course In‐Service (32nd Batch)
23.05.08 22.07.08 81 81
OMC‐KSJ Page221
7. Driver Mechanic Course In‐Service
(11th Batch)
05.06.08 4.10.08 10 10
8 candidates were Fireman Driver Cum
Pump Operator (for In‐service
training) and 2 Directly
recruited (for Basic recruit training)
8.
Sub‐Officer
( 90th Batch of Sub officer Course of NFSC, Nagpur)
02.06.08
27.06.08
35
35
Sub officer Course
trainees from National Fire & rescue services College, Nagpur
underwent attachment Course in the
KF&RS Academy. Out of these 35 trainees sent by NFSC, Nagpur, 10
were Defense personnel.
9. L/F Course In‐Service (33rd Batch)
27.06.08 26.08.08 75 75
10. L/F Course In‐Service (34th Batch)
17.09.08 15.11.08 65 65
OMC‐KSJ Page222
11.
Basic Training Course for
Fireman Recruits (14th Batch)
05.11.08 4.05.09 35 35
There was one trainee from VSSC in this batch of trainees.
12. External Sub‐
Officers (22nd Batch)
01.12.08 26.12.08 27 27
Trainees from Regional Training
Center, New Delhi
sponsored by NFSC, Nagpur
13. Induction Course
of STO’s. (1st Batch)
04.12.08 17.12.08 15 15
14. ASTO Course In‐Service (22nd Batch)
16.02.09 15.6.09 31 31
15. ASTO Course In‐Service (23rd Batch)
18.06.09 19.10.09 58 58
16. Basic Training
Course for FDCPO (13th Batch)
21.10.09 20‐02‐10 9 9
17. Driver Mechanic Eligibility Course.
(1st Batch)
26.04.10 25.10.10 30 30
18. ASTO Course In‐Service (24th Batch)
10.05.10 09.09.10 38 38
19. ASTO Course In‐Service (25th Batch)
22.09.10 21.01.11 73 73
OMC‐KSJ Page223
20.
Driver Mechanic Course
In‐Service (12th Batch)
27.01.11 26.05.11 25 25
21.
Station Management
Course (1st Batch)
02.08.11 12.08.11 23 23
22. L/F Course In‐Service (35th Batch)
01.09.11 31.10.11 61 61
23.
Basic Training Course for
Fireman Recruits (15th Batch)
08.06.11 07.12.11 13 13
24. Driver Mechanic
Eligibility (2 nd Batch)
15.09.11 14.03.12 23 23
25. L/F Course In‐Service (36 th Batch)
15.02.12 14.04.12 38 38
26. L/F Course In‐Service (37 th Batch)
22.02.12 21.04.12 28 28
27. TOT (3rd Batch)
27.04.12 22.05.12 28 28
28.
Basic Training Course for Fireman
Recruits. (16th Batch)
11.07.12 10.01.13 523 400 123
29. L/F Course In‐Service (38 th Batch)
06.08.12 05.10.12 80 80
OMC‐KSJ Page224
16.1.4 It is observed that the academy is at present conducting only basic and
promotion / in‐services courses. It should also organise the following specialised
courses for the KF&RS department officers and personnel as recommended by the
‘National Disaster Management Guidelines‐Scaling, Type of Equipment and
Training of Fire & rescue servicess; A publication of the National Disaster
Management Authority, Government of India’.
30. Driver Mechanic
Course. In‐service. (13th Batch)
17.10.12 16.02.13 12 12
31.
ASTO Course In‐Service
(26th Batch)
08.11.12 07.03.13 33 33
32.
Fireman Driver cum Pump
Operator (FDCPO) Basic Course (14th Batch)
04.03.13 04.07. 13 225 225
33. Driver Mechanic Basic Course ( 14th batch)
18.03.13 17.07. 13 1 1
34.
ASTO Course In‐Service
(27th Batch)
17.08.13 16.12. 13 39 39
35.
Ongoing Driver Mechanic Eligibility
Course (3rd Batch)
17.08.13 16.02. 14 16 16
Grand Total 2631 1000 1631
OMC‐KSJ Page225
i. Basic Disaster course,
ii. General Search &Rescue Course,
iii. Fire Fighting First Responder Course
iv. Collapsed structure : Search & Rescue Course
v. Flood / Cyclone Disaster Response Course
vi. Earthquake Disaster Response Course
vii. Breathing Apparatus Course
viii. Fire Prevention Course
These courses should be conducted only after the development of
proper training infrastructure and creation of adequate number of training posts
in the academy as recommended in this report. The details of the curriculum are
also given in the above quoted NDMA publication. These courses will enhance the
professionalism of the KF&RS department officers and personnel.
16.1.5 TRAINING OF OUTSIDERS AT KF&RS ACADEMY:
The facilities at KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur can also be utilized for
imparting training to the persons sponsored by other Government agencies, PSUs,
private companies/organisations and private individuals in firefighting techniques.
There are several private institutions engaged in the business of imparting training
in firefighting techniques to the private individuals and thriving by collecting
substantial amount of training fees. The training imparted at KF&RS Academy,
Viyyur, Thrissur will be qualitatively far superior to the training given by private
fire training institutions. We achieve the following objectives by such initiative.
First; this will be a revenue generation scheme for the KF&RS department, Second;
the resources (manpower and equipment) of academy will be put to continuous
use without remaining idle, third; the private persons will get quality training since
OMC‐KSJ Page226
academy has qualified instructors with vast experience in the field of firefighting
and rescue operations, fourth; the candidates will be issued with a certificates at
the successful completion of the training that will help them to get job in various
firefighting organisations. The revenue thus generated from these courses can be
utilised for the modernization needs of the KF&RS Academy and the other
modernisation requirements of the KF&RS department.
But before taking up the task of offering training to the persons sponsored by
other Government agencies, PSUs, private companies/organisations and private
individuals in firefighting techniques; the training infrastructure and training
manpower of the academy will have to be substantially enhanced as suggested in
this proposal. The proposed courses can be as following.
16.1.6PROPOSED COURSES:
Sl. No. Name of course
Duration Eligibility Training Fees in
rupees Remarks
1
Diploma in Fire
Fighting& Engineering
6monthS
Plus‐two with science
subjects with Chemistry as one of the
main subjects
To be decided by CG, KF&RS by
having consultation with the NFSC,Nagpur
2 First Aid Fire Fighting
1month SSLC To be decided by
CG, KF&RS
3 Industrial Safety
1month SSLC with Science subjects
To be decided by CG, KF&RS
Recommendation of
concerned firm shall be
made essential
OMC‐KSJ Page227
4
Basic Fire Fighting & Safety
Regulations
10 working days
Not specified To be decided by
CG, KF&RS
Applicable for those already
working or seeking
employment in the SSI units, LPG / other gas / chemical tanker Drivers / handlers, Lorry / Taxi Drivers,
Petrol pump workers and
staff engaged in Explosive
manufacturing units / shops etc
5
Operation of fixed
firefighting installations in the high
rise buildings / apartments
5 days Not specified To be decided by
CG, KF&RS
Those already
employed or seeking
employment as security guards in
the high rise buildings / apartments.
6
Basic Fire Fighting and Disaster
Management
One week
No Fee
School / College Physical Training Teachers.
OMC‐KSJ Page228
These teachers in turn will conduct
awareness classes in their
respective schools / colleges
about basic firefighting and disaster management
16.1.7The above mentioned courses are only suggestive in nature. The KF&RS
department can devise any number of courses for outsiders taking in to
consideration their training infra‐structure and availability of trainers. The syllabus
for Diploma in Firefighting & Engineering should be prepared by the Director /
Deputy Director KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur in consultation with NFSC,
Nagpur and the statutory technical educational authority of the State
Government. The Govt. order will be required for conducting this course. The
syllabus for other courses will be prepared by the Director / Deputy Director
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur and approved by the Commandant General,
KF&RS, Department. They can be modified and re‐designed once the scheme
comes into effect. The academy can also devise /design the training courses for
the Government agencies, PSUs and private industries according to their specific
professional requirements.
OMC‐KSJ Page229
16.1.8The present existing manpower strength of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyur, Thrissur.
Sl. No Designation Sanctioned Present Vacancy
1 Deputy Director 01 01 Nil
2 Manager 01 01 Nil
3 Asst. Divisional officer 01 01 Nil
4 Station Officer 01 01 Nil
5 Station Officer (M.T) 01 01 Nil
6 Junior Supdt. 01 01 Nil
7 Asst. Station Officer 01 01 Nil
8 Leading Fireman 02 02 Nil
9 Fireman 05 05 Nil
10 Fireman Driver 04 04 Nil
11 UDC 02 02 NIl
12 LDC 01 01 Nil
13 LD Typist 01 Nil 01
14 Cook 01 01 Nil
15 Water Carrier 01 01 Nil
16 Part time sweeper 01 01 Nil
Total 25 24 01
The posts of Deputy Director (Admn.), Manager, Junior Superintendent and
one LDC in serial numbers 1, 2, 6 and 12 above respectively were shifted from
Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Headquarters Tvpm to Kerala Fire &Rescue Service
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur vide order No. GO. (M.s) No. 131/ 2009/ Home dated
17.08. 2009. These posts will have to be shifted back to Kerala Fire & Rescue
OMC‐KSJ Page230
Service Headquarters Tvpm; once the new posts are created for the Kerala Fire
&Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
The posts of ADO (1‐Nos), Station Officer (1‐Nos), Asst. Station officer (1‐
Nos), LF (2‐Nos), Fireman (5‐Nos), Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator (4‐Nos),
UDC (2‐Nos), LD typist (1‐Nos), Cook (1‐Nos), Water Carrier (1‐Nos), and Part Time
Sweeper (1‐Nos), mentioned in serial numbers 3,4,5, 7 to 11 and 13 to 16 above
respectively were permanently shifted from Fire Force Training School, Fort Kochi
at the time of opening of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services academy, Viyyur, Thrissur
in 2007.
The one post of Station Officer (MT) was subsequently created in Kerala Fire
& Rescue Services academy, Viyyur, Thrissur during 2012.
16.1.9It is therefore very clear that not even a single training instructor’s and
administrative post has been created since the opening of the Kerala Fire &
Rescue Services academy, Viyyur, Thrissur in 2007. This is a serious handicap not
only in the day‐to‐day running of the academy but proving a stumbling block in
the development of the academy in to a full‐fledged training institution of repute
and excellence.
16.1.10The modernisation and development of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur is of utmost importance because a full‐fledged training
institution with all the facilities is urgently required to meet the training
requirements of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services department. A large number of
Firemen are still sent to Kerala Police Academy for basic training due to lack of
adequate training facility and training faculty in the Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services Academy Viyyur, Thrissur. The modernisation and development of Kerala
Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyur, Thrissur is absolutely essential for its
OMC‐KSJ Page231
recognition as Regional Training Centre and accreditation /affiliation to NFSC,
Nagpur so that the basic training of STOs and other mandatory in‐service trainings
courses for STOs, ADOs and DOs can be conducted here itself. At present they are
sent to NFSC, Nagpur for which we have to depend on their training schedule and
availability of seats for each in‐service training course. This adversely affects our
training needs and opportunities. We can our self organise more frequent in‐
service and other professionally relevant courses to better equip and train our fire
and rescue service personnel. A professionally conceived and organised training
academy is therefore a sin‐ qua‐ non for the growth and development of any
organisation. The modernisation and development of Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services Academy Viyyur, Thrissur is therefore being suggested with the following
components.
i) CREATION OF NEW POSTS
TRAINING STAFF
TRAINING ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF
MINISTERIAL STAFF
ii) INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE
iii) PROVISION FOR SUFFICIENT BUDGET ALLOCATION
16.2CREATION OF NEW POSTS:
16.2.1As mentioned above not even a single post of training, administrative and
ministerial staff has been created since the opening of the Kerala Fire & Rescue
Services academy, Viyyur, Thrissur in 2007. The affairs of academy are being
OMC‐KSJ Page232
managed by the meager staff strength of 25 posts. Out of which; the posts of
Deputy Director (Admn.), Manager, Junior Superintendent and one LDC were
shifted from Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Headquarters Tvpm to Kerala Fire
&Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur vide order No. GO. (M.s) No. 131/
2009/ Home dated 17.08. 2009. Subsequently, during 2012‐13 the post of Deputy
Director (Admn.) was shifted back to KFRS Hqrs and Director (Technical) KFRS Hqrs
transferred to KFRS Academy. These posts of Director (Technical), Manager, Junior
Superintendent and one LDC will have to be shifted back to Kerala Fire & Rescue
Service Headquarters Tvpm once the new posts are created for the Kerala Fire
&Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. Therefore the following complement
of training, administrative and ministerial staff is being proposed for its proper
day‐to‐day functioning and meeting the growth and developmental requirement
of the Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
16.2.2PROPOSAL FOR CREATING NEW POSTS OF TRAINING STAFF.
SL.
No. Designation Existing
post New post proposed
Total Post
Remarks
1 Deputy Director (Training)
0 1 1 The post of Deputy Director (Admn.) was shifted to Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy, viyyur, Thrissur vide order No. GO. (M.s) No. 131/ 2009/ Home dated 17.08. 2009. Subsequently, during 2012‐13 the post of
2 Assistant Director (Trg)( in the rank of Divisional
Officer)
0 1 1
3 Senior Instructors
(in the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer)
1 5 6
4 Instructors
(in the rank of Station Officers)
1 9 10
OMC‐KSJ Page233
5 Assistant instructors (in the rank of Asst Station Officers)
1 10 11 Deputy Director
(Admn.) was shifted back to KFRS Hqrs
and Director (Technical) KFRS Hqrs transferred to KFRS Academy. This post is to be reverted back
to KF&RS Headquarters, once
new posts are created in Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur,
Thrissur.
6 Senior Demonstrators (in the rank of Leading
Fireman)
2 13 15
7 Junior Demonstrators ( in the rank of Fireman)
5 20 25
8 Driver Mechanic 0 2 2
9 Fireman Driver Cum
Pump Operator (FDCPO) Instructors
4 11 15
10 Senior Swimming
Demonstrators (in the rank of Leading fireman)
0 3 3
11 Junior Swimming Demonstrators
( in the rank of Fireman)
0 5 5
12 Lab Assistant 0 1 1
Total 14 81 95
OMC‐KSJ Page234
16.2.3The above statement makes it abundantly clear that there is acute shortage
of training instructors in all ranks in the Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy,
Viyyur, Thrissur. How can we ensure quantity and quality of training with such
negligible training instructors? Isn’t this an appalling state of affairs? At present
the shortage of instructors is being met by temporarily attaching officers and
personnel’s from the Fire & Rescue Station from across the state to Kerala Fire
&Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur for training purposes. But this practice
is not advisable because it is denuding the Fire & Rescue Stations of their precious
manpower and detrimental to the overall operational efficiency of the
department. At the same time their commitment to the training is also not to the
desired level. The result is both the domain of departmental activity is adversely
affected. It is naïve to believe that training institutions can be run and sustained
without posting adequate and qualified instructors. The ad‐hocism may be
acceptable in short run but it will be detrimental to the long term interest of the
training institution. The shortage of instructors has already adversely affected the
quantity and quality of training in Kerala Fire &Rescue department. The
cumulative negative effect of such prolonged shortage of training instructors is
indeed colossal. One should also remember an old axiom that an ill‐trained
soldier is worse than the un‐trained soldier. Moreover the Fire &Rescue
department personnel’s are expected to be specialist in limited area of firefighting
and rescue operations. They are required to know the functioning of all types of
firefighting and rescue equipments, which call for some basic level technical
orientation and skill and this technical skill is imparted in the basic and in‐service
trainings. Therefore the necessity of adequate number of instructors for the
Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur cannot wrapped under
carpet for long. The above proposed training staff is bare minimum and absolute
OMC‐KSJ Page235
must for ensuring satisfactory level of quantity and quality of training in the Kerala
Fire &Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
16.2.4PROPOSAL FOR CREATING NEW POSTS OF TRAINING
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF.
SL No Designation Existing
post
New post
proposed Total Post
1 Librarian 0 1 1
2 Cook 1 9 10
3 Water Carrier / Helper 1 7 8
4 Sweeper 1 4 5
5 Barber 0 2 2
6 Dhobi 0 3 3
7 Fireman (Carpenter)
0 1 1
8 Fireman (Plumber)
0 1 1
9 Fireman (Electrician) 0 1 1
10 Fireman (Blacksmith)
0 1 1
11 Fireman(Welding)
0 1 1
12 Station Officer (Store)
0 1 1
13 Leading Fireman (Store)
0 1 1
14 Fireman (Store)
0 2 2
Total 3 35 38
OMC‐KSJ Page236
16.2.5Imagine just one cook, one water carrier and one sweeper for the entire
academy. How can just one cook and one water carrier cook food three times a
day for 365 days for trainees?This is humanly impossible. The administrative
arrangements in the academy to train so many trainees at regular interval are
really pathetic. What are we trying to prove or convey to our officers and
personnel in the department? What impression the new entrant will have for the
Kerala Fire &Rescue Services department once he begins his training in the
academy? And there are no barber, dhobi, carpenter, plumber, electrician
sanctioned and posted in the Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur,
Thrissur. Is the administrative staff of just one cook, one water carrier and one
sweeper adequate for providing the administrative support to the academy which
is conducting basic and in‐service courses at regular intervals? The answer is big
‘NO’. It is therefore abundantly clear that the meagre strength of three
administrative staff cannot any longer sustain the ongoing and future training
activity of the Kerala Fire &Rescue Service Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. No training
institution can be managed without the adequate complement of administrative
staff. A sound administrative cover is must for any training institution. One can
ignore the requirement ofadministrative staff for operational/training needs at
one’s own peril. The above proposed administrative staff is bare minimum and
must for the day‐to‐day proper functioning of the Kerala Fire &Rescue Service
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
OMC‐KSJ Page237
16.2.6PROPOSAL FOR CREATING NEW POSTS OF MINISTERIAL STAFF:
SL No.
Designation Existing post
New post proposed
Total Post
Remarks
1 Manager 1 ‐ 1
The post of Manager& Junior Superintendent
and one post of LDC were shifted From KFRS
Headquarters to the Fire & Rescue Service
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur vide Order No. G.O. (M.S) No.131/2009/Home Dtd
17.8.2009.
2 Junior Superintendent 1 ‐ 1
3 Head Accountant 0 1 1
4 Lower Division Clerk(LDC)
1 2 3
5 Confidential Assistant Gr.2
0 1 1
6 Lower Division Typist 1 1 2
7 Last Grade Servant/ Peon
0 2 2
8 Gardner 0 1 1
Total 1 11 12
The office staffs are another essential requirement of any training
institution. This need no justification and needs no further elucidation.
16.2.7It needs to be re‐iterated here again that no training institution can be
functional without the adequate complement of training, administrative and
ministerial staff. These are just very –very minimal requirements for any training
institution.
OMC‐KSJ Page238
16.3 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:
16.3.1PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:
The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur is
functioning in 8 acres of land of its own with some basic facilities. It has
one administrative block comprising of Ground floor, first floor and
second floor. The administrative block is being utilized for office
functions and holding classes. The hostel block comprises of Ground
floor, first floor and second floor. It is provided with dining hall and
kitchen facilities. There is a small parade ground with a capacity of
giving out door training to about two hundred trainees at a time. The
construction of a swimming pool with a dimension of 18 meter x 15
meter is nearing completion. A total of 11 family quarters (Type II – 6,
Type III – 4, Type IV – 1) are also available in the academy premises.
16.3.2 The following additional physical infrastructure is urgently
required for full‐fledged functioning of academy.
The Academy requires more land for its proper functioning.
Therefore it is needed to look for additional land near to the
present location of academy or elsewhere. The land of
erstwhile Fire Force Training School at Fort Kochi can also
developed for conducting some selected training courses. But
that places will also have to be developed and some training
infra‐structure needs to be created there.
There is need for a minimum three storey barrack building with
all the facilities for accommodation of minimum 300 trainees as
the present hostel facility is not sufficient.
OMC‐KSJ Page239
The existing parade ground is not sufficient for the training
requirement. Therefore either the present parade ground needs
to be extended /enlarged or another parade ground to be
raised.
The requirement for 30 rooms (single and double) hostel
building for officers with attached bath room facility.
More family quarters are to be constructed in the academy for
accommodating the staff of the academy.
Building for Model Fire & Rescue Station
The playgroundfacility for games /sports needs to be created.
16.3.3 MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:
The state of availability of vehicles in the academy is very poor. At
present there are two jeeps and one mini bus only in the Academy. This
being a training institution it requires a number of general duty vehicles
for various administrative and training requirements. Therefore the
following general duty vehicles are urgently required for smooth
functioning of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor,
Thrissur.
Innova / Scorpio ‐ 2
Bolero jeep ‐ 5
Bus (45 or 39 Seater) ‐ 2
Mini buses (31 Seater) – 2
Pick up van ‐ 2
Motor cycles ‐ 5
OMC‐KSJ Page240
Lorry (Medium type) ‐1
Water Tanker/ Lorry – 1
16.3.4 TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:
Any training academy requires the vehicles &equipments that are
used by that department in day to day operational functioning for
exposure and practical training of trainees. Therefore Kerala Fire and
Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur needs the fire fighting
vehicles, appliances and equipments that are in the inventory of the
department. The Academy possesses only limited number of equipments
and appliances. During training, vehicles, appliances and equipments are
being shifted from various Fire &Rescue stations on temporary basis for
the purpose of training of trainees. This affects the normal functioning
of Fire & Rescue Stations. In fact Academy requires all the advanced
equipments and vehicles for demonstration and practical training
purposes.
A) The following is the list of vehicles neededfor training
purposes in the academy:
SL.
No Type of Vehicle Requirement
1 Water Tender 1
2 Mini water Tender& Motor Cycle with
Mist Technology 1
3 Emergency Tender with Rescue
Equipment’s 1
4 Water Bouser 1
OMC‐KSJ Page241
5 Crash Tender 1
6 Turn Table Ladder (T.T.L) 1
7 Hydraulic Platform 1
8 Hazmat vehicle with equipment’s 1
9 Breathing Apparatus (B.A.) Van 1
10 Fuel Tanker 1
11 Bulk Water Carrier 1
12 Wireless Van 1
13 Salvage Tender 1
14 Dry Chemical Power (DCP) Tender 1
15 Portable Pumps 1
16 Hose Laying Lorry 1
17 Mobile Crane 1
18 Mobile Recovery Van 1
19 Ambulance 1
20 Trailer Fire Pumps 1
21 Software Package 1
22 Rescue van with container SAR I, SA II, MFR
1
23 Fixed Fire Safety Installations 1
OMC‐KSJ Page242
B) THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ANY
FIRE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION:
EQUIPMENT LIST
1. Hydraulic Cutter 61. Chain Pulley Block (100 to 1000 Kg.)
2. Hydraulic Spreader 62. Coromandel Ropes
(8,10,12 and 13 mm)
3. Hydraulic Combi tools 63. Anchor Plate
4. Hydraulic Telescopic Ram 64. Tripod
5. Power Hammer 65. Roll Tapes
6. Rotary Hammer 66. Rigging Plate
7. Power Chisel 67. Carabineers Different Types
8. Power bore Drill 68. Ascender
9. Power Drill 69. Descender
10. Power Spreader 70. Anchor Plate
11. Telescopic Power Ram 71. Anchor
12. Power Circular Saw 72. Automatic Ascender
13. Pneumatic Lifting Bags(Different sizes)
73. Rope Launcher
14. Sealing kit 74. Tirfor
15. Sizing kit 75. Pulley Blocks (1, 1/2, 2/3)
16. Delsar 76. Rope Sealing Kit
17. Victim Location Camera 77. Lifebuoy
OMC‐KSJ Page243
18. Thermal Image Camera 78. Life Jacket
19. Snake Eye Camera 79. Rubber Boat
20. Remote ReceiveCamera
80. Asgard Boat with OBM
21. Man Detector 81. Water Rescue Equipment Kit
22. Con‐space 82. Communication Kit
23. Gas Detector 83. Ham Radio
24. Smoke Detector 84. Power Lifter
25. Heat Detector 85. Scramble Net
26. Power Chain Saw 86. Floating Aids
27. Circular Saw 87. De‐contamination Set
28. Bullet Diamond Saw 88. Canister Bag
29. Concrete Saw 89. Breathing Apparatus
30. Wooden Saw 90. Holster
31. Devalt wooden Saw 91. Retractor
32. Fireman Kit 92. Body Harness with Pad
33. Nail Gun 93. Metz
34. Nail Pockets 94. Smoke Exhauster
35. Different Measuring Tape 95. Portable Floating Water
Pump
36. Wedges 96. Manikins Different Size
(Child/Adult)
37. Rubber Pad 97. Wound Kit
OMC‐KSJ Page244
38. Nail Pad 98. Splint Kit
39. Pine Wood Kit 99. Portable AED
40. Shoring System(Gray and Gold)
100. Portable Oxygen Cylinder
41. Gen. Set (petrol) 101. Human Body Stretcher
42. Gen. Set (Electrical) 102. Fire Blanket
43. Gen. Set (portable) 103. Burn Shield Water Gel
Blanket
44. Flood Light 104. Insects Protection Suit
45. Telescopic Light 105. Chemical Protective Clothing
46. Portable Light 106. Fire Entry Suit
47. Searching Light 107. Fire Proximity Suit
48. Head Search Lamp 108. Photographic Equipments
with accessories
49. Dust Plug 109. Rescue Belt
50. Air Plug 110. Light Weight BA Sets
51. Nose Plug 111. Under Water BA Sets
(SCUBA)
52. Eye Shield 112. BA Cylinder Compressor Unit
53. Leather Hand Gloves 113. Airline Equipments
54. Leather Apron 114. Inflatable tower Light
55. Ear Muff 115. Inflatable Tent
56. Elbow Pad 116. Life detector
57. Knee Pad 117. Thermal Imaging Camera
58. Small Combi Tools 118. Victim Location Camera
OMC‐KSJ Page245
59. Manual Saw Kit 119. Video Camera
60. Different Hammer 120. Modern P A System
HOSE
1. Delivery Hose (38,63,100,150 mm) 11. Hose Winding Solution
2. Suction Hose (75,100,150 mm) 12. Hose Winding Wires
3. Suction Hose Partially Embedded,
Fully Embedded (100 mm) 13. Hose Winding Tool Kit
4. Hose Ramp (Wooden, Aluminium) 14. Hose Storage Rack
5. Hose Clamp 15. Hose Tower
6. Hose Jacket 16. Hose Testing Machine
7. Hose Winding Machine i) Caliper
8. Hose Washing Machine ii) Discharge
9. Hose Punching Machine iii) Meter Tape
10. Hose Ripid iv) Jet Throw
v) Wet Machine
HOSE FITTINGS
1. Adapter xi) Twin Branch
(Simon)
i) Double Male Adapter xii) Metal Strainer
OMC‐KSJ Page246
ii) Female to Male
Adapter xiii) Basket Strainer
iii) Male to Female
Adapter xiv) Cotton Strainer
iv) Double Female
Adapter xv) Football Strainer
v) Suction Adapter xvi) Ejector Pump
2. Dividing Breaching xvii) Deep Lift Pump
3. Control Dividing
Breaching xviii) Steer up Pump
4. Blank Cap (Male and
Female 63 , 100 mm) xix) Universal wrenches
5. Collecting Breaching xx) Conventional
Wrenches
6. London Control Branch 11) Rapid Action Branch
Kit
7. Two Way Collecting
Head i) Piston Branch
8. Three Way Collecting
Head 12) First Aid Nozzle
9. Four Way Collecting
Head 13) Hydrant
10. Branches i)
Hydrant Cut Model
(Sluice, Screw, Ball
Type Hydrant)
OMC‐KSJ Page247
i) Ordinary Branch ii) Pillar and Post
Hydrant
ii) Fog iii) Hydrant Different
Flinch
iii) Shrion iv) Hydrant Flinch
Washer
iv) Oil Fire v) Hydrant Spindle
v) Water Jet (Jumbo Jet
Curtain) vi) Tommy Bar
vi) Ex‐regular Branch vii) Water Iron Key
vii) Low Pressure
Applicator viii) Pit Cover Key
viii) Revolving Branch ix) Stand Pipe (One
Way/Two Way)
ix) Revolving Head x) Hydrant Testing Kit
x) Diffuser Branch xi) Spanner Kit Box
FOAM
1. 5X Foam Branch 8. Ten Generator
2. FB2 Foam
Branch 9. Foam Generator
3. FB10 Foam
Branch 10.
Electric Foam
Generator
4. FB 20 Foam 11. Turbine
OMC‐KSJ Page248
Branch
5. Inline Inductor 12. Pickup Tube
6. Knapsack Tank 13. Carry Gutted Tube
7. Five Generator
SMALL AND SPECIAL GEAR
1. Pick Axe 13. Ceiling Hook
2. Large Axe 14. Drag Hook
3. Crow Bar 15. Force Hook
4. Mattok 16. Wooden Steel
Shroud Lever
5. Spade 17. Wind Chute
6. Showel 18. Salvage Nail
7.
Net Fire
Beater
(Asbestos)
19. Hammer
8. Bolt Cutter 20. Hydraulic Jack
9. Tin Cutter 21. Mechanical Jack
10. Spreader 22. Different Types of
Jack
11. Quick Release
Knife 23. Ladders
12. Fireman Axe Different Size of
Ladder
OMC‐KSJ Page249
i)
Hook, Extension,
Roof,Escape, Truss
Type, Wooden
(20,25,35,45 feet)
LADDER TESTING EQUIPMENT
1. Weights
SALVAGE
1. Salvage Sheet (12X12,
12X15, 15X18) 4.
Wall
Catcher
2. Hopper 5. Salvage Kit
3. Nail
ROPES
1. Vegetable
Rope 4. Nylon Rope
2. Manila Rope 5.
Coromandel Rope
(Different Size‐
12mm, 14 mm.)
3. Synthetic
Rope
PUMPS
1. Different Types of Capacity Pump
OMC‐KSJ Page250
C) THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF TACTICAL TRAINING
EQUIPMENTS FOR THE TRAINING GROUND IN ANY FIRE SERVICE
TRAINING INSTITUTION:
Sl.
No. NAME OF THE EQUIPMENTS
1. All types of extinguisher cut module
2. All types of Hose and Hose fitting equipment
cut module
3. All types of pump cut model
4. Cut module Four stroke 6 cylinder engine.
5. All types of rope model
6. Auxiliary gear box cut model
7. Air condition cooling system cut model
8. Breathing operator cut model
9. Hydraulic testing machine
10. Hydrant testing equipment
11. Types of Hydrant equipment model
12. Types of Ladder model
13. RCC building construction model
14. Ropes and Lines models and chart
15. Squad drill chart
16. Fire drill chart
17. Types of electrical cables models
OMC‐KSJ Page251
18. Types of Transform model
19. Types of fixed Firefighting installation model
20. Deluge valve system model
21. Breathing operator training gallery
22. Hose tower
23. Fire Tray in different size
24. Types of Fire extinguisher, Type A,B,C,D
(cartridge type)
25. Types of Extinguisher , Stored pressure A,B,C.
26. Hydraulic pressure testing machine
27. Hose testing equipment
28. Hydrant testing equipment
29. Ladder testing equipment
30. Extinguisher testing equipment
31. Foam and Foam equipment (Foam branch
and generator).
32. Salvage kit (attach list.)
33. Small gears (attach list.)
34. Special gears (attach list.)
35. Hydraulic testing equipment
36. Plan reading charts
37. Rope rescue equipment as per list
OMC‐KSJ Page252
38. Sewer rescue equipment as per list
39. Ship Fire Model
40. All types of Fire Tender and Crash Tender
41. Water relay charts
42. Water distribution and charts
43. Fire alarm system model
44. Life safety equipment
45. A level, B level and C level suite
46. Wireless system
47. VHF radio set
48. First aid kit
49. All types of trauma casualty kit
50. All types of respiratory system equipment
51. All types of splinting
52. All types of electrical lighting equipments
53. All type of stretchers and wheel chairs
54. Water missed gun , Foam missed gun
55. Gas Fire model
56. All types of station Administration register
and book
57. All types of chemical testing equipment
58. Ruler fire equipment
OMC‐KSJ Page253
59. Means of escape chart
60. Rescue techniques chart
61. Wet riser and Dry riser cut model
62. Combi small gears
63. All types of PPE (Personal protective
equipment)
64. Decontamination shower (body, eye, hand)
65. Chemical disaster decontamination set
66. Types of monitor
67. Breathing operator control board equipment
68. Trolley mounted BA set
69. Types of canister (Respiratory equipment)
70. Telescopic try pot
71. Foam testing equipment
72. Hose winding machine
73. Hose washing machine
74. Hose patching machine
75. Gas Fire Tray
76. Tube well Rescue model
77 Training Smoke Gallery / chamber / Room
In case of any emergency the vehicles and equipments of the KF&RS
Academy can be utilized for operational duties also.
OMC‐KSJ Page254
D) MODEL FIRE STATION:
A model Fire Station is required in the Academy to expose the
trainees with the regular activities of a fire station, during the course of
training. This will help in enhancing the standard of the training.
E) SIMULATOR:
Construction of a simulator will be helpful for giving advanced training to
personnel of KF&RS department in confined space rescue, smoke room entry,
smoke room rescue, BA set training and industrial or normal firefighting scenario
etc.The above mentioned training Smoke Gallery / chamber / Room is
nothing but a simulator. This smoke gallery is very crucial training
equipment in understanding the real fire scenario in smoke filled areas.
This smoke gallery has been built by Drager Safety AG & CO. KGaA;
Germanyin NFSC, Nagpur and R.A.Mundkur Fire & Emergency Services
Training Academy, Banguluru, Karnataka.We should also procure the
portable simulator for BA set training, fire training and rescue
operation training.
F) LIBRARY:
Establishing a library is sine qua non for any training institution. One can’t
visualize a training institution without a library. The growth of professionalism in
the department is directly linked to the exposure of its personnel to latest
developments in the field of firefighting and fire engineering. This is also necessary
for research work in the field of firefighting to be undertaken in future.
OMC‐KSJ Page255
G) COMPUTER LAB:
This is an era of ‘Knowledge & Information Technology’ and computer
knowledge is a must for every person. Therefore establishing computer Lab for
giving training to trainees in field of computer science is in the general spirit of
advancement in the society. This is also required for the successful
implementation of e‐governance initiatives of the department.
H) LABORATORY FACILITY:
Constituting a laboratory for conducting practical training will be helpful for
understanding fire as well as toxic behaviour of various hazardous chemicals. It
also will be helpful for proper fire investigation, fire extinction and research work.
We should try to build the following laboratories for imparting practical training to
fire & rescue services personnel in the areas that are extremely useful to their
professional work.
Fluid Mechanics, Water Supplies & Hydraulic Machinery Laboratory
Applied Mechanics & Strength of Material Laboratory
Electrical Technology & Electronic Laboratory
Communication Laboratory
Mechanical Engineering & Town Planning Laboratory
Chemistry Laboratory for all hazardous materials
Mechanical Drawing Hall
Building Materials & Structure Technology Laboratory
Fire test Laboratory
Fire Protection Laboratory
Heat & Combustion Laboratory
Fire Fighting & Rescue Equipment Laboratory
OMC‐KSJ Page256
I) GYMNASIUM:
A gymnasium is highly essential for giving physical fitness to trainees in
Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur. It is an obvious
requirement of any training institution in the modern times.
J) AUTOMOBILE WORKSHOP:
An automobile workshop is required for practical demonstration classes
of the Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator (FDCPO) and Driver Mechanic courses.
This workshop will be under the charge of MTO posted in the academy.
K) TRAINING ALLOWANCE:
At present the training allowance is sanctioned to Station officer and Leading
Fireman posted in the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor,
Thrissur only. The training allowance for the station officer is Rs.90/‐ per month
and for leading fireman is Rs.80/‐ per month. This facility of training allowance
needs to be extended for all the officers and other personal posted and to be
sanctioned in the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor,
Thrissur. The amount of training allowance has been suggested in the chapter of
this report dealing with ‘Incentives and Motivation’.
16.4Accreditation of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor as Regional Training Center:
The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy, Viyyoor is listed to
be notified as Regional Training Centre for imparting advanced training
in firefighting and fire engineering. The Director, National Fire & rescue
services College, Nagpur is required to visit the academy for this purpose.
If, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy, Viyyoor is
accredited/affiliated to National Fire & rescue services College, Nagpur as
OMC‐KSJ Page257
Regional Training Centre, then it is likely to get some central govt.
assistance for development of the training infrastructures and Kerala Fire
& Rescue Services personnel can undergo obligatory courses like Sub
Officer’s Course, Station Officer’s Course, Instructors Course and
Divisional Officer’s Course etc in Fire and Rescue Service Academy,
Viyyur itself, and certificates will be issued by the NFSC, Nagpur. After
obtaining accreditation / affiliation the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Academy, Viyyoor can also conduct courses for general public and industry
personnel which will become an income generating program for the KF&RS
department /Govt. of Kerala. The Commandant General, KF&RS department
should therefore liaise with the Director, NFSC, Nagpur and DG NDRF &CD (Fire) in
this regard to expedite the matter as the preliminary actions have already been
initiated for the accreditation / affiliation of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Academy, Viyyur as Regional Training Centre.
The modernisation and development of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services
Academy, Viyyoor, Thrissur is therefore absolutely essential from all
angles.
16.5Provision for Sufficient Budget Allocation:
A separate Head of Account ‘2070‐OAS‐ 108‐97(3) Training” is allotted to
Fire and Rescue services Academy, Viyyoor, Thrissur by the Finance
department. The funds allotted to the Academy are generally insufficient in
almost all the ‘Heads’ for conducting day to day activities. Additional funds
cannot be sanctioned by the Head of the Department even at the time of re‐
appropriation. Each time Academy has to approach Govt. for additional funds.
Therefore the budget allotment under various ‘Heads’ needs to be substantially
OMC‐KSJ Page258
enhanced to run the day to day affairs of Kerala Fire and Rescue services
Academy, Viyyoor, Thrissur properly and adequately.
16.6TIME FRAME / LINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KF&RS ACADEMY, VIYYUR;
16.6.1The above mentioned blueprint for the modernisation and development of
Kerala Fire and Rescue services Academy, Viyyoor, Thrissur may be
implemented in a phased manner keeping in mind the financial and
administrative difficulties of the Govt. and department. The
following time frame is suggested for the phased manner
modernisation and development plan of Kerala Fire and Rescue services
Academy, Viyyoor, Thrissur.
16.6.2 The creation of posts of Deputy Director, Assistant Director,
Training Instructors in the category of training staff, various training
administrative support staff and ministerial staff as explained above of this
report is the first and foremost priority to kick start the modernization and
development process of Kerala Fire and Rescue services Academy,
Viyyoor, Thrissur in an earnest spirit in the financial year 2014‐15
and 2015‐16. The financial commitment in creation of these posts
has been worked out in the Annuxures ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ to this
chapter. The abstract is as follows.
i. Estimated annual expenditure on salaries for the creation
of new posts of deputy director / assistant director /
instructors/demonstrators (training staff) in Fire & Rescue
Services Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur:‐ Rs. 18751632/‐
OMC‐KSJ Page259
ii. Estimated annual expenditure on salaries for the creation
of new posts of training administrative support staff in Fire &
Rescue Services Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur:‐ Rs. 5699544/‐
iii. Estimated annual expenditure on salaries for the creation
of new post of ministerial staff in Fire & Rescue Services
Academy, viyyur, Thrissur:‐ Rs. 1403310/‐
iv. The total annual financial commitment on salaries for
creation of new posts in Fire & Rescue Services Academy,
viyyur, Thrissur. :‐Rs. 25854486/‐(Rupees Two Crore Fifty
Eight Lakhs Fifty Four Thousand Four Hundred and Eighty
Six). (Rs. 18751632/‐ + Rs. 5699544/‐ + Rs. 1403310/‐).
16.6.3 It is to be mentioned here that not even a single post of training
instructors, training administrative support staff and ministerial staff has
been created since the opening of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
academy, Viyyur, Thrissur in 2007. The sanctioning of new posts is
therefore long overdue.
16.6.4A number of new posts have been proposed in this chapter as part
of the modernization /development of KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
The summary of the new posts to be created in the KF&RS Academy,
Viyyur, Thrissuras part of its modernization plan is furnished below.
Sl. No.
New Posts to be created in KF&RS Academy, Viyyur,
Thrissur.
Training
Instructional
Staff
Training
Administrative
support staff
Ministerial
staff
Total
1. Deputy Director (Training)1 ‐ ‐ 1
OMC‐KSJ Page260
2. Assistant Director (Trg) ( in the rank of Divisional
Officer)
1 ‐ ‐ 1
3. Senior Instructors
(in the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer)
5 ‐ ‐ 5
4. Instructors
(in the rank of Station Officers)
9 ‐ ‐ 9
5. Assistant instructors(in the rank of Asst. Station Officers)
10 ‐ ‐ 10
6. Senior Demonstrators(in the rank of Leading
Fireman)
13 ‐ ‐ 13
7. Junior Demonstrators ( in the rank of Fireman)
20 ‐ ‐ 20
8. Driver Mechanic 2 ‐ ‐ 2
9. Fireman Driver Cum Pump
Operator (FDCPO) Instructors
11 ‐ ‐ 11
10. Senior Swimming
Demonstrators (in the rank of Leading fireman)
3 ‐ ‐ 3
11. Junior Swimming Demonstrators
( in the rank of Fireman)
5 ‐ ‐ 5
12. Lab Assistant 1 ‐ ‐ 1
13. Station Officer (Store) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
14. Leading Fireman (Store) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
15. Fireman (Store) ‐ 2 ‐ 2
16. Fireman (Carpenter) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
17. Fireman (Plumber) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
OMC‐KSJ Page261
16.6.5The creation of 124new posts of the training instructors, training
administrative support staff and ministerial staff in the Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur immediately is the first and
foremost requirement of the department for strengthening and
18. Fireman (Electrician) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
19. Fireman (Blacksmith) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
20. Fireman (Welding) ‐ 1 ‐ 1
21. Librarian ‐ 1 ‐ 1
22. Cook ‐ 9 ‐ 9
23. Water Carrier / Helper ‐ 7 ‐ 7
24. Sweeper ‐ 4 ‐ 4
25. Barber ‐ 2 ‐ 2
26. Dhobi ‐ 3 ‐ 3
27. Manager ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
28. Junior Superintendent ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
29. Head Accountant ‐ ‐ 1 1
30. Lower Division Clerk (LDC) ‐ ‐ 2 2
31. Confidential AssistantGr. 2
‐ ‐ 1 1
32. Lower Division Typist ‐ ‐ 1 1
33. Last Grade Servant /Office Attendant
‐ ‐ 2 2
34. Gardener ‐ ‐ 1 1
TOTAL 81 35 11 124
OMC‐KSJ Page262
enhancing its one and only training institution. It is actually the crying
need of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services department.
16.6.6 The justification for the creation of new posts of the training
instructors, training administrative support staff and ministerial staff has
been given in the Annexures ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ respectively of this chapter.
16.7NEED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF KF&RS ACADEMY, VIYYUR,THRISSUR:
16.7.1It is therefore recommended that at least five crore rupees should be
sanctioned in the budget of 2014‐15 for the development of physical, mobility
(general purpose vehicles) and training infrastructures of the Fire & Rescue
Services Academy, Viyur, Thrissur. This will provide required fillip to the process of
modernisation and development of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services academy,
Viyyur, Thrissur, which has been envisaged in this report. This is necessary to
salvage the fledgling effort of the department to establish a full‐fledged
training academy. Similarly; sufficient Budget Allocation may also be made to
the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur in the budget of
2014‐15 and thereafter every year.
16.7.2 The development of physical, mobility and training infrastructures is a long
term activity. They cannot be completed in just one year for obvious reasons.
Therefore the remaining procurement of training fire fighting vehicles /
equipments and training infrastructures as well as development of physical
infrastructure as suggested above in this chapter should be taken up in the
financial year 2014‐15and completed in three years’ time period.
OMC‐KSJ Page263
16.8 At present the training allowance is sanctioned to Station officer (Rs.90/‐
per month) and Leading Fireman (Rs.80/‐ per month) posted in the Kerala Fire and
Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur only. This facility of training allowance
needs to be extended to all the officers and other personal posted in the Kerala
Fire and Rescue Services Academy Viyyoor, Thrissur. The Training allowance
should be sanctioned @ of Rs. 1500/‐ per month for the officers of and above the
rank of ASTOs and @ of Rs.1000/‐ for LF, DM, FDCPO, FM per month. This needs
to be ordered in the year 2013‐14 itself; so that officers and personnel of proven
track record can opt for posting in the academy.
16.9 This is also to be mentioned here that a modernisation/
development plan for the Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Academy, Viyyur,
Thrissur on similar lines was submitted to the Principal Secretary, Home
(F) Department, Govt. of Kerala from the office of Commandant General,
KF&RS department vide letter No.A1‐260/2013 dated 10‐01‐2013.
16.10 CREATION OF A SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) UNIT IN THE KF&RS ACADEMY, VIYYUR, THRISSUR:
16.10.1The search and rescue duties have increased for Kerala Fire and Rescue
Services department in recent years due to substantial increase in incident calls. It
is therefore imperative that the KF&RS personnel are exposed to the multi‐
dimensional nature of the search and rescue operations and should know about
the equipments required in search and rescue operations and should be able to
handle them dexterously. This cannot be achieved without proper training in
handling of search and rescue equipments. It is therefore recommended that
there should be a well‐equipped SAR unit in the KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur
for training purposes.
OMC‐KSJ Page264
16.10.2The SAR unit should be equipped with the following equipment required in
any search & rescue operation.
SAR UNIT EQUIPMENT LIST
1. a) Tirfor Maxpuller with operating lever 02 set
2. a) Bosch Rotary Hammer (Model‐ GBH2‐
26DRE) with gauge rod 02 Nos.
b) Bosch Rotary Hammer carrying box
(plastic) 02 Nos.
c) Drill bit for Bosch Rotary Hammer
Size‐12 mm‐ nos., 16mm‐2nos., 18mm‐2nos., 22mm‐2nos. & 25mm‐2nos.
10 Nos.
3. a) Bosch Chipping Hammer (Model‐GSH‐
11E) 02 Nos.
b) Bosch Chipping chisel 02 Nos.
c) Gel‐tube 02 Nos.
d) Bosch White synthetic napkin 02 Nos.
e) Bosch chipping Hammer carrying box
(plastic) 04 Nos.
4. a) Bosch Electrical Cut off saw (Model‐
GCO2000) with cutting wheel 06 Nos.
5. a) Bosch Electrical chain saw (Model‐
40BCE) with chain 05 Nos.
6. a) Rabour cutting Makita‐Make (Model‐
BGA402) 02 Nos.
b) Rabour cutting Makita Spare battery 02 Nos.
c) Rabour cutting Makita Battery charger 02 Nos.
d) Rabour cutting Makita Grinding wheel 01 No.
e) Rabour cutting Makita Cutting wheel 02 Nos.
OMC‐KSJ Page265
f) Rabour cutting Makita Carrying box
(plastic) 02 Nos.
g) Grinding cutting wheel fixing spanner 02 Nos.
7. a) Sharpex chain saw with carbide tipped
chain (Model‐667CT) –petrol operated 02 Set.
b) Spare chains (2 for each) 04 Nos.
c) Spanner‐Double end spanner‐ 10x11 02 Nos.
d) Plug spanner 02 Nos.
e) Allen keys 04 Nos.
f) Star allen key 02 Nos.
8. Petrol Hydraulic Power Unit Make HONDA 02 Nos.
9. Combi Tool CT 4120 C Make HOLMATRO 02 Nos.
10. Core Hose C05OU
(Hydraulic Hose pipe with Connecting unions)
02 Nos.
11. Air releasing valve 02 Nos.
12. Emission control system warranty 02 Nos.
13. International warranty information for
Honda general Purpose engines 02 Nos.
14. Tripod 01 No.
15. Shoring Equipments 01 Set.
16. Percussive Rescue Tool 03 Nos.
17. Bull Point‐ 14” long 03 Nos.
OMC‐KSJ Page266
18. 3” Wide chisel‐ 14” long 03 Nos.
19. 1” Wide chisel‐ 14” long 03 Nos.
20. Lock breaker claw 03 Nos.
21. Metal cutting claw 03 Nos.
22. P.R.T kit carrying pouch 03 Nos.
23. 1 Ton capacity chain pulley (CLIF MAKE) 01 No.
24. 2 Ton capacity chain pulley (CLIF MAKE) 01 No.
25. 3 Ton capacity chain pulley (CLIF MAKE) 01 No.
26. 2 Ton chain connector 04 Nos.
27. 1 Ton Forged Eye Hook 05 Nos.
28. 2 Ton Forged Eye Hook 05 Nos.
29. 3 Ton Forged Eye Hook 05 Nos.
30. Rope clamps 8 M.M 05 Nos.
31. Rope clamps 10 M.M 05 Nos.
32. Rope clamps 12M.M 05 Nos.
33. Pipe wrench 02 Nos.
34. Chain wrench 4” 02 Nos.
35. 20 Mtr. 8 M.M chain 01 No.
36. D‐Shackle 8.5 Ton 04 Nos.
OMC‐KSJ Page267
37. D‐Shackle 6.5 Ton 04 Nos.
38. D‐Shackle 5 Ton 04 Nos.
39. 4 Leg chain sling 2 mtr with shackle 01 No.
40. 15 Ton jack 01 No.
41. Cargo laching sling 01 No.
42. Trolley jack 3 Ton 01 No.
43. 10 MM Rod cutter 01 No.
OMC‐KSJ Page268
ANNEXURE‐‘A’
STATEMENT SHOWING THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON SALARIES FOR THE CREATION OF NEW POSTS OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / INSTRUCTORS/DEMONSTRATORS (TRAINING STAFF) IN KF&RS ACADEMY, VIYYUR, THRISSUR.
SL
No Designation
Scale of
pay
Basic
Pay
DA @
45%
Total
Emoluments
(per month)
New
Post
Required
Post
Existing
Total
Post
Expenditure
for one year
2 Deputy Director
(Training)
40640‐
57440 40640 18288 58928 1 0 1
707136
(58928x12)
3
Assistant
Director
(Training)
( in the rank of
Divisional
Officer)
24040‐
38840 24040 10818 34858 1 0 1
418296
(34858x12)
4
Senior
Instructors
(in the rank of
Assistant
Divisional
Officer)
18740‐
33680 18740 8433 27173 5 1 6
1630380
(27173x5x12)
OMC‐KSJ Page269
5 Instructors
(in the rank of
station officers)
16180‐
29180 16180 7281 23461 8 1 9
2252256
(23461x8x12)
6
Assistant instructors (in the rank of Assistant station officers)
14620‐
25280 14620 6579 21199 10 1 11
2543880
(21199x10x12)
7
Senior
demonstrators
(in the rank of
leading fireman)
13900‐
24040 13900 6255 20155 13 2 15
3144180
(20155x13x12)
8
Junior demonstrators ( in the rank of fireman)
10480‐
18300 10480 4716 15196 20 5 25
3647040
(15196x20x12)
9
Senior Swimming
Demonstrators
(in the rank of
Leading fireman)
13900‐
24040 13900 6255 20155 3 0 3
725580
(20155x3x12)
10 Junior Swimming
Demonstrators
( in the rank of
10480‐
18300 10480 4716 15196 5 0 5
911760
(15196x5x12)
OMC‐KSJ Page270
Fireman)
11 Driver Mechanic 13900‐
24040 13900 6255 20155 2 0 2
483720
(20155x2x12)
12
Fireman Drivers
cum Pump
Operator
(FDCPO)
instructors
10480‐
18300 10480 4716 15196 11 4 15
2005872
(15196x11x12)
13 Lab Assistant 16180‐
29180 16180 7281 23461 1 0 1
281532
(23461x12)
TOTAL EXPENDITURE PER ANNUM 18751632
OMC‐KSJ Page271
ANNEXURE ‐ 'B'
STATEMENT SHOWING THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON SALARIES FOR THE CREATION OF NEW
POST OF TRAINING ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF IN KF&RS ACADEMY, VIYYUR,THRISSUR.
SL No
Designation Scale of pay
Basic Pay
DA @ 45%
Total Emoluments (per month)
New Post Required
Post Existing
Total Post
Expenditure for one year
1 Librarian Gr IV 11620-20240
11620 5229 16849 1 0 1 202188 (16849 X 12)
2 Cook 8500-12310
8500 3825 12325 9 1 10 1331100 (12325 X 9 X 12)
3 Water Carrier/ helper
8500-13210
8500 3825 12325 7 1 8 1035300 (12325 X 7 X 12)
4 Sweeper /Cleaner8500-13210
8500 3825 12325 4 1 5 591600 (12325x4x12)
5 Barber 8500-13210
8500 3825 12325 2 0 2 295800 (12325x2x12)
6 Dhobi 8500-13210
8500 3825 12325 3 0 3 443700 (12325x3x12)
7 Carpenter (Fireman)
10480-18300
10480 4716 15196 1 0 1 182352 (15196x12)
8 Plumber (Fireman)
10480-18300
10480 4716 15196 1 0 1 182352 (15196x12)
OMC‐KSJ Page272
9 Electrician (Fireman)
10480-18300
10480 4716 15196 1 0 1 182352 (15196x12)
10 Fireman (Blacksmith)
10480-18300
10480 4716 15196 1 0 1 182352 (15196x12)
11 Fireman (Welding)
10480-18300
10480 4716 15196 1 0 1 182352 (15196x12)
12 Station Officer (Store)
16180-29180
16180 7281 23461 1 0 1 281532 (23461x12)
13 Leading Fireman (Store)
13900-24040
13900 6255 20155 1 0 1 241860 (20155x12)
14 Fireman (Store)
10480-18300
10480 4716 15196 2 0 2 364704 (15196x2x12)
TOTAL EXPENDITURE PER ANNUM 5699544
OMC‐KSJ Page273
ANNEXURE ‐ 'C'
STATEMENT SHOWING THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON SALARIES FOR THE CREATION OF NEW POST OF MINISTERIAL STAFF IN KF&RS ACADEMY, VIYYUR, THRISSUR.
SL No
Designation Scale of pay Basic Pay
DA @ 45%
Total Emoluments (per month)
New Post Required
Post Existing
Total Post
Expenditure for One year
1 Head Accountant
14620-25280 14620 6579 21199 1 0 1 254388 (21199 X 12)
2 Lower Division Clerk
9940-16580 9940 4473 14413 3 0 3 345912 (14413 X 2 X 12)
3 Confidential Assistant Gr.2
10480-18300 10480 4716 15196 1 0 1 182352 (15196 X 12)
4 Lower Division Typist
9940-16580 9940 4473 14413 1 1 2 172956 (14413 X 12)
5 Last Grade Servant/Peon
8500-13210 8500 3825 12325 2 0 2 295800 (12325 X 2 X 12)
6 Gardner 8730-13540 8730 3928.5 12658.5 1 0 1 151902 (12658.5 X 12)
TOTAL EXPENDITURE PER ANNUM 1403310
OMC‐KSJ Page274
ANNEXURE‐‘D’
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CREATION OF NEW POSTS OF TRAINING
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF IN KF&RS ACADEMY VIYYUR, THRISSUR.
1. Deputy Director (Training):
The training institutions are normally headed by a well experienced and the senior
level Officer of the department. The post of Deputy Director (Training) is highly
essential for the overall supervision of the Academy for imparting up to date and
advanced training in the science of Fire Prevention, Fire Extinction and Fire
Engineering and smooth administration of the academy. The Deputy Director
(Training) should be a person of varied experience in the field of science of Fire
Prevention/Fire Extinction / Fire Engineering and able leader to create/develop
appropriate administrative infrastructures and atmosphere for imparting advance
training and developing the academy into a centre of excellence in times to come.
The head of the academy therefore should be a senior professional of the
Department, with capacity to engage and evolve the appropriate training ethos
with his experience and vision for future. The academy will in due course of time
once fully developed shall conduct basic training of all entry level ranks including
the STOs and conduct the in‐service training of all ranks including officers. The
Kerala Fire &Rescue Services Viyyur Thrissur at present is in the developmental
stage of its growth. A lot of infrastructural developmental works are to be
visualized and executed apart from organizing the present level of training
activity. The head of the academy will also have to liaise with a number of senior
level officers of state and central govt. for various official purposes. He will also
have to liaise with heads of various training institutions outside the state. This
multifarious role can be discharged efficiently and effectively only if a senior level
officer in the rank of Deputy Director with of varied experience and vision is
posted at the helm of affairs of the academy. Therefore; Kerala Fire &Rescue
Services Viyyur Thrissur should be headed by an officer of the rank of Deputy
Director to supervise, monitor, guide and administer the training functions of the
department.
OMC‐KSJ Page275
2. Assistant Director (Training):
An officer of the rank of Divisional Officer will be posted as Assistant Director
(Training) in the academy. There is urgent need for separate examination wing in
the academy. This is necessary in view of the frequency of examinations at the
end of each basic and in‐service course. At present the work of setting of question
papers, detailing of invigilators, evaluation of answer books, conducting of
practical examination, Publishing results, etc is done under the specific orders of
the Commandant General, Kerala Fire &Rescue Services Headquarters,
Thiruvananthapuram. There is no earmarked staff for this work in the KF&RS Hqrs.
This duty shall be discharged by the academy once the new posts proposed are
sanctioned. The Assistant Director (Training) shall be in charge of this examination
wing in the Kerala Fire &Rescue Services Viyyur Thrissur. The examination work
will increase in future as more and more courses shall be conceived and
conducted in the academy. He will also look after various academy functions
under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director (Training). He will also be in
charge of in‐service training courses of ADOs and DOs once academy accredited
/affiliated with NFSC, Nagpur. His services will also be utilized by Deputy Director
(Training) for conducting other courses and other administrative works of the
academy.
3. Senior Instructors:
The senior instructors will be officers of the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer. They are the ones who have completed instructors Course from NFSC, Nagpur and qualified for taking theory and practical classes. Apart from taking classes their services will also be utilized by making them in charge of various basic and in‐service courses conducted in the academy. Senior most ADO posted in the academy will be put in charge of STO basic training course and in‐service courses once the Kerala Fire &Rescue Services Viyyur Thrissur is accredited /affiliated with NFSC, Nagpur.
4. Instructors:
The instructors will be officers of the rank of Station Officers. They will be taking
the theory and practical classes for the cutting edge level entrants and will
supervise training activities, indoor as well as outdoor.
OMC‐KSJ Page276
5. Assistant Instructors:
The assistant instructors will be in the rank of Assistant Station Officers. They will
support the training activities both indoors and outdoors in various basic and in‐
service courses.
6. Senior Demonstrators:
The senior demonstrators will be in the rank of Leading Fireman. Their duty is to
demonstrate training activities to the trainees with the help of Junior
Demonstrators. Trainees are divided in to several groups for imparting practical
training on operational activities. In fact they are the backbone of practical
training for basic and in‐service courses.
7. Junior Demonstrators:
The junior demonstrators are in the in the rank of Fireman. They support the
senior demonstrators in demonstration of operational Drills. Trainees are divided
in to several groups for imparting practical training on operational activities. They
are absolutely essential category for any training activity.
8. Driver Mechanic:
Fire &Rescue Services Academy is having various types of appliances and
equipments, which requires adequate attention for keeping them in good
condition. Their services are also utilized for teaching operations of various
appliances and equipments to the trainees.
9. Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator (FDCPO) Instructors:
They are required for conducting basic training of Fireman Driver cum Pump
Operator (FDCPO) and eligibility course for Driver Mechanic and in‐service course
for Driver Mechanic. Nobody can conduct these courses. They are specialist and
highly essential otherwise our training activity will come to halt.
OMC‐KSJ Page277
10. Senior Swimming Demonstrators:
The senior swimming demonstrators will be drawn from the rank of Leading
Fireman They will be responsible for teaching swimming to trainees.
11. Junior Swimming Demonstrators:
The junior swimming demonstrators will be drawn from the rank of Fireman. They
will be responsible for teaching swimming to trainees.
12. Lab Assistant:
One lab assistant is required who will be in charge of the lab to be established in
the academy in due course of time. He will work as instructor to give training in
identification and handling of chemicals and industrial fire. His basic qualification
shall be minimum M.Sc in Chemistry with some work experience. He will be
initially recruired in the pay scale /grade of STO with provision of promotion to the
scale of ADO and even DO. The service conditions and rules for the post of lab
assistant will be worked out in consultation with the KPSC.
OMC‐KSJ Page278
ANNEXURE‐‘E’
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CREATION OF NEW POSTS OF TRAINING
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF IN KF&RS ACADEMY VIYYUR, THRISSUR.
1. Librarian:
No training academy can be visualized without a well organised library and no
library can be thought of without a librarian. Hence; the requirement of a
librarian.
2. Cooks:
No training academy can be run without the services of cooks. They are required
to cook food for trainees. There is only one cook in the academy as of now. There
is requirement of at least 9 more cooks in the academy for its efficient running.
3. Water Carrier/helper:
At present there is only one water carrier available in the academy. Seven more
water carriers/helpers are needed for efficient running of the mess of the
trainees. The job the water carriers/helpers are to help the cooks in cleaning the
cooking utensils and draw water from well and other water sources.
4. Sweepers:
The sweepers are must to maintain the cleanliness of the Academy. There is
requirement of 4 more posts of sweeper for the academy.
5. Barbers:
To maintain smartness among fresh recruits and in service candidates the posts of
a barber is highly essential.
6. Dhobis:
Dhobis are required to wash the official linens and iron the uniforms of the
trainees in the academy.
OMC‐KSJ Page279
7. Fireman Carpenter:
The carpenter is required for minor repairs of wooden fittings in the buildings and
furniture. In fact in the academy the major work of carpenter will be to make
training aids and wooden structures for various training activities. No carpenter is
sanctioned for the Academy.
8. Fireman Plumber:
The plumber is required for ensuring urgent repairs of water connections for both
drinking purpose and for water connection to the swimming pool under
construction. Proper water supply to academy is essential for training purposes
also.
9. Fireman Electrician:
An electrician is absolutely essential for any office establishment especially the
training institution of Fire &Rescue Services. Maintenance of Electrical supply to
Swimming pool, class rooms, office building and hostel etc. are major issues which
have to be addressed, for which the post electrician is essential. He is also
required for maintenance of rescue electrical equipments.
10. Fireman Blacksmith:
He will be making the training aids and will ensure the repairs of Small gears
available with Academy.
11. Fireman Welder:
His services will be utilized for various training functions and welding of assorted
equipments available with Academy.
12. Station Officer (Store):
He will be the custodian of all the store items for training and other purposes
maintained at Fire & Rescue Services Academy. He will also ensure timely repairs
of training stores.
OMC‐KSJ Page280
13. Leading Fireman (Store): He will assist the STO (Store) in maintenance and
proper upkeep of the academy stores.
14. Fireman (Store): They will be looking after the store maintained at Fire &
Rescue Services Academy.
OMC‐KSJ Page281
ANNEXURE‐‘F’
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CREATION OF NEW POSTS OF MINISTERIAL STAFF IN
KF&RS ACADEMY VIYYUR, THRISSUR.
1. Manager:
Any training institution needs corresponding posts of ministerial staff for proper functioning of the academy. A new post of Manager is essential as the existing post is shifted from KF&RS Headquarters to the Fire & Rescue Service Academy vide order No. G.O. (M.S) No.131/2009/Home Dtd 17.8.2009. This post will have to be restored to Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Headquarters Tvpm as the work there is also suffering due to shifting of this senior level post to KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. The post of manager is required to supervise and monitor the financial and administrative matters of the academy. The manager will also function as the DDO the academy. The manager is the head of the ministerial staff of the academy.
2. Junior Superintendent:
A new post of Junior Superintendent is essential as the existing post is shifted from KF&RS Headquarters to the Fire & Rescue Service Academy vide order No. G.O. (M.S) No.131/2009/Home Dtd 17.8.2009. This post will have to be restored to Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Headquarters Tvpm as the work there is also suffering due to shifting of this middle level supervisory post to KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. The post of Junior Superintendent is essential to supervise the works of UDC/LDC.
3. Head Accountant:
The post of Head Accountant is essential for ensuring proper cash transactions and disbursement of the salary of academy staff and trainees. He has to ensure timely payment of recurring and non‐recurring charges. He will be the custodian of the cash book of the academy.
4. Lower Division Clerk (LDC):
The existing one post of LDC is shifted from KF&RS Headquarters to the Fire &
Rescue Service Academy vide order No. G.O. (M.S) No.131/2009/Home dated
17.8.2009. This post will have to be restored to Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
Headquarters Tvpm as the work there is also suffering due to shifting of this post
OMC‐KSJ Page282
to KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. Therefore three new posts of LDCs are
essential to cater to the needs of the academy. The LDCs are the first level of
office staff to deal with various matters of administration and financial matters. In
fact they are the first level of creators and movers of the file on all matters of
academy functioning.
5. Confidential Assistant Gr.2:
One post of confidential assistant (Grade 2) is recommended for the head of the
academy i.e. Director (Training).
6. Lower Division Typist:
There is only one sanctioned post of LDT in the academy. That is not sufficient for
the work load of the academy. Therefore one new post of LDT is recommended.
7. Last Grade Servant/ Peon:
At present there is no peon / Last grade Govt. Servant in the Academy. Two posts
are therefore necessary for the proper functioning of the academy office.
8. Gardener:
A gardener is necessary in any training institutions to develop the campus area
aesthetically and maintain it on regular basis.
OMC‐KSJ Page283
CHAPTER: 17
‘MODERNISATION OF ORGANISATIONAL
STRUCTURE’
OMC‐KSJ Page284
17. MODERNISATION OF ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF KF&RS
DEPARTMENT:
17.1.1 It needs to be understood here very clearly that the modernisation of
KF&RS department is not going to be achieved only by purchasing few modern
equipment’s and opening of fire stations. The modernisation of KF&RS
department can be ensured only by modernising the organisational structure of
the department; which involves creation of district offices with adequate staff,
creation of adequate number of middle and senior level supervisory posts,
creation of additional supervisory levels like DOs at district level and zonal /
regional fire officers at zonal / regional level, creation of more posts of ADOs in
the districts, creation of various posts in the KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur and
creation of additional posts at the KF&RS Headquarters etc, apart from opening
more fire stations and procurement of basic and modern equipment’s. It is a
complete package and not a piecemeal accretion of the some technical assets. The
organisational re‐structuring on the lines suggested above is therefore the key to
the modernisation and progress of the KF&RS department. Technology without
corresponding human resource strength will take us nowhere.
OMC‐KSJ Page285
17.1.2The present KF&RS organisational structure is given below:
Legends: Sr. Supdt‐ Senior Superintendent DO‐ Divisional Officer ADO‐ Assistant Divisional Officer TVPM‐ Thiruvananthapuram, KTM‐Kottayam PTA‐Pathanamthitta EKM‐ Ernakulam, PKD‐Palakkad, MPM‐Malapuram, KKD‐ Kozhikkode, KF&RS‐ Kerala Fire & Rescue Services
Commandant General
DO KKD
Admn. OfficerSr. Supdt
Director‐Technical
Jr. Supdt
Head
Accountant
Sections: C1, D1, D2 F1, H1, R1 Sections:
A1, A2, A3 A4, B1, B2, E1
DOTVPM
DO
KTMDO
EKM
DO
PKD
Director‐ Administration
ADOs‐ Tvpm, Kollam
Fire Stations: Tvpm (11) Kollam (9)
ADOs‐Kottayam
Alappuzha
PTA
Fire Stations: Kottayam (7) Alappuzha (5) PTA (5)
ADOs
‐ EKM,
Idukki
Fire Stations: EKM (15) Idukki (4)
ADOs‐Palakkad Thrissur MPM
Fire Stations: Palakkad (7) Thrissur (8) MPM (5)
ADOs‐
KKD,
Wayanad,
Kannur,
Kasargod
Fire Stations:
KKD (8)
Wayanad (3)
Kannur (9)
Kasaragod (5)
KF&RS, ACADEMY,
Viyyur
G1 Section
OMC‐KSJ Page286
17.1.3 The proposed organisational strutures will have the following components.
i. The Commandant General as head of the Kerala Fire &Rescue Services
department. This post is sanctioned and alredy in existence.
ii. Two Director level officers (i.e. Director – Administration & Director ‐
Operations) in KF&RS headquarters. Both these posts are sanctioned and in
existence. The post of Director (Technical) will be re‐named as Director
(Operations).
iii. NEED FOR ZONAL / REGIONAL OFFICES IN KF&RS DEPARTMENT:
There are only two levels of supervisory posts intervening the head of the
department (i.e. Commandant General,KF&RS Department) and lowest
operational unit (i.e.fire station). There is need for a senior level supervisory
officer to supervise and guide the work of Divisional officers and Assistant
Divisional Officers. A number of crucial functions of the department like
inspections, preparedness of fire stations and close supervision of DOs and
ADOs etc. are neglected due to this missing link in the chain of supervisory
hierarchy of the department.
iv. Therefore two senior levels supervisory postsof calledNorth and South
Zonal / Regional Fire &Rescue Services Officers; is being proposed to be
newly created for improving the supervision of field units and enhancing the
efficiency of the department. The North, Zonal / Regional Fire & Rescue
Services Officer shall be headquartered at Kozhikode and South Zonal /
Regional Fire Officer will be headquartered at Ernakulam. The Zonal /
Regional Fire & Rescue Services Officers will be of the rank of Deputy
Director in the pay scale of 40640‐57440.
v. The jurisdiction of North zone /region fire &rescue services officer will
extend to the districts of Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode,
Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur and the jurisdiction of South zone
/region fire & rescue services officer will extend to the districts of
Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and
Thiruvananthapuram.
OMC‐KSJ Page287
vi. The primary duty of zonal /regional fire&rescue services officers will be
operational, fire prevention / education, training, inspections, disciplinary
and any other duty assigned by the Commandant General to enhance the
efficiency of the KF&RS department. They will ensure the fire fighting
preparedness of the KF&RS department personnel. They will function as link
/ bridge between the field units and the Commandant General, KF&RS
department.
vii. The North and South; zonal / regional fire &rescue services offices will also
have the component of ministerial staff in the scale of one Junior
Superintendent ‐1, Confidential Assistant‐1, Clerks‐2, Typists‐1, Office
attendant‐1 each. The zonal / regional fire &rescue services officers will not
have any financial powers and provisioning commitments. They will have
the disciplinary and controlling powers over the district fire & rescue
services officers, assistant district fire & rescue services officers and the fire
stations under their jurisdictions.
viii. NEED FOR DISTRICT OFFICES IN KF&RS DEPARTMENT:
ix. The glaring lacunae in the organisational structure of KF&RS department is
the absence of district office and a district level officer to head the KF&RS
department at district level. At present the Assistant Divisional Officers are
functioning as the district officers by default and not by a well‐conceived
administrative policy of the Government with adequate sanctioned office
staff and infrastructure. The present Assistant Divisional Office staffs are
cobbled up by attaching the clerks and executive staff from the fire stations
on working arrangements. There are no sanctioned staffs to the Assistant
Divisional Office. His is the only sanctioned post in his office. The Assistant
Divisional Office has not been established as district office either by Govt.
order or declared by any standing order of the Commandant General KF&RS
department. It has assumed the role of district office by some weird
assumptions such as there is only one post of ADO in one district and ADO is
the drawing and disbursing officer for all the fire station staff in the district.
The district organisational set up with adequate sanctioned staff is the sine
qua non for effective administrative and operational efficiency. Therefore it
OMC‐KSJ Page288
is strongly recommended that a district office with adequate staff strength
should be established in KF&RS department in each revenue district
headquarters of districts of Kerala. This is absolutely must for the smooth
functioning and operational efficiency of the department. It is also to be
mentioned here that the absence of district office is causing lot of
heartburns in the department and proving to be a serious drag factor for
the progress of the organisation.
x. It is to be mentioned that in accordance with the recommendations of the
8th Pay Revision Commission the Govt. issued the orders regarding
redesignating the posts of Divisional Officers, and Assistant Divisional
Officer in the Fire and Rescue Services Department as District Fire and
Rescue Service Officer and Deputy Fire and Rescue Service Officer
respectively vide G.O. (P) NO. 145/06/Fin. Dated 25‐03‐2006. But this
redesignating order was reversed / modified vide G.O.(MS) No.
403/06(10)/FIN. 6‐10‐2006 on the basis of Commandant General, Fire and
Rescue Services Department letter No. A3/3566/2006 dated 29‐03‐2006
and status quo ante maintained. The point to be understood here is that the
8th Pay Revision Commission report had recommended the redesignating
the the posts of Divisional Officers, and Assistant Divisional Officers in the
Fire and Rescue Services Department as District Fire and Rescue Service
Officer and Deputy Fire and Rescue Service Officer respectively. The letter
No. A3/3566/2006 dated 29‐03‐2006 of Commandant General, Fire and
Rescue Services Department has proved to be counterproductive for the
progress of the department.
xi. It is therefore recommended that a full‐fledged‘District Fire & Rescue
ServicesOffice’ should be created in all the 14 district headquarters of
Kerala. All the districts /district fire & rescue services offices will be headed
by Divisional Officer rank officers designated as District Fire & Rescue
Services Officers.
xii. The Divisional Officers presently sanctiopned / posted at
Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kozhikkode will
be the head /in charge of District fire & rescue services offices proposed in
OMC‐KSJ Page289
these districts. They will be designated as District Fire & Rescue Services
Officers of Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad and
Kozhikkode districts.
xiii. The Divisional Officers will also be incharge of the proposed district fire &
rescue services office in the remaining 9 districts of Kerala. Therefore nine
new posts in the rank of Divisional Officers designated as District Fire &
Rescue Services Officers will have to be created for heading the districts /
district fire & rescue services office at Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki,
Alappuzha, Thrissur, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
xiv. All the 14 Assistant Divisional Officers presently posted in the districts and
who were hither‐to functioning as district officers albeit without any Govt.
sanction / order: will be now be re‐designated as Assistant District Fire &
Rescue Services Officers. This means there will one ‘District Fire & Rescue
Services Officer’ and at least one ‘Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services
Officer’ in every district of Kerala in KF&RS department.
xv. The districts of Thiruvananthapuram (11 fire stations), Kollam (9 fire stations), Ernakulam(15 fire stations), Thrissur (8 fire stations), Kozhikkode (8 fire stations)and Kannur(9 fire stations) should have in each district at least three posts of Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the
rank of Assistant Divisional Officers including the one already sanctioned
because of more number of existing fire stations and future requirement of
fire stations in these districts.
xvi. The three Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officers in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikkode and Kannur districts will be designated as Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officer (Administration & DDO), Assistant District Fire & Rescue
Services Officer (Operation) and Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services
Officer (Fire Prevention and Education Wing).
xvii. The districts of Pathanamthitta (5 fire stations), Alappuzha (5 fire stations), Kasaragod (5 fire stations), Malappuram (5 fire stations) Kottayam (7 fire stations) and Palakkad (7 fire stations), should have in each district at least
OMC‐KSJ Page290
two posts of Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officer in the rank of
Assistant Divisional Officers including the one already sanctioned keeping in
view the futue requirement of fire stations in these districts.
xviii. The two Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the
Pathanamthitta,Alappuzha, Kasaragod,Malappuram,Kottayam andPalakkad districts will be designated as Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officer (Administration, DDO & Provisioning) and Assistant District
Fire & Rescue Services Officer (Operations & Fire Prevention Wing).
xix. The districts of Idukki and Wayanad should have only one post of Assistant
District Fire & Rescue Services Officer in the rank of Assistant Divisional
Officers and that post is already sanctioned.
xx. The one Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officer in Idukki and
Wayanad districts will be DDO and assist the District Fire & Rescue Services
Officer in all matters of administration, operations and fire prevention
works.
17.1.4 The summary of new posts of District Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the
grade of Divisional Officers (7) and Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services
Officers in the grade of Assistant Divisional Officers (10) to be created in the
districts as part of organisational re‐structuring is as follows.
Sl.
No. District Fire Office
District Fire & Rescue
Services Officers in the
grade of Divisional
Officer.
Assistant District Fire
& Rescue Services
Officers in the grade of
Assistant Divisional
Officer.
existingNew
post Total existing
New
post Total
1. Thiruvananthapur
am 1 Nil 1 1 2
3
2. Kollam Nill 1 1 1 2 3
OMC‐KSJ Page291
17.1.5 The proposed district fire & rescue services offices should also have
required component of ministerial staff for smooth functioning of the district fire
& rescue services office. According to the assessment of the workload of
proposed district fire & rescue services office; the following posts of Manager,
Senior Superintendent, Junior Superintendent, Clerks, Typists, and Office
Attendant for 14 district fire & rescue services office is also worked out.
3. Pathanamthitta Nil 1 1 1 1 2
4. Kottayam 1 Nil 1 1 1 2
5. Alappuzha Nil 1 1 1 1 2
6. Ernakulam 1 Nil 1 1 2 3
7. Idukki Nil 1 1 1 ‐ 1
8. Thrissur Nil 1 1 1 2 3
9. Palakkad 1 Nil 1 1 1 2
10. Malappuram Nil 1 1 1 1 2
11. Kozhikkode 1 Nil 1 1 2 3
12. Wayanad Nil 1 1 1 ‐ 1
13. Kannur Nil 1 1 1 2 3
14. Kasaragod Nil 1 1 1 1 2
Total 5 9 14 14 18 32
OMC‐KSJ Page292
Sl.
No.
District Fire Office Manager
Senior
Superinte
ndent
Junior
Superinten
dent
Clerks Typists Office
Attendant Existing
New
post
Total
Existing
New
post
Total
Existing
New
post
Total
Existing
New
post
Total
Existing
New
post
Total
Existing
New
post
Total
1
Thiruvananthapuram
Nil 1 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 6
Nil 6 2
Nil 2 2*
Nil 2
2
Kollam
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
3
Pathanam
thitta
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
4
Kottayam
Nil
Nil
Nil 1
Nil 1
Nil 1 1 4 2 6
Nil 2 2 1
Nil 1
5
Alappuzha
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
OMC‐KSJ Page293
6
Ernakulam
Nil 1 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 6
Nil 6 2
Nil 2 2*
Nil 2
7
Idukki
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil 1 1
Nil 4 4
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
8
Thrissur
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
9
Palakkad
Nil
Nil
Nil 1
Nil 1
Nil 1 1 3 3 6
Nil 2 2 1 Nil 1
10
Malappuram
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
11
Kozhikkode
Nil 1 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 6
Nil 6 2
Nil 2 2*
Nil 2
12
Wayanad
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil 1 1
Nil 4 4
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
13
Kannur
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
14
Kasaragod
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil 1 1
Nil 1 1
Nil 6 6
Nil 2 2
Nil 1 1
OMC‐KSJ Page294
* The 2 posts shown are: one post of peon and one post of Night Watchman.
17.1.6 Therefore following is the summary of the new posts (executive &
ministerial) to be created for the establishment of district fire & rescue services
office in all the 14 revenue districts of Kerala and two Zonal Fre & Rescue Services
Officers.
I. Two posts of Zonal / Regional Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the grade of Deputy Director.
II. Nine posts of District Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the grade of Divisional Officers.
III. Eighteen Posts of Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the grade of Assistant Divisional Officers.
IV. Six posts of Manager in thedistrict fire & rescue services offices at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulum, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.
V. Seven posts Senior Superintendent in the district fire & rescue services office at Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Mallapuram, Kannur and Kasargod.
VI. Eleven posts of Junior Superintendentsin the district fire & rescue
services offices at Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki,
Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, Mallapuram, Kannur, Wayanad and
Kasargod. In addition two posts of Junior Superintendents in the
offices of two zonal / regional fire & rescue Services offices. Total 13
new posts of Junior Superintendents.
VII. Fifty nine posts of clerks in the proposed zonal / regional fire & rescue Services offices and district fire & rescue services offices.
VIII. Twenty two posts of typists in the proposed zonal / regional fire & rescue services offices and district fire & rescue services office.
Total Nil 6 6 5 7 12 3 11 14 25 55 80 6 20 26 8 9 17
OMC‐KSJ Page295
IX. 11 posts of office attendants in the proposed zonal / regional fire & rescue services offices and district fire & rescue services office.
X. Two posts of confidential assistants in the proposed two zonal / regional fire & rescue services offices.
17.1.7The responsibility of conducting the fire investigation; whenever such contigency arises will be that of the Assistant District & Rescue Service
Officers posted in the District & Rescue Service Offices.
17.1.8 THE STATION OFFICERS TO BE DESIGNATED AS PAY DRAWING &
DISBURSING OFFICER:
In the present system the ADO is the Drawing & Disbursing officer (DDO) in
respect of all the Fire & Rescue personnel working in the various Fire & Rescue
Stations of the district. The bills in respect to all the Fire & Rescue Stations are
presented by the ADO in the different authorized treasuries of the each Fire &
Rescue Station of the district but the money in cash is received by the concerned
STOs on behalf of ADO and distributed among the Fire & Rescue Station staff. The
STOs are therefore neither Drawing nor Disbursing Officers as of now even though
each Fire & Rescue Station is authorized / attached to one neighboring treasury of
the district. Since every fire station has an authorized treasury where all the bills
of the station are to be presented and money drawn; it is administratively prudent
and convenient to designate the Station Officer (STO) of Fire & Rescue Station as
the Drawing & Disbursing officer (DDO) in respect of all the Fire & Rescue
personnel of the Fire & Rescue Station. There is already one clerk cum typist cum
computer operators posted in each Fire & Rescue Station of the state for
executing these duties.
There won’t be any post creation on this account. But the above suggestion
should be implemented only if the proposed district fire & rescue services offices
along with the required ministerial staff are sanctioned. In such eventuality the
clerks sanctioned to the fire & rescue stations but presently attached to Assistant
Divisional Officers offices functioning in the district headquarters fire &rescue
stations premises shall return to their respective fire & rescue stations.
OMC‐KSJ Page296
17.1.9 (a)THE PROPOSED KF&RS ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AT KF &RS HEAD QUARTERS &
KF&RS ACADEMY:
1 2 3
COMMANDANT GENERAL
Director‐Administration Deputy Director KF&RS Academy‐
Establishment wing
(AO, JS & Sections) Accounts Wing
(Accounts Officer
& sections)
Provisioning Wing
(DO, ADO, SS, STO, LF,
FDCPO & sections)
Communication Wing
(ADO, STO, LF, FDCPO, &
sections)
General Wing
(Tapal section, Fair Copy
section, Records etc. JS &
Sections)
Director‐ Operations
Fire Prevention
Wing (DO, ADO,
STO, LF, FDCPO, HA
& Sections)
Assistant Director
(Training) , Instructors in
the rank of ADOs, STOs,
LFs, DMs, FMs, FDCPOs,
Various category of
training Administrative
support staff,
&Ministerial staffs.
Technical Wing
(R&D SECTION)
(DO, ADO, JS, DM &
sections)
OMC‐KSJ Page297
7.1.9 (b)THE PROPOSED KF&RS ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF OPERATIONAL FIELD UNITS:
2
1 3
COMMANDANT GENERAL
Director ‐ Operations
North Zone/ Region
F&RS Officer South zone/ Region
F&RSOfficer
Deputy Director KF&RS Academy‐Viyyur
DF&RSO‐ KSGD
DF&RSO‐KNRDFRSO‐ WND
DF&RSO‐
PKD DF&RSO‐
TSR
DF&RSO‐MLPRM
DF&RSO‐KKD
F&RS (9)
ADF&RSO‐(2)
F&RS (5)
ADF&RSO‐(1)ADF&RSO‐(3)
ADF&RSO‐(2)
F&RS (3)
F&RS (7)
ADF&RSO‐(3)
ADF&RSO‐(3)
F&RS (8)
F&RS (8)
ADF&RSO‐(2)
F&RS (5)
DF&RSO‐EKM
DF&RSO‐IDK
DF&RSO‐KTM
DF&RSO‐ALP
DF&RSO‐PTA
DF&RSO‐TVPM DF&RSO‐KLM
ADF&RSO(3)
F&RS (15)
ADF& RSO (1)
F&RS (4)
ADF&RSO(2)
F&RS (7) ADF&RSO(2)
F&RS (5)
ADF&RSO(3)
F&RS (9)
ADF&RSO (3)
F&RS (11) ADF&RSO (2)
F&RS (5)
Director‐Administration
OMC‐KSJ Page298
Legends to diagrams in preceding two pages: DF&RSO‐ District Fire & Rescue Services Office/ Officer, ADF&SRO‐ Assistant District Fire & Rescue Services Office/ Officer, F&RS‐ Fire & Rescue Station, North Zone/ Region F&RS Officer‐ North Zone / Region Fire & Rescue Services Officer, South Zone/ Region F&RS Officer‐ South Zone / Region Fire & Rescue Services Officer, KSGD – Kasaragod, KNR‐ Kannur, KKD‐Kozhikkode, WND‐ Wayanad, PKD‐ Palakkad, MLPRM‐Malappuram, TSR‐Thrissur, IDK‐Idukki, EKM‐ Ernakulam, KTM‐ Kottayam, ALP‐ Alappuzha, KLM‐ Kollam, PTA‐ Pathanamthitta, TVPM‐ Thiruvananthapuram, DO‐ Divisional Officer, ADO‐ Asst. Divisional Officer, STO‐ Station Offier, LF‐ Leading Fireman, DM‐ Driver Mechanic, FDCPO‐ Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator, FM‐ Fireman, AO‐ Administrative Officer, SS‐ Senior Superintendent, JS‐ Junior Superintendent.
It is to be clarified here that the above organisational structure is suggested keeping in view the existing organisational structure. One could have recommended totally different structure but that would have caused confusion and demanded different nomenaclatures of ranks and recruitment system. The recommended organisational structure would provide for the long felt demand of KF&RS officers and personnel that there should be a ‘District Fire &Rescue Services Offices’in the districts with the required ministerial staff and under a district officer designated as ‘District Fire &Rescue Services Officer’ in the grade of existing divisional officer. The Assistant Divisional Officers; who were functioning as district officers so far will now become the part of the proposed ‘District Fire & Rescue Services Offices’ and would work directly under the ‘District Fire & Rescue Services Officers’as assistant district fire & rescue services officers with well defined job. The constitution of ‘District Fire & Rescue Services Offices’ will also open up the promotional avenues for the ADOs and STOs; which was another issue of frustrations and demoralisation among the ADOs and STOs.
The creation of two posts of zonal / regional fire & rescue services officers will enhance the supervision of middle lecel supervisory officers such as district fire & rescue services officers and assistant district fire & rescue services officers and fire stations. This will also provide promotional avenues at senior level to the officers of the rank of Divisional officers in the department. The re‐structuring of KF&RS headquarters as recommended in chapter‐8 will push forward the modernisation drive of the KF&RS department in right direction. It is therefore; strongly recommended that the above suggested re‐organisation of KF&RS department should be accepted and implemented in to‐to; if the Govt. wants the KF&RS department to deliver on its mandated role and future challenges.
OMC‐KSJ Page299
CHAPTER: 18
‘Summary of the total number of the
new posts (executive and ministerial) to
be created in the KF&RS department as
part of modernisation of the KF&RS
department’
OMC‐KSJ Page300
18. SUMMARY OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF THE NEW POSTS
(EXECUTIVE AND MINISTERIAL) TO BE CREATED IN THE KF&RS
DEPARTMENT AS PART OF MODERNISATION OF THE KF&RS
DEPARTMENT:
18.1.1 The gap/ shortage of manpower at fire station level has been analysed and
discussed in chapter number 7.2 of this report. The new posts to be created in 101
operational fire stations of KF&RS department according to new yardstick fixed by
this commission come to4216 ( See para 7.2.16 of this report).
18.1.2 The re‐structuring of KF&RS Headquarters has been discussed and analysed
in chapter number 8 of this report. The total number of new posts to be created in
the KF&RS headquarters comes to 35(see para 8.5 of this report).
18.1.3The gap/ shortage of manpower in the KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur has
been analysed in detail in chapter 16 of this report and total new posts to be
created in the category of training instructional staff,training administrative
support staff, and ministerial staff come to 124(see para 16.6.4 of this report).
18.1.4The requirement of new posts (executive & ministerial) to be created for
the establishment of district fire & rescue offices in all the 14 revenue districts of
Kerala and two Zonal / regional Fire & Rescue Services Offices is discussed in
chapter 17 comes to 149( see para 17.1.5 above).
18.1.5 The following is total summary of new posts of executive,
ministerial,training instructors, and training administrative support staff to be
created in the KF&RS Department as part of complete re‐structuring of
organisation of KF&RS department.
OMC‐KSJ Page301
EXECUTIVE STAFF:
Sl.
No. Rank
Number of
new posts
to be
created
The office / unit; where the new posts
are to be created Remarks
1 Deputy
Director 3
Two (2) posts as Zonal Fire & Rescue
Services Officers.
One (1) postas Deputy Director
(Training) in KF&RS Academy, Viyyur,
Thrissur.
2 Divisional
Officer 13
Three(3) posts as in charge Provisioning wing, Technical wing and Fire Prevention wing in KF&RS, Head Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram. One (1) post as Assistant Director (Trg.)in KF&RS Academy, Viyyur. Nine(9) posts as District Fire &
Rescue Services Officers in charge of
districts.
3
Assistant
Divisional
Officer
28
Five(5) posts in Provisioning wing (2),
Technical wing (1) and Fire Prevention
wing (1) & Communication wing (1) in
KF&RS,
Headquarters,Thiruvananthapuram
Five (5) posts as Senior Instructors in
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur,Thrissur.
Eighteen (18) postsof Assistant District
Fire & Rescue Services Officers in the
districts / district fire & rescue services
office.
OMC‐KSJ Page302
4 Station
Officer 82
Four (4) posts of Station Officers in
Provisioning wing (2), Fire Prevention
wing (1) & Communication wing (1) in
KF&RS, Head Quarters,
Thiruvananthapuram.
Ten (9 as Instructors & 1 as STO store)
in KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Sixty Eight (68) posts in fire &rescue
stations of the KF&RS department.
STO (MT) 04 At KF&RS units Kollam, Pathanamthitta,Thrissur and Kannur.
5
Assistant
Station
Officers
202
Ten (10) as Assistant Instructors in KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur. One Hundred Ninety Two (192) in the Fire & Rescue Stations of the KF&RS Department.
6 Leading
Fireman 413
Four (4) posts in Provisioning wing (2),
Fire Prevention wing (1) &
Communication wing (1) in KF&RS,
Head Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram.
Seventeen (17); 13 as Senior
Demonstrators, 3 as Senior Swimming
Demonstrators and 1 as LF (Store) at
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur,Thrissur.
Three Hundred Ninety Two (392)
posts of Leading Fireman in the Fire
and Rescue Stations in the KF&RS
Department
7 Fireman 2704
Two Thousand Six Hundred Seventy
Two (2672) posts in the Fire & Rescue
Stations in the KF & RS Department.
OMC‐KSJ Page303
Thirty Two (32)postsat KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur as Junior
Demonstrators (20), Junior swimming
Demonstrators(5), FM‐Store(2),FM –
Carpenter(1), FM – Plumber(1), FM –
Electrician(1), FM ‐ Blacksmith, (1)
FM‐ Welding(1).
8 Driver
Mechanic 166
Two (2) posts in the Technical wing of
KF & RS Head Quarters
One Hundred Sixty Two (162)posts in
the Fire & Rescue Stations of KF & RS
Department.
Two (2) posts in KF&RS Academy,
Viyyur, Thrissur.
9
Fireman
Driver cum
Pump
Operator
(FDCPO)
661
Five (5) posts in Provisioning wing (2),
Fire Prevention wing (2) &
Communication wing (1) in KF&RS,
Head Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram.
Six Hundred Forty Five (645)posts in
the Fire & Rescue Stations of KF & RS
Department.
Eleven (11)postsas instructors in
KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
TOTAL 4276
OMC‐KSJ Page304
MINISTERIAL STAFF:
Sl.
No. Designation
Number of
new posts to
be created
The office / unit; where the new
posts are to be created Remarks
1 Manager 6
Six (6) posts in the proposed
district fire & rescue services
office of Thiruvananthapuram,
Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur,
Kozhikode&Kannur.
2 Accounts
Officer
One
(1 ‐ in the
grade of
Manager
post)
One (1) post in the KF&RS, Head
Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram.
3
Senior
Superintend
ent
7
Seven (7)posts in the proposed
district fire & rescue services
office of Kollam, Pathanamthitta,
Alappuzha, Thrissur,
Malappuram, Kannur & Kassargod
4
Junior
Superintend
ent
15
Two (2)posts in the KF&RS,
HeadQuarters,
Thiruvananthapuram.
Eleven (11) posts in the
proposeddistrict fire & rescue
services office of Kollam,
Pathanamthitta, Kottayam,
Idukki, Alappuzha, Thrissur,
Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur,
Wayanad & Kassargod.
OMC‐KSJ Page305
Two (2) posts in the two
proposed zonal / regional fire &
rescue services offices.
5 Head
Accountant 1
One (1)post in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyu, Thrissur.
6
Confidential
Assistant Gr.
2
3
One (1) post in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Two (2) posts in the two
proposed zonal / regional fire &
rescue services offices.
7
Lower
Division
Clerk (LDC)
67
Six (6) posts in the KF&RS,
Head Quarters,
Thiruvananthapuram
Fifty Five (55)posts in the
proposed district fire & rescue
services office in the KF&RS
department.
Two (2)posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Four (4) posts in the two
proposed zonal / regional fire
&rescue services offices.
8
Lower
Division
Typist
23
One (1)post in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Twenty (20) posts in the
proposed district fire & rescue services
office in the KF&RS department.
Two (2) posts in the two
proposed zonal / regional fire &
OMC‐KSJ Page306
rescue services offices.
9
Clerks / Typists / Computer Operators
71 Seventy One (71) posts in the existing fire & rescue stations of the KF&RS department.
10 Lab
Assistant 1
One (1) post in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur.
11 Librarian 1 One (1) post in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
12. Record
Keeper 1
One (1) post in the KF&RS, Head
Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram
13.
Last Grade
Servant/
Office
Attendent
15
Two (2) posts in the KF&RS, Head
Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram
Two (2) posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Nine (9) posts in the proposed
district fire & rescue services
office.
Two (2) posts in the two
proposed zonal / regional fire &
rescue services offices.
TOTAL 212
OMC‐KSJ Page307
Training Administrative Support Staff:
1. Cook 9 Nine (9) posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Remark
2.
Water
Carrier /
Helper
7 Seven (7) posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur Thrissur.
3. Sweeper 18
Fourteen (14) posts in the
existing fire & rescue stations,
Four (4) posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
4. Barber 2 Two (2) posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
5. Dhobi 3 Three (3) posts in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
6. Gardener 1 One (1) post in the KF&RS
Academy, Viyyur, Thrissur.
Total 40
OMC‐KSJ Page308
CHAPTER‐19
‘PROTOCOL FOR FIRE &RESCUE
OPERATIONS’
OMC‐KSJ Page309
19.1 PROTOCOL FOR FIRE &RESCUE OPERATIONS:
19.1.1A fire and rescue service is the first responder in many of the incidents
ranging from small one to large scale incident. In the present system a station
officer or an assistant station officer is the commanding officer of the turn outs
from all the fire stations in Kerala. He can manage the incident, crews and the
public if it is a small one.As the seriousness and complexity of the incident
increases more manpower, equipment and appliances are needed; which requires
proper coordination, leadership and good resource control mechanism. Therefore
an officer of experiemce and command capacity must be present in such
incidents. He must have the full authority over the fire & rescue services resources
on the incident ground. He must delegate responsibility and devolve authority for
the operations of the fire & rescue services to the junior officers. The chain of
command should be clearly defined.This will help to manage the incident safely,
effectively and with minimum risk. Therefore a protocol must be set in place
regarding the rescue operation indicating who is the commanding officer and
what are the appliances and equipment to be deployed as the first responding
unit for the various incidents.
19.1.2Setting up of the protocol must also follow a systematic approach with a
clearly defined framework specifying the roles and responsibilities of the various
rank and file of the department for the better command, control and
management of the incident .This can be achieved by adopting an incident
command system. The major components of the incident command system are
described below.
19.2INCIDENT COMMANDER.
He is the senior most among the officers present at an incident spot. This may
range from Station officer to the Commandant General or Director of fire & rescue
service depending upon the seriousness of the incident.
19.2.1Duties and responsibilities of the incident commander:
He must have the full authority over the fire & rescue services resources on
the incident ground.
OMC‐KSJ Page310
He is responsible for the overall management of the incident and will focus
on command and control, deployment of resources, tactical planning and
the health and safety of the crews.
He must nominate an individual as command support to act as a contact
point.
He must assess the incident and should allocate areas of responsibility to
officers as necessary.
He must evaluate the situation task and persons at risk and should select a
safe system of work. If the benefits outweigh the risk he must proceed with
the task. If the risk outweighs the benefit do not proceed with the task but
consider viable alternatives.
He should keep the crew as a team and should ensure that everyone is
working strictly under his order. He should take a position from where he
can watch the proceedings. He should also ensure that everyone is wearing
proper PPE.
19.2.2 APPLICATION OF CORDONS:
Cordons may be employed as an effective method of controlling the resources and
maintaining safety. There are two types: Inner cordon and outer cordon.
INNER CORDON
This will be around the immediate scene of operation. This is the hazardous area
and a high level of safety should be followed in this area. Only men who carry out
rescue operation will be allowed to enter in this area. This area will be under the
control of the fire & rescue services.
OUTER CORDON
This is the area outside the inner cordon which is used by the fire & rescue
services and other services for the support activities. Entry of public should be
restricted in this area.
OMC‐KSJ Page311
19.2.3SPAN OF CONTROL:
The area of involvement of an officer should be limited to enable the individual to
deal with the situation effectively since it is difficult to give attention to so many
aspects of an incident. Span of control means the number of lines of direct
communication with the working crew which should be maintained by the officer.
The span of control may range from 2‐3 to 6‐7 .At small incidents where the area
of operation is easily manageable and there are no sectors the incident
commander may oversee all aspects of the incidents directly.
19.2.4 SECTOR COMMANDER:
If the incident is too large the incident commander must sectorize each area and
delegate officers so that he could have better control of the incident .The sector
can be physical area of the incident or an area of support function. E.g. front and
back of the building. , water sector, foam sector etc. The sector commander will
report directly to the incident commander or to the operations commanders if
one is established. In the present set up officers ranging from Leading Fireman to
Station Officers can be assigned the job of sector commander. Sectorisation is
adopted only if it is required.
19.2.5 OPERATIONS COMMANDER:
If the incident develops in size and complexity more sectors will be e needed and
the incident commander’s span of control will be at its maximum and it is difficult
for the incident commander to manage the incident. In such case the
responsibility of overlooking different sectors can be assigned to an officer of
suitable delegative power. He may be called the operations commander. His job is
to coordinate the sector and to exercise the incident commanders’ authority in
that sphere. This is needed only when the incident grows big and the number of
sectors becomes high. Assistant Divisional Officer and Divisional Officer can be
assigned this job depending on the gravity of the incident.
19.2.6 COMMAND SUPPORT:
This is to assist the incident commander in the management of the incident. The
incident commander should nominate a junior officer or a fire fighter as command
OMC‐KSJ Page312
support who will operate from the designated contact point. An appliance not
involved in pumping or an officer’s car may be suitable for this purpose. The
contact point is identified by using flashing beacons. Adequate number of staff
should be included in the command support.
19.2.7 RESPOSIBILITIES OF COMMAND SUPPORT:
To act as a first contact point for all the appliances and officers and to
maintain a physical record of resources in attendance of the incident.
To assist the incident commander in liaison with other agencies.
To direct attending appliance to an operational location as instructed by the
incident commander.
To record the sector identification and officers duties as the assignments
are made.
Arrange appliance positioning and parking to minimize congestion in
consultation with the police.
Arrange additional special equipment as required by the incident
commander.
Arrange the relief of appliances and personnel
To record and keep all the data as relayed by the incident commander.
To act as a communication link between the incident commander and the
fire brigade control room.
19.2.8 TACTICAL MODE:
This will help the incident commander to manage the incident effectively without
compromising the health and safety of the personnel. There are three tactical
modes.
OMC‐KSJ Page313
OFFENSIVE MODE
This can be applied to a sector or an entire incident. Here firefighting and rescue
operation is carried out inside the building or hazardous area. This is the normal
mode applied by the fire & rescue services. The examples are: fire fighting in
house fires, Industrial fires, effect rescues etc.
DEFENSIVE MODE
This mode may apply to the sector or to the entire incident. This is usually applied
where the operations is being dealt with internally with the objective of carrying
out search and rescue or fighting the fire before it involves the whole building or
threatens its stability. This is generally employed for external operations and must
be applied when committing fire fighters internally would constitute an
unnecessary risk to life. The examples are; fire in a building that is displaying signs
of collapse, rescue from a well showing signs of collapse or lack of oxygen.
TRANSITIONAL MODE
This mode is applicable only to the entire incident. Here a combination of both
offensive and defensive modes is adopted within the different sectors of the same
incident. E.g. A building on fire is fought externally with sectors in defensive
mode.But there is a portion of the building that can be saved safely by using an
offensive mode by fighting the fire inside that portion of the building. In this case
one sector is in defensive mode and one sector is in offensive mode and the
incident would be in the transitional mode.
A defensive approach is being utilized only as an interim measure until further
resources arrive which will enable the offensive mode to be established. The
tactical mode applied should be stated and communicated to all working crews.
The incident commander should inform the sector commander about which mode
he adopted and the sector commander should then implement the change
effectively and ensure that personnel under his command are aware of the
prevailing tactical mode. If a shifting of the mode is necessary in the sector, the
sector commander may change the mode accordingly and inform the incident
commander about it.
OMC‐KSJ Page314
19.2.9 TRANSFER OF COMMAND:
It is the process of briefing an individual of higher experience or authority so that
person can assume command of an incident. This is needed when a new officer
takes over the command over from a junior officer. The information necessary for
the complete transfer of command are the following
What has happened
Incident action plan
Current units/resources operating and other status and location
Civilians injured or trapped
Fire fighters injured or trapped
Actions that have been accomplished
Ability to control the incident with the available resources
19.2.10 MUTUAL AID:
During the course of rescue operation, fire department may need to interact with
many other department, people and organization.
Depending upon the nature of the incident, there must be mutual assistance
among the various department and organization which will help in resolving the
incident. Therefore a mutual aid or assistance agreement incorporating pre‐
arranged written agreement of the type and amount of assistance one
department will provide to another in the event of a large scale fire and disaster
should be set in place. The following department and organization must be
included in this agreement.
Police
Health service
Ambulance service
Revenue department
Public works department
Water authority
Forest department
OMC‐KSJ Page315
Kerala State Electricity Board
Railways
Airport
Navy
Local self‐government department
Corporation /Municipality
Nongovernmental organization
Irrigation
Water transport
Institute of Land and Disaster Management.
19.3 THE FOLLOWING SOP IS SUGGESTED FOR ATTENDING THE FIRE
CALLS:
SI. No.
Type of Fire
Call
Vehicles, Appliances
and equipments for
Turn Out
In charge
1 Fire in oil
refinery
Water tender‐3
Emergency tender‐1
Crash tender‐2
Water bouser‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quickresponse
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
Trailer pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO&
STO
2
Fire in major
industrial
Establishments
like port
Airport, ship
yards, FACT,
Water tender‐3
Emergency tender‐1
Crash tender‐2
Water bouser‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page316
ISRO,LPG
bottling plants
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
Trailer pump‐2
3 Aircraft Fire
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐2
Crash tender‐2
Water bouser‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
Trailer pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
4
Gas/Chemical/
Petroleum fire
in truck
Water tender‐3
Emergency tender‐1
Crash tender‐2
Water bouser‐2
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
Trailer pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
5
Gas/Chemical/
Petroleum fire
in Wagon
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Crash tender‐2
Water bouser‐2
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page317
Trailer pump‐2
6 Fire in wagon
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Crash tender‐1
Water bouser‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
7
Gas/Petroleum
/Chemical fire
In factories
Water tender‐4
Emergency tender‐1
Crash tender‐1
Water bouser‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
DO,
ADO,&
STO
8
Fire in high
rise
commercial
building
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Water bouser‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Turn table ladder‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
9
Fire in
hazardous
storage
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page318
building Water bouser‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
10 Fire in power
house
Industrial Water
tender‐1
Water tender‐1
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Water bouser‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐2
DO,
ADO,&
STO
11 Fire in tank
farm
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Water bouser‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
12
Fire in gas
storage area
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Water bouser‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
13 Fire in Water tender‐2 Director,D
OMC‐KSJ Page319
Legislative
Assembly
Building
Emergency tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Water mist‐1
O,
ADO,&
STO
14 Fire in Govt
Secretariat
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Director,D
O,
ADO,&
STO
15 Fire in Raj
Bhavan
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
Director,D
O,
ADO, &
STO
16 Ship fire
Water tender‐4
Emergency tender‐2
Crash tender‐2
Ambulance‐2
Water bouser‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
17
Fire in
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
DO,
OMC‐KSJ Page320
commercial
streets
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
ADO,&
STO
18 Fire in high
courts
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
DO,
ADO,&
STO
19 Fire in
industries
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
Industrial water
tender‐1
Water brouser‐1
ADO&
STO
20 Fire in hospital
building
Water tender‐2
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Portable pump‐1
Water mist‐1
DO, ADO,
&
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page321
21
Fire in
ministers/
opposition
leader/
speaker/chief
VIP Bungalow
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Water mist‐1
DO, ADO,
&
STO
23
Fire in high rise
residential
building
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Turn table ladder /
Hydraulic Platform ‐1
DO, ADO,
&
STO
24 Fire in storage
building
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Water mist‐1
Water brouser‐1
ADO&
STO
25
Fire in
important
worship
centres
Water tender‐2 Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Water mist‐1
ADO&
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page322
26
Fire in
educational
building
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
ADO&
STO
27
Fire in
electrical
substation
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Water mist‐2
ADO&
STO
28 Fire in
transformers
Water tender‐1Crash tender‐1 Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Water mist‐2
ADO&
STO
29 Fire in sewage
line
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
ADO&
STO
30
Fire in petrol
pump/gas
pump
Water tender‐2Crash tender‐1 Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
DO, ADO,
&
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page323
Water mist‐1
31
Fire in
exhibition
stall/
Carnival place
Water tender‐2Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Water mist‐1
DO, ADO,
&
STO
32 Fire in huts
Water tender‐2Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐2
Water bouser‐1
Water mist‐1
STO
33 Forest fire
Water tender‐2Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐3
Water bouser‐1
ADO&
STO
34
Country boat /
Tourist/ other
boat fire
Water tender‐2Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐3
ADO&
STO
35
Fire in
explosive
manufacturing
unit/
storage unit
Water tender‐3
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐3
DO, ADO,
&
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page324
Water bouser‐1
36
Fire in
fireworks
storage and
Display area
Water tender‐3
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐3
Water bouser‐1
DO, ADO,
&
STO
37 Fire in truck or
vehicle
Water tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
STO
38
Fires in judges
bungalow
Water tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Water mist‐1
ADO&
STO
39 Fire in
collectorate
Water tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Water mist‐1
ADO&
STO
40
Fire in
important govt
offices
And court
complex
Water tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Water mist‐1
ADO&
STO
41 Fire in dwelling
houses
Water tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
OMC‐KSJ Page325
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
STO
42
Fire in single
storied
commercial
building
Water tender‐2
Ambulance‐1
Quick response
vehicle‐1
Float pump‐1
Water mist‐1
STO
43 Fire in
dumping yard
Water tender‐2
Float pump‐1
Water bouser‐2
STO
44 Grass fire Water tender‐2
Float pump‐1 STO
45 Fire on trees Water tender‐2
Float pump‐1 STO
46
Any other fire
not mentioned
above
Water tender‐2
Float pump‐1 STO
19.4 THE FOLLOWING SOP IS SUGGESTED FOR ATTENDING THE
INCIDENT CALLS:
SI.No.
Type of Incident
Call
Vehicles, Appliances and
equipments for Turn OutIn charge
1 Landslide
Emergency Tender‐1
Recovery vehicle‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
JCB‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page326
2 Rail Accidents
Emergency Tender‐1
Recovery vehicle‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
JCB‐2
Water Tender‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
3 Aircraft
Accidents
Emergency Tender‐1
Recovery vehicle‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Water Tender‐3
Water bouser‐2
Crash tender‐1
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
4 Tour and other
Boat Accidents
Emergency Tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Speed boat‐2
Scuba‐4
Dingi‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
5 Tsunami
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Recovery Vechilce‐2
JCB‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Speed boat‐2
Scuba‐4
Dingi‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page327
Trailer pump‐3
Portable pump‐4
Float pump‐4
6 Storm/Cyclone
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Recovery Vechilce‐2
JCB‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Speed boat‐2
Scuba‐4
Dingi‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Trailer pump‐3
Portable pump‐4
Float pump‐4
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
7 Earth Quake
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Recovery Vechilce‐2
JCB‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
8
Building Collapse‐
Multi storied
Buildings
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Recovery Vechilce‐2
JCB‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page328
Float pump‐2
9 Radio Active
incidents
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
10 Missile Accidents
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
11
Gas leakage from
wagon truck
Factory and other
installations
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
Water bouser‐2
Portable pump‐4
DO,
ADO, &
STO
12
Chemical,Acid,
petroleumspillage
from wagon
truck,factory and
other
installations
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
Water bouser‐2
Portable pump‐4
Crash tender‐1
DO,
ADO, &
STO
13 Hydrological
disasters
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
DO,
ADO, &
OMC‐KSJ Page329
vehicle‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐4
STO
14 Bomb Blast
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
Water bouser‐2
Portable pump‐4
Crash tender‐1
Director,
DO,
ADO&
STO
15 Stampede
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Director,
DO,
ADO, &
STO
16 Meteorological
disasters
Emergency Tender‐2
Ambulance‐4
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐2
Float pump‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
17 Incident in high
Court
Emergency Tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
18 Country Boat
Accidents
Emergency Tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Speed boat‐1
Scuba‐2
Dingi‐1
DO,
ADO, &
STO
19 Rescue from high Emergency Tender‐2 DO,
OMC‐KSJ Page330
rise buildings
And other heights
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
Fire Tender‐1
TTL / Hydraulic Platform‐
1
ADO, &
STO
20 Heavy rain/flood
Emergency Tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
float pump‐2
speed boat‐2
dingi‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
21 Hooch tragedy
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐4
Inflatable halite lamp‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
22 Health disasters
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐4
Inflatable halite lamp‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
23 Waterline
bursting
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable halite lamp‐2
Trailor pump‐2
Float pump‐2
Portable pump‐2
DO,
ADO, &
STO
24 Rescue from
sewage
Emergency Tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Quick response
vehicle‐2
float pump‐2
Inflatable Towerlight‐2
ADO, &
STO
25 Incident in Emergency tender‐1 ADO, &
OMC‐KSJ Page331
important
worship centres
Water tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
26 Building collapse
(single storied)
Emergency tender‐1
Water tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
ADO, &
STO
27 Incidents in
judges bungalow
Emergency tender‐1
Water tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
ADO, &
STO
28 Incidents in
collectorate
Emergency tender‐1
Water tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
ADO, &
STO
29
Incidents in
important Govt
offices,
Court complex
and secretariat
Emergency tender‐1
Water tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
ADO, &
STO
30 Drowning in well
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
31 Drowning in
open water
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
32 Lift accidents
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
33 Rescue from tree
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
OMC‐KSJ Page332
34 Rescue from
tower
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
35
Rescue of those
who trapped in
rail and other
structures
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐2
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
36 Rescue from wild
animals
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
37 Falling of trees
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
38 Rescue of slum
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
39 Vehicle accidents
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
40
Other disasters
not mentioned /
anywhere
Emergency tender‐1
Ambulance‐1
Inflatable Tower light ‐1
STO
The response to any fire / incident call depends on the intensity and gravity of the
situation. The above mentioned scale of vehicles/equipments and the level of
officer(s) are minimum first response. The further augmentation of the human
and technical resourses to meet the requirement of the situation would depend
upon the assessment of the senior most officer designated for attending the fire /
rescue the call.
OMC‐KSJ Page333
CHAPTER‐ 20
‘SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED FROM THE
KF&RS DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATIONS /
INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS AND OTHER
OTHER ISSUESFELT RELEVANT BY THE
COMMISSION’
OMC‐KSJ Page334
20.SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED FROM THE KF&RS DEPARTMENT
ASSOCIATIONS / INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS AND OTHER ISSUES FELT
RELEVANT BY THE COMMISSION:
All the service associations /organisations and officers / personnel of KF&RS
department were requested to offer their suggestions and remarks on the terms
of reference issued by the Government for the functioning of the one man
commission for the modernization of Kerala Fire &Rescue Services department.
The response was quite lukewarm from the senior officers and very few ADOs and
STOs individually responded. The Kerala Fire & rescue servicess Association and
Kerala Fire & rescue services Drivers & Mechanics Association had submitted their
remarks / opinion. Some of the suggestions received from them and other issues
felt relevant by the Commission are given below.
I. The post of fireman and Fireman Driver cum Pump Operator
(FDCPO) should be merged and combined. The initial recruitment
should be conducted for a common category of Fireman Driver cum
Pump Operator (FDCPO). It is felt that this will be a force multiplier
and the shortage of drivers will be permanently banished from the
department as all the personnel joining at the entry level post of fire
man and driver would be with qualifications prescribed for drivers
and fireman. This will also ensure that all the fire men joining the
department will be trained driver and the department will be flush
with trained drivers to operate pumps and do the firefighting as well.
In fact; some of states are already moving in to this direction for
obvious advantages flowing from such initiative. The Standing Fire
Advisory Council has also recommended to this effect.
II. The swimming should be made compulsory qualification for
appointment / selection to the post of Fireman, FDCPO, and Station
Officers.
III. The Firemen and Station Officers should be given training in driving,
swimming and computer operations during their basic as well as in‐
service courses even if they know these skills.
OMC‐KSJ Page335
IV. All promotion cadre courses must include office management and
computer practical as one of the subjects.
V. The basic training course of fireman consists of two legs; the first leg
of six months in the academy and second leg of six months practical
training in the fire & rescue stations. It is felt that the practical
training conducted at fire &rescue stations should be scrapped as it
serves no specific purpose and the firemen trainees should be posted
to fire & stations as fire man under probation instead. But at the
same time there is growing demand that the firemen should be given
training in the driving, swimming and computers. Therefore it is
suggested that the after completing the first leg of basic training of
six months the fire men recruits should be retained in the academy
itself for another period of three months for undergoing training in
driving, swimming and computers. The firemen trainees will
therefore undergo nine months of basic training: the first leg of six
months basic training as being imparted now and second leg of
three months training in driving, swimming and computers even if
they already possess these skills. They will have to pass in these skills
during their basic training. Both the legs of training will be conducted
in the academy itself. After successful completion of nine months
training in the academy they will be posted to direct to the fire &
rescue stations on probation. The system of practical training of six
months in the fire &rescue stations will thus be abolished.
VI. The period of basic training course for the Fireman Driver cum Pump
Operator (FDCPO) is four months. They don’t have the practical
training in fire & rescue stations. They are posted in the fire & rescue
stations after the four months basic training. Their basic training
course period should be extended to six months. The FDCPO trainees
will therefore undergo six months of basic training: the first leg of
four months basic training as being imparted now and second leg of
two months training in swimming and computers even if they
already possess these skills.
VII. The qualification for the direct recruitment to the post of Driver
Mechanic should be ITI diploma in mechanical engineering and
OMC‐KSJ Page336
should have current motor vehicle driving license in heavy goods
/passenger vehicles, medium goods / passenger vehicles, and light
goods / passenger vehicles. The existing qualification of three years
practical experience in any Govt. approved workshop should be done
away with.
VIII. The FDCPO should have current motor vehicle driving license for
heavy goods /passenger vehicles, medium goods / passenger vehicles
and light goods / passenger vehicles.
IX. The minimum educational qualification for fireman, FDCPO and
direct Driver Mechanic should be Plus Two pass and equivalent
examination instead of SSLC.
X. The KF&RS department personnel have got only one working dress
for operational duty as well as other normal official duties. The
government should therefore constitute a committee for deciding for
two types of uniforms: one for the operational duties and other for
the normal official duties. One thing that should be done immediately
is to scrap Khaki colour uniform for the fire &rescue service
personnel. They are mostly mistaken as police officers. It should be
understood that the uniform provides the needed unique identity to
its members. The Khaki colour is historically identified with the police
in the sub‐continent. The army is identified with olive green colour.
Similarly; the fire & rescue department personnel should have their
own unique uniform colour. It should be distinct and different from
police and army. The suggested committee should go into these
issues and come forward with the recommendation that will assign a
vibrant and unique uniform colour & design to KF&RS department
personnel for operational duties, other normal duties, and
ceremonial occasions.
XI. The operational duty dress should be light, flexible and fire
retardant; with fitments / pouches to carry PPEs and communication
equipments etc. The rank badges in the operational dress should be
made of cloth / canvas and never of metals.
XII. The government of Kerala in 2009 ordered the changes in the badges
of ranks of officers (ASTO and above) of KF&RS department and
OMC‐KSJ Page337
adopted the police badgesof ranks on the assumption that it will
provide them necessary authority in crowd management during
firefighting and rescue operations etc. This has not only undermined
the organizational autonomy of KF&RS department but has made
them poor copy of police officers in public without any added
advantage. The stars and emblems are generally not the badges of
ranks of fire & rescue services officers. They should therefore revert
back to the badges of ranks in existence prior to changes brought in
2009. The earlier badges of ranks with impeller etc are the standard
badges of ranks for the fire & rescue services officers all over the
country. This is also the opinion of a good number of ADOs and DOs
in the department.
XIII. The existing tarred parade ground in the KF&RS Academy, Viyyur
should be removed and concrete or roller pressed mud parade
ground should be rebuilt.
XIV. The Class rooms should be equipped with audio visuals equipments
at Fire & rescue servicess Academy, Viyyur.
XV. The training in SCUBA and emergency first aid should be
incorporated in the basic and in‐service training syllabus.
XVI. The KF&RS Academy should issue certificates to the KF&RS personnel
after their successful completion of training courses in the academy.
XVII. There is great deal of repetition in the course syllabus of FM basic
course, LF promotion course and ASTO promotion course. The LF
promotion course should be devoted to intensive study of chemicals
& hazards, disaster management techniques, practical handling of
specialized hydraulic equipments, exposure to new firefighting
techniques / systems and practical training in rescuing from wells /
cliffs / hill accidents. The hands on training methodology should be
adopted for the LF promotion course. The present period of two
months for the LF promotion course can be extended to three
months duration to get extensive hands on experience in above
mentioned subjects.
XVIII. The ASTO promotion course should also focus on intensive study of
chemicals & hazards, disaster management techniques, practical
OMC‐KSJ Page338
handling of specialized hydraulic equipments, exposure to new
firefighting techniques / systems and office management. The ASTO
promotion course should be blend of class room and practical
exposure modules. The present duration of four months of ASTO
promotion course can be reduced to three months period.
XIX. The Commandant General, KF&RS department should constitute a
board of officers to study afresh the course content of LF promotion
course and ASTO promotion course and suggest changes in the
training curriculum as suggested above.
XX. Another important aspect is to take the trainees of LF and ASTO
promotion courses on a study tour to neighboring state fire stations /
training institutions, industry visits inside the state and study tour to
tourist places of importance etc. To start with visit to Kochi refinery
should be made compulsory with immediate effect to study about
the firefighting arrangements in an oil refinery and their training
ground. This can be done easily.
XXI. It is noted that to become eligible for promotion to LF; the passing of
LF promotion Course is mandatory. Similarly; to become eligible for
promotion to ASTO; the passing of ASTO promotion Course is
mandatory. But there is no such stipulation for those getting
promotion rom ASTO to STO. It is therefore recommended that the
promotion from ASTO to STO should be given to only those ASTOs
who undergo Sub officer’s course either at NFSC Nagpur or any other
regional fire training center sponsored by NFSC, Nagpur. That course
can even be organized at KF&RS Academy, Viyyur, if not possible to
organize either at NFSC, Nagpur or any other rebional training center.
This will infuse some spirit of competitiveness and weed out the
totally incompetent ASTO from becoming STO.
XXII. The bond amount to be deposited by the fireman trainees at the time
of joining the service /training needs to be substantially enhanced to
prevent desertion and leaving of service by them.
XXIII. The Fireman category personnel within the eligible age group limit
may be given at least 20 percent weightage for direct recruitment to
the Station Officer post. That means 20 percent of vacancy of direct
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STO should be reserved for the serving firemen provided they are
within the eligible age prescribed for direct STO post and meet other
prescribed qualifications.
XXIV. One torch should be Issued to each vehicles for facilitating night
duties.
XXV. Build family quarters in every fire & rescue stations so that personnel
are available for duty in emergency.
XXVI. Install power steering & automatic transmission system in all
firefighting vehicles.
XXVII. A full‐fledged underwater rescue operation team may be formed in
every district and at every water tourism spots.
XXVIII. The Servicing, maintenance, and repairs of vehicles should be
undertaken by the department directly, not at govt. approved
workshops.
XXIX. The Motorola GM 338 wireless system and Motorola walkie‐talkies as
used by Mumbai Fire Brigade should be used for communication
system.
XXX. The Fire Investigation work is totally neglected in Kerala. There
should be fire investigation wing to find out the real causes of fire and
the necessary steps to prevent Fire.
XXXI. Establish a mobile workshop for checking fitness & maintenance of
vehicles. This is worth adopting advice. There could be one mobile
workshop van in one district which could roam in the district for such
contigency.
XXXII. Mini MTU should be allotted to all Fire & Rescue Stations.
XXXIII. The establishing and running of fire hydrants should be made
mandatory in all cities / towns with the help of LSGD and KWA
departments, because it provides pressurized water supply.
XXXIV. Issue oxy acetylene gas cutting set to all fire & rescue Stations.
XXXV. Provide all fire & rescue stations hydraulic pressure testing machine.
XXXVI. Maintain refreshment and familiarization schedule for newly
inducted equipments and tools.
XXXVII. There are no equipments for rescuing from wells, cliffs, hill accidents.
They should be procured or improvised locally.
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XXXVIII. All fire & rescue stations need at least one compressor for air filling in
cylinders.
XXXIX. There should be district wise recruitment for the post of FM and
FDCPO instead of existing state level centralized recruitment.
XL. There is no SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for Fireman in
rescue and firefighting operation, and no code of safety procedure is
followed during firefighting and rescue operation. This needs to be
looked in to by the Commandant General, KF&RS department.
XLI. Need for the Women station officers & fire fighters may be inducted
in the fire prevention wing of the KF&RS department.