Mumbai: Vikhroli gets mini fire station

The mini fire station at Vikhroli E will have a fire tender the size of a tempo. Pic/Sameer Markande

Months after mid-day highlighted the demand of Vikhroli East residents for a mini fire station, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is finally making their wish a reality. The facility is being built near the Eastern Express Highway and is expected to become operational after the requisite fire brigade personnel are recruited.

Currently, there is only one fire station at Vikhroli West, on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg. The road, however, is always congested and the redevelopment of old buildings at Kannamwar Nagar and Tagore Nagar in the east have increased the need for a fire station in the area.

The mini fire station that is being set up at Vikhroli East. Pic/Sameer Markande

A Mumbai Fire Brigade official said, "We have published an advertisement seeking recruits. We hope to get a good response." The staff of the mini fire station will work as first responders. "There will be two firemen, one sub-officer and one driver who will be deputed with a mini fire tender. This mini fire tender will be the size of a tempo. It will have a 1,000-litre water tank," the official said.

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Between Chembur and Mulund, there are only two fire stations in the east while there is another fire station at Shivaji Nagar. "The mini fire station will have basic equipment to respond to fires and carry out rescues. The crew will work as first responders until another machinery reaches the spot from a fire station," the official added.

As per BMC records, more than 40 high-rises have come up in the past several years while redevelopment work is underway at several spots. The civic body has also decided to set up a new fire station at Ghatkopar West, Bhatwadi and Kanjurmarg West on LBS Road. mid-day reported about the demand of Vikhroli East residents locals on May 26, 2022.