Mumbai, April , 2011: The Directorate of Maharashtra Fire Services (MFS)  concluded the  “Fire Services Week 2011” today with a parade, showcasing its battalion of fire fighters and a range of fire fighting apparatus including rescue tender, foam tender, water tender, turntable ladder, hydraulic platform, fire engines, ambulances and the latest equipment in its armoury -the 68-metre high ladder amongst other fire fighting facilities, culminating  with felicitation of  president medal winners for gallantry and meritorious services in fire fighting, through the Honorable Chief guest, the Governor of Maharashtra Mr. K.Shankarnarayan in Mumbai.

According to Director, Maharashtra Fire Services (MFS), Mr. MV Deshmukh, all fire services units in the state are observing the week with a series of industrial and competition drills and contest based awareness programmes amongst the students community. “Our brave fire fighters who have risked their lives in the line of duty and winners of various competitions during the week have also been felicitated today by the state government in the city”, he added.

The MFS body under the aegis of the State Urban Development Department coordinates and oversees all fire services units associated with various industrial bodies, Municipal Corporations, CIDCO, MIDC, Airports and PSUs. 

The Fire Services Week is a culmination of Fire Services Day observed across the country on April 14th as a tribute day in the memory of the catastrophe occurred on April 14, 1944 due to the fire followed by a devastating explosion of the ammunition stored in the vessel s.s. “Port Stikins” which had arrived in Mumbai from Karachi. While battling the blaze, 66 gallant fire fighters laid down their lives and created a footprint in the history of fire services of the country.