TN Fire Department to Induct Women for Frontline Roles in Major Modernisation Drive

CHENNAI — The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services will recruit women firefighters for frontline operational duties as part of an extensive modernisation programme planned for the 2026-27 period, aimed at reinforcing the state's emergency response and rescue infrastructure.

Under this initiative, the department will formally retire the conventional job title of "Fireman", replacing it with the gender-neutral designation "Firefighter". The induction of women into frontline roles is intended to expand female participation in emergency services, with officials expecting their deployment to significantly bolster operations during rescue situations involving women and children.

Alongside personnel reforms, the government is undertaking an overhaul of the department's fleet. Ageing response vehicles will be phased out and replaced by 50 new water tenders at an estimated cost of ₹60 crore. To tackle emergencies on heavily congested urban roads and reduce transit times, the department will also procure 50 Quick Response Vehicles fitted with specialized water-mist technology for ₹17.5 crore.

To address safety requirements in expanding industrial belts, the department plans to enhance its high-rise firefighting and rescue capacity. Two 54-metre Aerial Ladder Platform vehicles, representing an investment of ₹60 crore, will be acquired and stationed in Kancheepuram and Hosur to provide rapid response capabilities across key industrial corridors.

The modernisation scheme will further introduce drones, modern fire engines, and specialised extraction gear. The procurement includes 10 heavy-duty wreckers costing ₹8 crore and 50 hydraulic Combi-tools valued at ₹6 crore, which will be deployed specifically to extricate victims trapped inside crashed vehicles and collapsed structures.