Modernisation Programme
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services will recruit women firefighters for frontline duties and implement a modernisation programme involving new fire engines, drones, high-rise rescue vehicles and specialised equipment during 2026-27, as part of measures to strengthen emergency response and rescue operations. The department will procure 10 heavy-duty wreckers for ₹8 crore and 50 hydraulic Combi-tools for ₹6 crore to rescue people trapped in crashed vehicles and collapsed structures. Technology will be expanded through 25 surveillance drones costing ₹2 crore to track fires and locate people during floods and disasters. Ten payload drones costing ₹1.20 crore will transport medicines, relief material and rescue equipment to inaccessible areas. Nine new fire stations will be established at a cost of ₹20.59 crore. State Fire and Rescue Services Academy at Kalavakkam in Chengalpattu will be expanded with training and administrative facilities at a cost of ₹50 crore. The number of Chief Minister’s Fire Service Medals awarded annually will increase from 120 to 240, while the monthly allowance for medal recipients will rise from ₹400 to ₹500.
The designation “Fireman” will also be changed to the gender-neutral “Firefighter”. The induction of women firefighters will increase women’s participation in emergency response. Their deployment is expected to strengthen rescue operations during emergencies involving women and children. The department will also have dedicated drones to assess fire conditions before rescue personnel enter affected areas. Six stations will come up at Porur, Sengipatti, Ayothiapattinam, Ponnerikarai, Thiruppuvanam and Vadamadurai, while three will be established in SIPCOT industrial parks at Mambakkam, Perundurai and Cheyyar. New district offices will be established at Tambaram and Avadi. Ten specialised teams will inspect high-rise buildings, factories and commercial establishments for fire-safety compliance. Uniform allowance for fire personnel will be brought on a par with the police department.