In a resonant display of solidarity, respect, and preparedness, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Goa, initiated the observance of National Fire Service Day and Fire Prevention Week 2025 with a meticulously organized ceremonial gathering on April 14, 2025. Held at the Fire Force Training Ground in Panaji, the event commenced with a solemn homage to the fire service martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, particularly those who perished in the tragic explosion aboard the SS Fort Stikine at Mumbai’s Victoria Dock in 1944. This commemoration not only marked the beginning of a week-long series of activities focused on fire prevention and safety awareness but also served as a strategic platform to align with the national theme, ‘Unite to Ignite, A Fire Safe India.’
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod P. Sawant led the state’s leadership in paying tributes. He was joined by Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Director of Fire & Emergency Services Shri Nitin V. Raiker, and senior fire and rescue personnel. The dignitaries collectively laid wreaths at the Martyrs Memorial Column, and a two-minute silence was observed. The names of the fallen heroes were reverently read aloud by Director Raiker, reinforcing a sense of pride, duty, and historical continuity among the assembled personnel and citizens.
The highlight of the morning event was the ceremonial parade led by Parade Commander Shri Bosco Ferrao, Assistant Divisional Officer (North Zone, Panaji), which included 12 impeccably aligned platoons. This demonstration of discipline, coordination, and operational readiness was reviewed by Chief Minister Dr. Sawant, who also presented Commendation Certificates to exemplary personnel recognized for their heroism, discipline, and outstanding commitment during emergency and rescue operations.
In his welcome speech, Director Raiker announced the launch of Fire Prevention Week, scheduled from April 14 to 20, 2025. He emphasized the strategic role of public engagement and community education in achieving a fire-resilient society. Encouraging citizens to participate in various awareness programs, he elaborated on the department’s comprehensive performance metrics for the year 2024–25. The Goa Fire & Emergency Services responded to a total of 9,773 calls—3,147 fire-related and 6,626 categorized under emergencies. These operations resulted in the saving of 403 human lives, 815 animal rescues, and the protection of property valued at over ₹44.36 crores.
Further reflecting on the department’s commitment to education and outreach, Director Raiker highlighted flagship training initiatives such as the ‘Training of Trainers in Basic Fire Safety,’ the ‘Safer School Safer India’ campaign, and other disaster preparedness programs. These initiatives underscore a shift toward proactive risk mitigation, with a strong emphasis on capacity building and knowledge dissemination.
In line with youth engagement strategies, the department organized a state-level poster competition on April 5, 2025, which saw an enthusiastic participation of 1,652 students across two age groups. Group I (7–10 years) explored the theme “Flames of Harmony & Destruction,” while Group II (11–14 years) responded to the theme “Be Fire Safety Champion – Protect, Prevent and Prepare.” The competition not only cultivated artistic expression but also ingrained critical awareness about fire safety among the next generation. Winners were felicitated by Chief Minister Sawant during the ceremony, acknowledging the importance of inculcating safety values from an early age.
To elevate public engagement, the department orchestrated live demonstrations of advanced firefighting and rescue operations. These included robotic fire suppression units, drone-assisted situational assessment, and specialized tools for flood response, emergency medical care, and urban search and rescue. An expansive exhibition displayed state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and personal protective gear, enabling civilians to acquaint themselves with modern firefighting technologies and emergency response methodologies.
An important milestone during the occasion was the inauguration of a newly commissioned Water Tender, designated for Cuncolim Fire Station, by Chief Minister Dr. Sawant. This addition signifies the government’s continued investment in strengthening emergency infrastructure and enhancing logistical agility across regional fire stations.
In his keynote address, Dr. Pramod Sawant lauded the unwavering dedication and valor of Goa’s fire personnel, noting that as India advances socio-economically, emerging urban and industrial risks call for resilient, forward-looking emergency response mechanisms. He advocated for greater community involvement, routine safety audits, and inter-agency collaborations to build a future-ready fire service apparatus.