Chennai: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), India's only Central Armed Police Force with a dedicated fire wing, has significantly expanded its nationwide fire training initiative, successfully training 380 firefighters from 150 cities across 22 States and Union Territories so far.

The initiative stems from a directive by the Union Home Minister during the CISF Raising Day 2023, tasking the force with enhancing the skills of state fire personnel in 100 cities. Responding swiftly, CISF's Fire Service Training Institute (FSTI) in Hyderabad conducted 11 batches through 2023-24, training 274 firefighters from 113 cities.

Building on this momentum, five more batches were sanctioned for 2025, with four already completed, benefiting 106 personnel from 46 cities in 10 States. The fifth batch will commence on August 25. The CISF has also offered to expand slots further this year based on state nominations.

The training focuses on modern firefighting, urban disaster management, and advanced rescue operations. Trainees are also prepared for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies, ensuring readiness for complex industrial and urban hazards.

“As the only CAPF with a dedicated fire wing, CISF remains committed to building a robust safety culture,” a spokesperson said, highlighting the continuous upgradation of training modules in line with evolving threats.

The state-of-the-art FSTI also trains personnel from national and international agencies, reinforcing CISF's pivotal role in India's fire safety ecosystem. The force aims to strengthen partnerships with state fire services throughout 2025, supporting India's vision of a disaster-resilient nation.