Mysuru is set to expand its fire response network with new stations planned as the city grows into Greater Mysuru, improving emergency response and strengthening fire safety infrastructure. The recent fire mishap at a resto-bar in Mysuru city, which claimed the lives of two people and left seven others injured, has highlighted the importance of fire stations and the need for more. Currently, Mysuru has three fire stations, and with the government issuing a notification to upgrade Mysuru City Corporation as the Greater Mysuru City Corporation, it is set to expand by merging several town and grama panchayats, increasing the need for additional infrastructure.
Regional Fire Officer P Chandan stated that Mysuru city has three fire stations – Saraswathipuram, Bannimantap, and Hebbal, besides a separate squad and fire unit at the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran. The Karnataka State government has announced three more fire stations for Mysuru city in the budget. Two of the proposed fire stations have been approved – near JP Nagar Ring Road and at Kadakola – with construction works having started at Kadakola. A proposal for another fire station at Yelwal has also been submitted. Proposals have been submitted for fire stations at Virajpet in Kodagu district and Yelandur and MM Hills in Chamarajanagar district, with one in Alur taluk, Hassan district, having been completed and inaugurated recently.
According to the norms by the Standing Fire Advisory Council, there should be one fire station for every 10-km in urban areas and 50 km in rural areas. Establishing additional fire stations will help meet these standards. Each fire station comprises 60 personnel, with each fire tender vehicle requiring six people, and there are three vehicles in each station. The personnel work in three shifts, and at present, there is no shortage, with the department being totally prepared to tackle the situation across Mysuru range, be it fire mishap or monsoon disasters.