Mumbai : In a major safety upgrade, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) is set to equip all 35 fire stations with advanced battery-operated smoke exhausters to tackle fire emergencies in enclosed basement areas. These compact and portable units are expected to significantly improve rescue and firefighting operations in multi-level parking spaces and other confined underground areas commonly found in high-rises, malls, and multiplexes.
The move comes as part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) efforts to modernize fire safety infrastructure, especially in response to the increasing number of basement fires. The MFB, which attends nearly 17,000 emergencies annually—including around 5,000 fire incidents—has identified smoke-filled basements as one of the most hazardous environments for fire personnel.
Currently, the department relies on five outdated smoke exhausters purchased in 2012. These older models are heavy, require external power sources, and are not ideal for rapid deployment. In contrast, the new exhausters are lightweight, shoulder-carried, battery-powered, and equipped with adjustable angles for better maneuverability in tight spaces.
Each new unit is priced at ₹1.69 lakh, bringing the total procurement cost to ₹72.58 lakh. The upgrade was prompted in part by incidents like the April 29 basement fire at Link Square Mall in Bandra West, where inadequate smoke ventilation worsened the situation.
Officials believe the new exhausters will significantly reduce risks to firefighters by quickly venting toxic fumes and improving visibility, particularly in sealed basement structures.
