14-04-2016: Fire Services of India A commemorative postage stamp

Fire Services of India owing to rapid industrialization and modernization of the country the security of life and property in such a community is to be developed so that there is neither loss of life nor damage of property without adequate fire protection measures being adopted. The regular Fire Services in India first came up in Bombay(Mumbai) & Calcutta(Kolkata) during the British period. The great fire of Bombay occurred in 1803 and the first nucleus of fire service in India took shape. Prior to this the Police force was entrusted with fire fighting jobs. In 1822, the service in Calcutta was organized under the Calcutta Polive. In 1855, the Bombay fire brigade was officially formed and formally placed under the police as a part-time function of the Police under Government and a regular fire service with horse drawn fire engines camne into being in Bombay under the control of Police. 14th April is observed throughout the country as the Fire Services Day to pay homage to all the gallant fireman. Department of Posts is pleased to release a commemorative postage stamp in the honour of “Fire Services of India” which have a glorious history in this country.