90 Pune Fire Brigade Personnel Await Mandatory Training, Risk Missing Promotions Before 2027

Pune, 24th February 2026: Nearly 90 personnel of the Pune Fire Brigade are awaiting mandatory training required for future promotions, raising concerns that many may miss career advancement opportunities if the process is not completed before 2027.

The issue came to light after corporator Raghavendra Bappu Mankar met Mayor Manjusha Nagpure and urged the civic administration to expedite the pending training programmes.

According to officials, several fire brigade personnel fall within the 43 to 53 age group. For eligibility for higher ranks, they are required to complete specific courses conducted by the National Fire Service College in Nagpur. These courses are subject to an upper age limit.

Although the age relaxation for completing the training has been extended up to 54 years until 2027, an inadequate number of personnel have been deputed for the courses over the past few years. As a result, more than 90 firefighters are yet to undergo the required training. Many of them are nearing the age threshold, creating the risk of permanent ineligibility for promotions.

Mankar stated that firefighters work round the clock to protect citizens during fires, floods and other natural disasters, often risking their own lives. He said it would be unfair if their careers were affected due to technical delays.

He also pointed out that with the recent inclusion of new villages within the municipal limits, additional fire stations are expected to be established in the coming years. This expansion will require trained manpower.

Ensuring that experienced personnel receive timely training would not only secure their promotional prospects but also strengthen the department’s operational capacity, he added.

Mankar has demanded that, after obtaining necessary approval from the Nagpur-based college, the pending courses be organised in Pune itself for personnel nearing the age limit. He further called for a policy decision to ensure that all pending training is completed before 2027.

Mayor Nagpure has assured a positive decision on the matter, Mankar said. Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode and several fire brigade personnel were present during the meeting.