Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that the State government is modernising the Fire Services Department to strengthen its ability to protect lives and property during fire accidents and other disasters.

Mr. Naidu flagged off 58 firefighting vehicles procured at around ₹40 crore from the 15th Finance Commission funds at Seed Access Road in Amaravati on Friday. The fire services officials explained the features and capabilities of the new vehicles to the Chief Minister.

The new fleet also includes 25 advanced fire-fighting vehicles, costing ₹18.68 crore, designed to reach accident sites, particularly those in rural and forest areas, quickly and provide immediate emergency services.

The department has also procured 20 water bowsers at a cost of ₹14.79 crore to ensure uninterrupted water supply during major fires. Each bowser has a capacity to carry 14,000 litres of water and is expected to play a key role in tackling fires in urban and industrial areas.

In addition, 13 quick-response multipurpose firefighting vehicles, costing ₹6.37 crore, have been equipped with advanced technology to enable firefighters to reach narrow, congested areas quickly and respond to emergencies.

Mr. Naidu said that the government was procuring modern vehicles and firefighting equipment in phases at a total cost of ₹252.86 crore, with funding from both the Centre and the State.

In the first phase, 65 firefighting vehicles, costing ₹33 crore, were already made available, while 58 vehicles were launched on Thursday as part of the second phase. More vehicles and equipment would be procured in the third phase, he said.

The government is also strengthening fire station infrastructure, the Chief Minister said, adding that construction of 17 new fire station buildings is underway, with ₹2.25 crore being spent on each building. Six buildings have already been completed, while 36 existing fire stations are being modernised.

Home Minister V. Anitha, Fire Services DG Venkata Ramana and senior officials participated in the programme.

Published - August 14, 2026 07:32 pm IST