Karnataka State Fire & Emergency Services department as such, came into existence in 1965 after being separated from the Police department and Municipal/ local bodies under which it functioned till then. At present there are 131 Fire & Emergency Service units in the state.

The main duty of the Karnataka Fire & Emergency Services department is to prevent, and control fire incidents all over the State. The department has the added responsibility of rendering rescue services in times of emergencies. It has now also been entrusted with the role of the first responder in the event of natural or man-made disasters, which caste ominous shadow on the modern world. Acts of mass destruction by terrorists' action are no longer in the realm of imagery.

It is not an easy task for the department to come up to the expectations of the people in respect of these onerous responsibilities. While a lot has been done to develop the efficacy of the department, much more needs to be done to fill the existing gap, as well as to cope up with the ever increasing challenges. In this regard community participation in department training programs and activities will definitely help in sharing the responsibilities and get prepared to face the worst. This proactive approach is one of the essential component of disaster/crisis mitigation process.

The department is taking all necessary measures to improve its infrastructure, equipments, personnel, mobility and communication systems with due focus on modern technology and improvement in the knowledge, attitude and skills of the Fire personnel. The department is proposing changes in the legal frame work of fire safety laws so as to ensure fire safety measures by individuals and institutions.

Prevention of fires and promotion of fire safety at home work place, industry and at community level cannot be achieved by the Fire Force sans the awareness and enthusiastic cooperation of the members of the public. The department is taking up many innovative schemes to harness such cooperation and improve the fire safety awareness. Some of the past programs were:
a.  Agni Sanchike weekly T.V. serial programme on DD (Chandana) .
b. Fire Warden Organization, to provide an opportunity to volunteers to join     hands with the Fire Services in improving fire safety awareness and quick reaction habits in the community.
c. Students Association for Fire Education (SAFE) programme meant to develop our younger generation into fire safety conscious individuals.
d. Website: www.karnatakafireservices.gov.in is the official website of the Fire & Emergency Services department (launched by the Hon'ble Home Minister of Karnataka State, on 29th October 2003). This site will give all information about the department, has fire safety educative components, and will be available to you to interact with us directly. A Kannada version of this site is also under preparation.

I request you to patronize this website of your Fire Services and contribute to make it more meaningful and attractive. We aim, to be the best in the country.

I wish the public of Bangalore and Karnataka State all the best and may safety be with you in all your endeavors.

Jija Madhavan Hari Singh, IPS

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & DIRECTOR

KARNATAKA STATE FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES