The challenge
Kangra District's fire stations are chronically understaffed. Forest fires during the pre-monsoon season threaten settlements, forests and lives across the district. The gap between the formal fire service's capacity and the scale of fire risk is significant — and growing as climate change extends fire seasons and intensifies fire behaviour.
The EDMRC approach
FireWATCH embeds trained Aapda volunteers at fire stations across Kangra District, creating a professional volunteer supplement to the formal fire service. During fire season, FireWATCH volunteers are deployed in high-risk forest zones for surveillance, early detection and initial response.
The model draws on NDMA's Aapda Mitra and State Youth Task Force training framework, with EDMRC adding fire station integration, field deployment protocols, and the accountability structures proven through the TrekPASS model (Aapda VEER and Aapda Mitra volunteers at trek chokepoints).
How it works
Aapda VEER / Aapda Mitra-certified volunteers are placed at fire stations on structured rotations. They support station operations, respond alongside regular firefighters, and serve as the link between the formal fire service and community-level preparedness. During fire season, additional volunteers are deployed in high-risk forest zones for surveillance, early detection and initial response.
Current status
A volunteer deployment proposal has been prepared. The programme is designed as a model demonstrable with replication potential in other districts and states.