Odisha Fire Service

Odisha Fire Service (OFS) is the state owned service that attends firefighting/rescue calls throughout the Indian state of Odisha. It was established in 1944 during World War II in response to the threat of possible attacks from Japan.^[1] In 1945, it became part of the Odisha State Police.^[1] The fire service consists of 153 fire stations. As of 2008, there were 1,962 personnel with over 350 fire appliances at their disposal.^[1] OFS is headed by a Director, who has the rank of Inspector General of Police and is under the administrative control of the Odisha State Home Department.^[1] The Odisha Fire Service Act, 1993 governs the fire prevention measures, lays down fire safety norms, and also mandates the formation of a fire service.^[2]