T.N. government opts for direct recruitment to address shortage of fireman drivers

In a bid to solve the problem of shortage of fireman drivers across the State, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to amend the relevant rules to directly recruit them into the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) Department. Earlier, the post, which is crucial for operation of fire fighting equipment, was filled only by promotion of personnel within the service.

The method of appointment to the post of fireman driver, now, would also be through direct recruitment through the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board. As per the amendment, the post would be filled up (1) by direct recruitment and (2) promotion from Category 3 of Class II. “The ratio between direct recruitment and promotion shall be 4:1,” a G.O. issued in this regard said.

The TNFRS has about 8,100 officers and personnel operating through 384 stations across the State and around 980 different fire and rescue vehicles operate across the State. The deployment of fire vehicles upon receiving a distress call depends largely on the availability of qualified drivers and their operational competence.

“At the incident site, the drivers are responsible for operating the pump and maintaining the right pressure for effective delivery of water or foam at the branch to extinguish the fire. They are also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of vehicles,” the G.O. pointed out. Earlier, a fireman had to complete three years of service to become eligible for promotion to the post of fireman driver. The decision of the State government is expected to solve the issue of shortage of personnel holding this post in the force.

During 2025, the department received a total of 23,043 ‘fire calls’ and saved 93 human lives and saved property worth ₹691 crore. During the same year, it received 1,54,634 ‘rescue calls’ and saved 3,214 human lives and also saved over 95,359 animals.