Mumbai: At 29, Pallavi Patil has etched her name into the history of the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) by becoming its first active woman fire engine driver, marking a significant milestone in a profession traditionally dominated by men.
Growing up, Pallavi often accompanied her elder brother, a firefighter, during his training sessions in their village. What began as a way to support his practice eventually inspired a career dedicated to saving lives. Today, every emergency call sees her behind the wheel of a fire engine, racing through Mumbai’s streets to reach those in need during the crucial moments of a rescue operation.
The move to induct women into the Mumbai Fire Brigade was initiated after the 26/11 terror attacks. The brigade now has 116 women firefighters, with Pallavi among the pioneers who joined the force in 2017.
Recalling her journey, Pallavi said her brother, who serves as a firefighter at MIDC, encouraged her to accompany him on his early morning runs because he found training alone difficult. Although she never imagined becoming a firefighter herself, it was her father who motivated both siblings to pursue the profession.
“When recruitment for women firefighters began, my father brought me to Mumbai. I cleared the selection process, underwent rigorous training and joined the force,” she said.
After spending eight years on the frontline as a firefighter, Pallavi successfully completed specialised driver training at the Dindoshi Fire Station in Goregaon before clearing the department’s driving examination.
She has since become the Mumbai Fire Brigade’s first active woman fire engine driver and has already attended three fire emergencies in her new role.
While two women firefighters have qualified to drive fire engines, the second officer is currently on maternity leave. As a result, Pallavi, who is posted at the Bandra Fire Station, is presently the brigade’s only active woman fire engine driver.
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Her responsibilities extend beyond driving the vehicle. At fire scenes, Pallavi operates the fire engine’s water pump, ensuring the correct pressure is maintained for firefighters battling the blaze.
“I have to stay alert and constantly coordinate with the firefighters, adjusting the water pressure as required,” she said.
Driving a fire engine through Mumbai’s congested roads and narrow lanes presents daily challenges. However, Pallavi says the most difficult part of her job is leaving behind her six-year-old son, Yatharth.
She and her husband, Samdhan Patil, who is also a fire engine driver, carefully coordinate their work schedules to ensure one parent is always available to care for their child.
“Once I leave home and put on the uniform, my only focus is on the people trapped inside the fire. Saving lives comes first,” Pallavi said.
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