When we think of firefighters, images of flames and water hoses often come to mind. But the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services have evolved into a multifaceted force that saves lives in every imaginable crisis, not just fires. Their courage, agility, and rapid response have made them an indispensable lifeline across the state, rescuing not only people but also animals from perilous situations.
A Force for All Emergencies
Every year, Kerala’s fire force responds to thousands of emergency calls, many of which don’t involve fire at all. From monsoon-induced floods, natural calamities to urban disasters, this team is the first on the scene. Whether it’s rescuing a child from a borewell in Palakkad, freeing passengers trapped in a mangled bus on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi highway, or evacuating families during a landslide in Idukki, their readiness is unmatched.
Rescuing from Water Hazards
Kerala’s abundant rivers, lakes, and backwaters are a beauty, but they also pose a risk during floods and storms. In June 2023, during a freak flash flood in Pathanamthitta, it was the Kerala Fire and Rescue team that deployed inflatable boats and scuba-trained personnel to bring over 120 stranded villagers to safety.
During the devastating landslide in Chooralmala, Wayanad, the fire force led a gruelling 48-hour search operation in treacherous terrain, recovering victims and rescuing injured survivors trapped under debris. Their efforts in coordinating with local volunteers and deploying life-detection equipment helped save lives amidst one of the region’s deadliest natural disasters.
Rail and Road Rescues
With the rise in vehicular traffic and rail movement, the department has upgraded its skills to respond swiftly to accidents. In January 2024, after a multi-vehicle pileup on the Kollam bypass, fire personnel worked for hours using hydraulic cutters to extricate passengers from crushed cars—saving lives before paramedics could intervene. In another instance, after a goods train derailed in Malappuram, the team successfully freed an injured operator stuck in the cabin for over six hours.
Rescuing the Voiceless
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Kerala’s fire services is their compassion for animals. Social media has often featured stories of firefighters saving kittens from drains, snakes from kitchens, and even cows stuck in swampy fields. In February 2025, the team in Kozhikode went viral for climbing a precarious 60-foot tree to rescue a parrot belonging to an elderly widow- reminding us that heroism often lies in small acts of kindness.
Prepared for the Unexpected
With increasing urban density, incidents like gas leaks and building collapses are becoming more common. The Fire and Rescue Service has undergone rigorous training to handle chemical hazards, coordinate with disaster management teams, and operate specialized rescue equipment. They also run awareness drives in schools and residential areas, teaching fire safety, first aid, and evacuation techniques.
In another instance that captured national media attention, fire personnel airlifted a stranded trekker from the steep cliffs of Cheradu Mala in Malappuram after a 12-hour rescue mission involving drones and rock-climbing gear. The dramatic visuals live streamed during Feb 9th 2022 earned widespread praise across the country for its precision of operation.
Conclusion
Kerala’s Fire and Rescue Services are more than firefighters—they are crisis responders, animal protectors, flood warriors, and urban rescuers. Their commitment to preserving life, in every form, deserves our admiration and support. As disasters evolve with the times, so does this brave force—standing ever ready, not just with water, but with heart.
