On 23rd September, 2023, state-of-the-art fire safety training complex of GSFC University, Vadodara named ‘Fireplex’ or ‘Agnisankul’ (in Hindi) was inaugurated. This complex located right next to Fertilizer agar (GSFC Township), on the Dashrath-Bajwa road, was conceived by GSFC University for providing practical training to students of its B.Tech (Fire & EHS) degree program, as also a resource facility for carrying out training for participants from GSFC company, other industries, professional bodies as well as Fire services. It can, therefore, play an important role in providing practical training to a large number of trainees in the future.

Shah Bhogilal Jethalal & Bros (AAAG India) is a leading manufacturer of firefighting equipment in the county, and have always extended support to all activities for improving fire safety in the country as part of their CSR effort. Their CEO and Managing Partner, Mukesh Shah, is particularly passionate about supporting various activities/projects, which promote the cause of fire safety, and are useful for the community. In ine with this philosophy, he readily extended support to GSFC University, in their endeavor to set up Fireplex, both financially and for installing the fire protection systems within the complex. In this, many industry leaders such as HD Fire Protect, Mumbai and Ex-Buzz, Mumbai, extended their support

Fireplex/Agnisankul was inaugurated on 23rd September, 2023, by MD of GSFC Ltd, Shri Mukesh Puri, IAS, in presence of Shri P. K. Taneja, IAS (Retd) – President GSFC University. The event also marked the felicitation of veteran Fire professional, Shri D.D. Purandare, for his contribution to the industrial fire safety sector, and as a mark of respect, by mentioning his name on the inauguration plaque.

The complex features a standard fire service drill tower, a BA (Breathing Apparatus) Training gallery, a fire drill cum demonstration ground, and fire protection system simulation rooms (showcasing fire alarm, clean agent, sprinkler, water spray and foam spray systems). It has a dedicated fire hydrant system complete with a fire pump room, firewater storage tank, hydrants, monitors and hose reel; this system also feeds the various water based fire protection system simulators.

Students performing Fire extinguisher drill (L) and BA Drill (R)

Foam branch ‘Tiranga’ drill (L), and section of the audience (R) during the function.

The inauguration ceremony began by unveiling the plaque by the Chief Guest, and a round of the facilities by the guests. Students of B.Tech Fire & EHS, explained the various facilities and their operation, to the guests. Later, there was a parade by students, followed by impressive demonstrations and drills. A ladder drill, showing rescue of person from height was carried out by students, and an extinguisher drill showing operation of Dry powder extinguishers on a 70B size fire tray was carried out. This was followed by a BA drill, carried out by students (including a female candidate) in the BA training gallery. The session concluded with the visually pleasing ‘tiranga’ drill, where the tri-color was created using foam branches.

The formal function continued in the GSFC Township Auditorium where dignitaries shared their views on the occasion, along with felicitation of Shri D.D. Purandare. The programme ended with a vote of thanks and dinner.

(This "Event  News" Published in October 2023 Edition)