New Delhi: The festive spirit of Diwali in the capital was accompanied by a sharp rise in fire-related incidents, with the Delhi Fire Service receiving more than 170 emergency calls by 11:30 PM on Monday night.
Officials confirmed that the reported cases spanned across various parts of the city, ranging from minor blaze incidents to more serious fires sparked by fireworks and diyas. Authorities are anticipating that the final tally could rise further as additional reports are still being compiled late into the night.
“This is one of the busiest nights of the year for us,” a senior official from the Delhi Fire Service stated. “While over 170 calls have already been logged, our teams are still responding to fresh incidents.”
Traditionally, Diwali sees an increase in fire-related emergencies, primarily due to the extensive use of firecrackers, candles, and decorative lights. Despite repeated advisories urging caution, many areas of Delhi reported the use of banned firecrackers, contributing to both fire hazards and deteriorating air quality.
The fire department had ramped up preparedness ahead of the festival, deploying additional personnel and keeping emergency units on high alert. Fortunately, no major casualties had been reported by the time of this publication, though several property damage cases are under review.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid illegal firecrackers, and prioritize safety measures, especially during post-midnight celebrations.
Further updates are expected as more data becomes available.
