Record-Breaking Diwali Fire Incidents in Delhi
Insights from Fire Services Director Atul Garg
This Diwali, Delhi experienced an unprecedented number of fire incidents, marking the highest since 2012. The Delhi Fire Service received 318 calls, a significant increase from previous years. In 2023, there were 208 calls, 201 in 2022, 152 in 2021, and 184 in 2012. On Diwali night, peak hour calls reached 310, compared to 195 last year.
Director of Delhi Fire Services, Atul Garg, reported that while there were many calls, no major fires occurred. From 5 pm to 5 am, over 300 calls were received, with 192 between 5 pm and 12 am, and 158 from 12 am to 6 am. Small fires were reported in areas like Vikaspuri, Mangolpuri, Nangloi, and Shahdara, but were controlled due to additional fire posts.
Garg noted that more calls were due to candles, diyas, and short circuits rather than firecrackers. He emphasized the environmental harm caused by firecrackers and urged people to avoid them. A separate incident in Mangolpuri involved a fire in a tent warehouse, injuring a woman and two children. Other fires occurred in a cardboard factory in Nangloi, a banquet hall in Shahdara, and a DTC bus in Najafgarh.
Doubts Revealed
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular Indian festival, also known as the Festival of Lights. People celebrate it by lighting lamps, bursting firecrackers, and sharing sweets.
Delhi Fire Service -: The Delhi Fire Service is a government organization responsible for responding to fire emergencies in Delhi, the capital city of India.
Atul Garg -: Atul Garg is the Director of the Delhi Fire Service, which means he is the head of the organization and oversees its operations.
Short circuits -: A short circuit happens when electricity takes an unintended path, which can cause sparks or fires. It often occurs due to faulty wiring or electrical appliances.
Vikaspuri, Mangolpuri, Nangloi, Shahdara, Najafgarh -: These are areas or neighborhoods in Delhi, where some of the fire incidents occurred during Diwali.
DTC bus -: DTC stands for Delhi Transport Corporation, which operates public buses in Delhi. A DTC bus is one of these public buses.
