The year 2024 has surpassed several records of the number of fire incidents reported from New Delhi with over 8,000 fire calls until May this year. Senior officials say this figure is the highest in the past decade, adding that it can be due to soaring temperatures.
According to a data compiled by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), this year, between January 1 and May 26, a total of 8,912 calls have been received reporting fire incidents. Last year, for the same period, the number was limited to 6,436.
On an average, the DFS control room receives around 30,000 calls a year, including all distress calls other than fire, which the officers believe will be much higher by the end of this year.
Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Service, said the figure of 8,912 calls is just for calls reporting fire incidents. “Throughout the year, we receive a wide range of distress calls like bird rescue; some animal stuck somewhere, building collapse, and for rescues other than fire etc. The number of calls reporting fire that we have received this year is unusually high. We believe soaring temperature to be a reason behind this. We are prepared to battle the situation and ensure safety to all,” Garg said.
Comparing with last year, 2024 so far has also seen a rise in the number of deaths due to fire. The DFS data shows where 36 deaths due to fire were recorded in 2023 between January and May 26, this year the number has already crossed 55.
“We only see such high number of calls on Diwali and we ensure special arrangements with advanced planning for such occasions. This year’s high has been a challenge so far. We have cancelled leaves to ensure adequate presence on ground,” the fire chief said.
Delhi Fire Service has 65 stations across the city with a manpower of roughly about 3,000 men equipped with 250 fire tenders.
Garg added that the number of fire incidents usually goes up during the summers. As temperature rises, buildings run dry and heat up, increasing chances of a fire, he said.
Advising people to take precautions, Garg said that people should get all electrical wirings and fittings in their house or workplace checked by a professional electrician every year before the onset of summers.
“Combustible items should not be stashed under the direct sun and one must ensure that electrical appliances are not over-heated. In addition, it would be good if people can keep their buckets filled with water to be able to respond to any contingency without delay. Our teams are working round the clock to handle any situation,” he said.
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