New Delhi – The Delhi Fire Services handled 269 emergency calls on Diwali night, marking a significant spike in Delhi fire incidents during the festival of lights. Despite the high volume of calls, authorities confirmed that no major accidents or casualties were reported, reflecting the effectiveness of the department’s preparedness and rapid response capabilities during the high-risk festive period.
A senior DFS officer confirmed that the department remained on high alert throughout the festival, with all fire stations and quick response teams strategically deployed across the city to handle the anticipated surge in Delhi fire incidents. The comprehensive deployment strategy proved successful in preventing any major tragedies despite the numerous calls received.
Nature of Delhi Fire Incidents Reported
The majority of Delhi fire incidents on Diwali night were related to minor blazes caused by firecrackers and diyas, traditional oil lamps used during the festival. While these incidents were relatively small in scale, the sheer volume required coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure public safety and prevent escalation into larger conflagrations.
“We received 269 fire calls till midnight. Fortunately, no major incidents were reported,” the senior DFS officer stated, emphasizing that the Delhi fire incidents remained manageable throughout the night despite the festival activities and widespread firecracker use across the capital.
Comprehensive Preparedness Strategy
The Delhi Fire Services had implemented extensive preparedness measures in anticipation of the increased Delhi fire incidents during Diwali celebrations. The department cancelled all leaves for its staff, ensuring maximum personnel availability to respond to emergencies. This decision proved crucial in managing the high volume of calls received throughout the night.
Additionally, all vehicles and fire-fighting equipment were thoroughly checked before the festival to ensure prompt response to emergency calls related to Delhi fire incidents. The proactive maintenance and readiness checks eliminated potential delays caused by equipment failures during critical response operations.
Strategic Planning for Public Safety
The DFS officer revealed that detailed planning had been conducted well in advance to ensure public safety during the festive period and minimize the impact of Delhi fire incidents. This advance planning included risk assessment, resource allocation, communication protocols, and coordination mechanisms to handle multiple simultaneous emergencies.
“The Delhi Fire Services plays a crucial role during Diwali in combating fire-related incidents and ensuring the safety of citizens,” the officer emphasized, highlighting the department’s recognition of its critical responsibility during high-risk periods when Delhi fire incidents typically surge due to festive activities.
Comparison with Previous Year’s Data
The 269 Delhi fire incidents reported this year represents an increase from the previous year, when the DFS received over 200 calls on Diwali night. This approximately 35% rise in emergency calls reflects either increased vigilance and reporting by citizens or a genuine increase in fire-related incidents during this year’s celebrations.
Also Read: Delhi Pollution Diwali: Shocking AQI Levels Hit 435 in Top Areas
The year-over-year comparison of Delhi fire incidents provides valuable data for future planning and resource allocation. Understanding these trends helps the department better prepare for subsequent festivals and implement more effective preventive measures.
Post-Diwali Air Quality Crisis
While the Delhi fire incidents on Diwali night were successfully managed without major casualties, the capital woke up to a different crisis on Tuesday morning. Delhi faced a thick and heavy layer of smog as air quality deteriorated to the ‘Very Poor’ category, with most monitoring stations marked in the ‘red zone’ of pollution.
According to Central Pollution Control Board data, the overall Air Quality Index in Delhi stood at 350 as of 8 am on Tuesday. The environmental impact of the same activities that generated many Delhi fire incidents—firecracker bursting—created a severe air quality emergency that persisted beyond the festival night.
Worst-Affected Areas by Pollution
The CPCB data showed that Bawana recorded an AQI of 423 as of 8 am, Jahangirpuri had an AQI of 407, and Wazirpur with an AQI of 408 remained the worst-hit areas, with air quality falling under the ‘Severe’ category. These locations likely also experienced their share of Delhi fire incidents during the celebrations.
Other significant readings included Anand Vihar at 358, Ashok Vihar at 389, Burari Crossing at 399, Chandani Chowk at 350, IGI Airport Terminal 3 at 302, ITO at 342, Lodhi Road at 322, Mundka at 366, Najafgarh at 336, Narela at 358, Patparganj at 342, and Punjabi Bagh at 376.
Air Quality Comparison Across Indian Cities
The post-Diwali air quality crisis was not limited to Delhi, though the capital faced the most severe conditions among major Indian cities. Mumbai’s air quality was recorded in the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 214 as of 8 am, while Patna registered 224, Jaipur 231, and Lucknow 222.
In contrast, southern cities fared significantly better. Bengaluru’s AQI stood at 94, Chennai at 153, and Hyderabad at 107, suggesting that either firecracker use was more restrained in these cities or meteorological conditions were more favorable for pollutant dispersal, potentially resulting in fewer Delhi fire incidents-type emergencies.
Health Implications of Poor Air Quality
During ‘very poor’ air quality conditions like those following the night of Delhi fire incidents, residents face breathing difficulties and can develop respiratory illnesses upon prolonged exposure. The ‘severe’ air quality category affects even healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases, according to the CPCB.
Successful Emergency Response Despite Challenges
The successful management of 269 Delhi fire incidents on Diwali night demonstrates the Delhi Fire Services’ operational capability and readiness. The absence of major casualties despite the high volume of calls reflects credit on the department’s planning, resource deployment, and personnel dedication.
However, the challenge for Delhi authorities extends beyond managing immediate Delhi fire incidents to addressing the longer-term environmental and health consequences of festival celebrations, requiring comprehensive policy interventions that balance cultural traditions with public safety and environmental protection.
