Delhi Fire Department Reports Over 300 Fire-Related Incidents on Diwali, Highest in 13 Years

New Delhi: The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received over 300 calls reporting fire-related incidents on Diwali . An official on Friday confirmed that no life-threatening cases were reported.

Speaking to ANI, Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg stated that approximately 158 fire-related incidents were reported between midnight and 6 a.m.

"There were no major incidents, but we received a significant number of calls. From 5 p.m. yesterday until midnight, around 192 calls were logged, and between midnight and 6 a.m., an additional 158 were reported. The 300-mark was crossed within just 12 hours," Atul Garg said.

He further shared that due to increased patrolling and fire force presence this Diwali, no major fires were reported.

"There were minor fire incidents, including one in Vikaspuri where two people became unconscious. Another incident occurred in Mangolpuri, where a woman and two children were injured. There was no major fire because we increased our fire force this time. There were definitely many calls, but no life-threatening cases," DFS Director Atul Garg added.

Regarding a fire incident on a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus, Garg said that officials were informed of a blast on the bus involving a man carrying potash, a highly flammable substance commonly used in firecracker manufacturing.

"A call came from the Najafgarh area around 6:30 p.m., reporting that a man carrying potash on a DTC bus caused a blast. Two people were injured, and two fire tenders were dispatched to the scene," he said.

Earlier, a passenger and a co-passenger sustained burn injuries after firecrackers ignited on a DTC bus on Thursday evening, according to Delhi police. An inquiry revealed that a passenger carrying a small quantity of crackers had ignited them on the bus.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dwarka stated that a PCR call was received at the Chhawla police station about a fire on Thursday.

"A fire broke out on a DTC bus in the Dwarka district. Prima facie, it appears that the fire resulted from firecrackers being carried onboard. The passenger carrying them and a co-passenger sustained minor burn injuries. Nothing suggesting a blast has surfaced so far. Both have been shifted to IGI Hospital. Further investigation is underway," Delhi police reported.

Delhi recorded a rise in pollution levels and a smoky haze returned on Monday morning after residents violated the ban on firecrackers on Diwali night. Most areas in the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 350, raising health concerns for residents.

At around 7:00 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, Aya Nagar 352, Jahangirpuri 390, and Dwarka 376—all indicating 'very poor' air quality levels, posing significant health risks.

The pollution issue extended beyond Delhi, with several cities across India, including Chennai and Mumbai, reporting similar conditions as smog and poor air quality affected large areas.

(Inputs from ANI)