Navi Mumbai gets 150 fire calls in two days of Diwali, most blamed on firecrackers

Navi Mumbai received a total of 150 fire calls on November 8 and 9. Firecrackers were blamed for about 90 per cent of the incidents within the limits of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). No injuries or deaths have been reported, but there was considerable property damage. According to the civic fire department, a fire caused by a rocket severely damaged at least three houses.

Of the 150 calls, 74 came from within NMMC limits, 47 from CIDCO areas and 29 from the jurisdiction of the Panvel Municipal Corporation. Among NMMC's five fire stations, Vashi received the most calls at 23, followed by Nerul with 19, Airoli with 13, Kopar Khairane with 12 and CBD Belapur with seven.

One of the most serious incidents took place on Sunday night at Turbhe shopping centre, where a rooftop factory making paint, thinner and dye caught fire. A large quantity of flammable material was reportedly stored there. According to the fire brigade, firecrackers were being burst on both sides of the shopping centre, and a spark is suspected to have fallen on the stored material. The fire spread within minutes and dense smoke filled the surrounding area.

Fire engines were called in from Vashi and Nerul, and the blaze was brought under control within an hour. It was stopped before it reached the shops on the lower floors. The civic fire department said rockets pose the greatest risk among firecrackers because they can fly off in unpredictable directions.

A Diwali advisory urged people to keep diyas and lamps in safe places, keep water and sand nearby, and wear cotton clothes while bursting firecrackers. Children using lamps or firecrackers should do so under adult supervision. People were asked not to burst firecrackers near buildings, large trees, garbage collection points or crowds. They were also advised to keep the way clear for fire engines in an emergency. The department warned against launching rockets from windows or balconies and against bursting firecrackers in enclosed spaces.

Rockets and other aerial firecrackers have been banned in Thane district until January 8, 2027. The order was issued on November 9 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and also invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The ban applies to public and private places, including building terraces, balconies and residential premises. The police, local bodies and the fire department have been directed to enforce the restrictions, while housing societies have been asked to inform their residents. The district administration said action would be taken under the Disaster Management Act against those who violate the order.