Pune fire brigade issues Diwali safety advice after 43 fire incidents last year

With Diwali near, the fire brigade of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has appealed to city residents to be careful while bursting firecrackers. According to the brigade's figures, 43 fire incidents were recorded in the city during Diwali last year.

The brigade said firecrackers should be burst only in open, safe places. People should stay away from crowded lanes and never leave children alone with firecrackers.

Fire incidents during Diwali in the city have risen sharply over the past five years. They numbered 11 in 2021, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2023 and reached 60 in 2024. The figure fell to 43 in 2025. Even so, last year's number is nearly four times that of 2021.

According to the department, careless use of firecrackers, an unsafe environment and a lack of basic precautions put both people and property at risk.

People have been advised to light firecrackers in open areas and avoid narrow, crowded lanes. Firecrackers should be kept away from things that can catch fire easily. They should never be thrown at a person or a vehicle.

The brigade has also asked people not to burst firecrackers near garbage bins and electricity distribution points. A firecracker should not be held in the hand while it is lit, and no dangerous experiments should be done with fireworks. Used or defective firecrackers should not be picked up and lit again.

The department has asked parents to keep an eye on children when they burst firecrackers. Adults should make sure children keep a safe distance and do not touch fireworks without supervision.

Synthetic or nylon clothes should not be worn while bursting firecrackers. A bucket of water and a blanket should be kept ready at the spot so that a small fire can be put out immediately and help can be called at the same time.

The PMC fire brigade said its officers and staff have been put on alert for Diwali-related emergencies. The department also plans to run an awareness campaign near firecracker stalls. Fire vehicles will be parked there, and announcements by megaphone will remind shopkeepers and buyers of the safety rules.

People have been asked to follow fire safety rules and to report any incident without delay. In an emergency, call the fire brigade on 101.