129 fire incidents in two days in Mira-Bhayandar after Diwali firecracker use

Firecracker use during Diwali has become a warning sign for Mira-Bhayandar. The city recorded fires at 129 places within just two days.

Of these, Sunday night saw the most, with 107 incidents, while 22 places caught fire on Saturday night. The sudden jump in fire cases has brought the city's fire safety into question.

According to the fire brigade department, a total of 107 incidents were recorded on Sunday night across different parts of the city, within the limits of six fire stations.

The station-wise figures are: Uttan fire station 2, Navghar fire station 14, Kanakia fire station 30, Silver Park fire station 19, Penkar Pada fire station 15 and the late Kalpana Chawla fire station 27. Together they add up to 107.

By these figures, the highest number, 30 incidents, was recorded within the limits of the Kanakia fire station. It was followed by 27 in the area of the late Kalpana Chawla fire station and 19 in the area of the Silver Park fire station.

Fires were fewer on Saturday than on Sunday, but 22 places still caught fire in the city that night. Taken together, the Saturday and Sunday incidents bring the figure to 129. Questions are being raised about the strain such a large number of incidents on consecutive days has put on the fire brigade department.

Residents allege that firecracker shops are running in violation of rules at several places in the city. Checks are expected on the permission needed to sell firecrackers, fire safety equipment and safety norms. People have expressed anger that no effective action is being taken against such shops.

Meanwhile, firecrackers are being burst in residential areas and public places till late at night. In some places the fireworks continue until morning, causing residents trouble. This is adding to noise and air pollution as well as the risk of fire accidents.

Amid the 129 fires in two days, residents say the municipal corporation and the police administration need to be more vigilant. They are demanding immediate action against illegal firecracker shops, an end to fireworks in violation of rules, and strict enforcement of fire safety norms.

Residents also say the administration should take preventive measures so that nobody's life or property is endangered while celebrating Diwali. People in Mira-Bhayandar are also angrily asking whether the administration will wake up only after a major accident.