Firecrackers spark 50 fires in Pimpri-Chinchwad and 24 in Pune on Lakshmi Puja night

Amid Diwali celebrations, fires caused by firecrackers were reported from several cities and districts of Maharashtra. Negligence while bursting firecrackers on Lakshmi Puja night led to fires in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune, as well as in Bhiwandi, Nashik, Beed, Raigad, Dhule and Gondia districts. The mishaps cast a shadow over the festive joy in many places.

According to information provided by the fire brigade in Pimpri-Chinchwad, sparks from firecrackers set fire to 25 flats and houses in different parts of the city. There were also 25 fires in open grounds, dry grass and garbage-strewn spots. In all, the fire brigade received calls from 50 locations in a single night and its vehicles had to rush from site to site. People were alarmed by the incidents. Firefighters promptly brought the fires under control with skill, averting a major accident.

Pune city also recorded 24 fires at different locations caused by firecrackers.

In Sadak-Arjuni in Gondia district, a spark from a firecracker flew onto a Chinese food centre and started a massive fire. All the goods in the shop were burnt to ashes. The incident created panic in the area.

Several fires were also reported from Bhiwandi, Beed, Raigad, Nashik and Dhule districts on Lakshmi Puja night. Careless use of firecrackers set shops, houses, warehouses and garages on fire in many places. Shopkeepers and ordinary people suffered heavy financial losses in all these incidents.

The fire brigade acted in time and all the fires were brought under control soon enough. As a result, there was no major loss of life.