At least 50 fires were reported across Mumbai in the 60 hours between Friday evening and Monday morning, according to information from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), as the city celebrated Diwali. The days marked crucial days of celebration of the four-day-long Diwali festival — with Dhanteras on Saturday, and Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) on Sunday. Of these, at least two were Level-I (minor) fires, and one was reported to be a Level-II (medium-level emergency) fire. At least one teen was killed, and three others injured in these fires.
According to information from the MFB, a Level-II was reported in a commercial shed of 100×100 sq m in Pathanwadi, Malad East, on Saturday at 12 pm. The fire took over 12 hours to douse and was reported to be extinguished by 3.40 pm. No injuries were reported.
The Level-I blaze was reported at Cuffe Parade’s Macchimar Nagar on Monday morning, killing Yash Khot, 16, and injuring three others. The fire was confined to household items on the first floor of a chawl in Shiv Shakti Nagar in Cuffe Parade. Among the injured was 13-year-old Viraj Khot.
Civic data indicates that over 90 per cent of fire calls in Mumbai due to firecrackers are during October and November. PIC/RANE ASHISH
An official from the MFB told mid-day, “At least 50 small and medium fires have been reported in Mumbai so far this weekend. This is as per the calls received by the Fire Brigade`s Control Room. While most fires are local and are doused immediately — sometimes even before the arrival of the fire brigade — we have had a few Level-I calls and at least one Level-II call.
Types of fires
MFB categorises fires into five types, ranging from Level-I to Level-IV, followed by a Brigade Call. Each level is an escalation of the intensity of the fire, demanding higher number of fire tenders, water tankers, and the requirement of senior officials on ground to address the situation. A Level-I call is a minor emergency call; Level-II a medium emergency call; level-III a major emergency call; and Level-IV a serious emergency call. A Level-V is a ‘Brigade Call’ (requiring the highest level of response).
Through Diwali 2024, MFB responded to 140 calls of fires due to firecrackers, and more than 280 overall calls during the Diwali season. Over 90 per cent of fire calls in Mumbai due to firecrackers are during October and November, according to civic data.
The Diwali festival leads to fires not only from firecrackers, but also other collateral causes, such as LPG cylinder blasts and electric short circuits. “Household fires are common during this time. Many times, fires are doused before MFB reaches the spot, or almost in time after we have reached. Open flames are very dangerous when it comes to fires, and the Diwali season offers possibilities for such incidents,” an official from MFB said.
Official Speak
A former senior MFB official said, “During Diwali, the fire brigade receives a larger number of emergency fire calls due to the very nature of the festival. No matter how much campaigning we do regarding safety while bursting firecrackers or lighting of diyas, it is insufficient.” “Very basic, minor errors can lead to a blaze, such as a dupatta catching fire due to contact with a diya. Minor fire-related injuries are also higher in number during Diwali,” he added. According to civic data, in 2024, over 32 cases of burn injuries were reported in the city during Diwali.
Calls to MFB for blaze caused by firecracker
Year No. of calls made
2024 140
2023 79
2022 (COVID year) 37
2021 (COVID year) 65
