Mumbai, November 2, 2024 — The festival of lights took a dangerous turn as multiple fire incidents were reported across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region amid Diwali celebrations. On the night of November 1, four separate fires erupted, primarily attributed to the use of firecrackers, sparking concerns over safety during the festive season.
In the heart of Mumbai, two significant fires were reported late Friday evening. The first blaze occurred at a ration office on Phoenix Road in Sion around 6:30 PM. Fortunately, the fire was confined to the office premises, and no injuries were reported. Shortly after, at approximately 7:50 PM, another fire broke out in a residential area of MIDC, Andheri East. This incident escalated to a Level II fire, prompting the Mumbai Fire Brigade to deploy three fire engines, three jumbo tankers, and an ambulance to the scene. The fire, which affected electrical wiring and nearby household articles, was brought under control by 11:38 PM, again with no casualties reported.
The situation worsened early Saturday morning with two more fire incidents in Thane. A fire ignited at a pile of garbage in Kalwa around 4:25 AM, believed to have been caused by firecrackers. The Thane Fire Brigade swiftly responded, extinguishing the blaze near Shankar Mandir in Shantaram Nagar.
Additionally, a more severe fire broke out in the Shil Phata area, where three furniture shops caught fire near HDFC Bank. The flames engulfed wooden sofas, cupboards, and various furniture items, but the fire was fully extinguished by 3:16 AM. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
As the festive spirit continues, officials are urging residents to prioritize safety while celebrating. The increase in fire incidents highlights the potential dangers associated with firecrackers, prompting a call for responsible celebration practices. The authorities emphasize the importance of using fireworks with caution and adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such incidents from overshadowing the joy of Diwali.
