Mumbai is seeing an increase in fire incidences in both high-rise structures and slums. There were 5,074 incidents of fire in the year 2023. In the year 2024, this figure will increase to 5,275. That means there has been an increase of 201 incidents of fire in one year. While there has been loss of life and property in these incidents, the fire department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation has also faced challenges.
80% Accidents due to short circuit
According to Amit Saini, Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, 80% of fire incidents in the metropolis are occurring due to short circuit. At the same time, cylinder explosions and vehicle fires due to gas leakages are also causing these kinds of accidents. Apart from this, accidents due to electric cords and flammable materials for home decoration are also increasing.
21 people died in a year
The Mumbai Fire Brigade reports that 21 people died due to fire incidents last year, including 11 men and 10 women. In 2023, the death toll from fire incidents rose to 30, while 303 individuals sustained burn injuries. In contrast, this number will be 176 in 2024.
In 2022, a total of 4,342 fire incidents were reported, resulting in 13 fatalities. A Municipal Corporation official stated that, on average, 450 fire incidents occur every month. However, during Diwali in November last year, the number of incidents spiked to 664. The lowest number of fire incidents is typically recorded in August and September, as the rainy season brings high humidity, reducing the likelihood of fires.
Fire systems were found to be faulty in most of the cases
Mumbai Fire Brigade official said that to prevent fire incidents, old and damaged wires in chawls, slums and high-rise buildings should be replaced. He said that building owners, tenants should ensure whether the fire safety devices are working or not. It is mandatory to report this to the fire brigade. He said that many times when investigating fire incidents, it was found that the fire systems in the concerned building were not working.
15,434 phone calls received in one year
From January 1 to December 31 last year, the fire brigade control room received a total of 15,434 phone calls related to various incidents. These included incidents of fires, tree falls, drowning incidents, house collapses, and rescue operations, as well as complaints about false calls.
Proper maintenance of electric appliances and wires is necessary
According to the BMC official, short circuits in buildings are the primary cause of fire occurrences and are caused by improper maintenance of electric appliances and wiring. The BMC official claims that as soon as the fire department learns of the attack, they rush to the bank to rescue the lives of Mumbai residents.
He said that the fire brigade from time to time provides information to the people about the reasons behind fires in buildings. In this, it is mainly advised to replace the electric batteries installed in old buildings. Besides, training is also given to take rescue measures in case of fire.
Simulation training to the Mumbaikar Brigade employees
According to the BMC official said that to control the fire incidents at a faster pace, preparations are being made to impart simulation training to the Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel. For this, a simulation training centre is being built. It will incorporate the use of advanced technology to manage fires effectively. This training centre will be modelled after the one in Lonavala.
