With the soaring summer temperatures, the number of fire incidents across Mumbai has seen a significant spike. In response, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety measures. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also issued a set of 10 safety guidelines to help prevent fire-related accidents.
According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the summer season brings a surge in the usage of electrical appliances such as air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and more at homes and offices. This increased load on electrical systems often results in short circuits and fire outbreaks in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Additionally, gas leaks have also contributed to the rise in fire cases.
In light of these developments, the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular on May 1. Following this, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has issued its own 10-point advisory for fire prevention.
10-Point Fire Safety Guidelines:
- Regularly inspect electrical wires, plugs, switchboards, and appliances at home and workplaces.
- Turn off appliances like fans, ACs, TVs, mixers, geysers, and irons after use.
- Repair or replace old or damaged electrical wiring.
- Keep all emergency exits clear and unobstructed at all times.
- Avoid plugging multiple electrical devices into a single socket.
- Ensure regular maintenance of air conditioning systems.
- Keep at least one fire extinguisher at home, in shops, or offices.
- Do not leave mobile phones or other devices charging overnight while sleeping.
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics must maintain proper fire safety systems and conduct timely fire safety audits.
- In case of fire, immediately contact the emergency number 101 without delay.
Fire Breaks Out at Peddar Road Building
On Monday morning at around 7:45 am, a major fire broke out at the six-storey Sukh-Shanti building on Peddar Road in South Mumbai. A garment store named ‘Libas’ on the ground floor was completely gutted in the fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The fire reportedly started due to an electrical short circuit involving wires, appliances, and fabrics in the showroom.
Between March 2025 and May 5, Mumbai has witnessed 32 fire incidents, resulting in 3 fatalities and injuries to over 50 people. A BMC official stated that the responsibility for electrical audits lies with the Public Works Department (PWD), as reported by Dainik Bhaskar.
Fire Brigade Delay Also Under Scrutiny
Apart from infrastructure issues, the Mumbai Fire Brigade itself has come under criticism. While the standard “turnout time” – the time taken for fire personnel to leave the station after receiving an alert – is 45 seconds, officials reportedly fail to meet this benchmark. Additionally, heavy traffic on Mumbai’s roads often delays the arrival of fire engines at the scene, hampering timely firefighting and rescue efforts.
