Nagpur: The festival of lights turned into a night of emergency calls for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire Department, as the city recorded 16 fire incidents on the night of October 21, coinciding with Diwali celebrations. Of these, seven fires were reportedly triggered by firecrackers, officials confirmed.
While no casualties or injuries were reported, property worth several lakh rupees was gutted in the blazes. Fire officials said that most incidents occurred late into Tuesday night, when celebrations and fireworks were at their peak across various parts of the city.
Gold Rate
22 Oct 2025
Teams of firefighters were kept on high alert throughout the day, with emergency vehicles and fire tenders stationed strategically to respond to distress calls. As fire reports began pouring in from multiple localities, including residential and commercial areas, units from several fire stations were immediately mobilized.
According to sources in the Fire Department, in several cases, burning firecrackers and discarded sparklers ignited dry waste, decorations, or vehicles parked nearby. Despite the surge in incidents, the department’s swift and coordinated response ensured that all fires were brought under control within hours, preventing major disasters. Firefighters reportedly battled flames well past midnight in some localities, displaying commendable efficiency and teamwork.
Senior fire officials expressed concern over the recurring trend of firecracker-induced mishaps during Diwali. “While Diwali is a festival of joy, negligence in handling fireworks continues to put lives and property at risk every year. Citizens must act responsibly and observe safety measures,” said an NMC fire officer.
In the aftermath of the incidents, the NMC Fire Department has issued a public advisory urging residents to:
• Avoid lighting fireworks near flammable materials, vehicles, or buildings.
• Keep buckets of water, sand, or extinguishers readily available during celebrations.
• Ensure children burst crackers only under adult supervision.
City officials reiterated that while festive enthusiasm is welcome, safety must remain the top priority. Thanks to the fire brigade’s vigilance, Nagpur managed to escape the festival night without any loss of life, though the events served as a stark reminder of how quickly celebration can turn into crisis.
