The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a total of 269 emergency calls on Diwali night, an official said on Tuesday. Despite the high volume of calls, the city witnessed no major accidents or casualties, marking a relatively safe festive period for the national capital.
A senior DFS officer confirmed that the majority of the calls were related to minor fire incidents caused by firecrackers, diyas, and other Diwali-related activities. He emphasized that the department remained on high alert throughout the festival to promptly respond to any emergencies.
“We received 269 fire calls till midnight. Fortunately, there were no reports of any major fires, injuries, or loss of life,” the officer said. He added that the department had prepared extensively in advance to deal with the surge in fire-related incidents that typically occur during the festival.
In preparation for Diwali, the DFS had cancelled all leaves of its personnel to ensure maximum manpower availability. All fire stations across the city were fully staffed, and quick response teams were strategically deployed in sensitive and high-density areas. Fire engines, water tankers, and other emergency response equipment were thoroughly checked and kept on standby.
The officer stated that the detailed planning and coordination with othe civic and law enforcement agencies played a key role in preventing major incidents. “The Delhi Fire Services plays a crucial role during Diwali in combating fire-related risks and ensuring public safety,” he said.
Last year, the department had responded to over 200 calls on Diwali night, indicating a slight increase in emergency cases this year. However, the absence of serious incidents has been viewed as a positive outcome of better preparedness and public awareness.