Telangana Sees 44 Fire Calls During Deepavali, No Cracker-Linked Blazes
As Deepavali festivities lit up Telangana, the state’s fire department handled 44 emergency calls—but in a welcome shift, none were tied to firecrackers. Officials credited stricter regulations and public cooperation for the decline in hazardous incidents compared to previous years.
Firefighters Tackle Minor Emergencies
The Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department reported deployments across Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal districts. Most calls involved minor electrical short circuits, kitchen mishaps, or unattended diyas. Of the 44 cases, none caused casualties or severe damage.
Hyderabad accounted for 18 calls, with hotspots like Kukatpally and Charminar. Rapid response teams and pre-festival safety campaigns helped prevent escalation.
Strict Rules and Public Awareness Pay Off
Authorities enforced time restrictions on cracker use and promoted eco-friendly celebrations. Police and fire departments ran awareness drives in residential areas, emphasizing safety measures.
“The drop in cracker-related fires shows growing public responsibility,” said Fire Services Director Nagaraju. “Enforcement and education worked hand in hand.”
Improvement Over Past Years
In 2022, over 70 fire calls included 35 cracker-linked incidents, ranging from burns to property damage. This year’s numbers reflect the success of tighter controls and community adherence.
Electrical Fires Remain a Concern
While cracker-related blazes dipped, officials warned against overloaded circuits and faulty wiring. Residents were advised to audit home electrics before festivals and never leave flames unsupervised.
Residents and Activists Applaud Safer Celebrations
“We followed time limits with green crackers—it felt safer,” said Gachibowli resident Ramesh Kumar. Environmentalist Dr. Priya Reddy added, “Fewer crackers mean cleaner air and fewer accidents.”
Future Plans for Festival Safety
The state plans to expand fire safety campaigns for Sankranti and New Year’s Eve, with proposals for harsher penalties on illegal cracker storage.
Key Takeaway
Telangana’s 2023 Deepavali marked a balance between tradition and safety. Proactive measures and civic responsibility kept emergencies minor—a model for sustainable festivities.
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