Pune: PMC Fire Department Issues Safety Advisory For Diwali: Citizens Urged To Celebrate A ‘Safe Diwali’
Pune: PMC Fire Department Issues Safety Advisory For Diwali: Citizens Urged To Celebrate A ‘Safe Diwali’
Pune, October 15, 2025: As the festive season of Diwali approaches, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department has launched a citywide awareness drive to promote safe celebrations and prevent fire-related accidents.
Under the direction of Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode, all 23 fire stations in Pune have been placed on high alert. The control room will function round-the-clock, while fire engines will patrol areas around firecracker stalls. Awareness announcements are also being made through loudspeakers in various localities.
Potphode emphasized that the department’s primary goal is to ensure a safe Diwali for every citizen. “If we stay alert and avoid negligence, every home can truly shine with light and happiness,” he said, appealing to citizens to celebrate responsibly.
To strengthen safety measures, the department has issued instructions to firecracker vendors, making it compulsory for them to obtain fire safety permits and keep fire extinguishers at their stalls.
Fire Safety Guidelines for Citizens
- Light firecrackers only in open spaces, away from buildings, vehicles, and crowded areas.
- Always supervise children while they play with firecrackers.
- Avoid wearing synthetic clothes; choose cotton instead.
- Never hold firecrackers in hand or attempt to relight used or half-burnt ones.
- Maintain at least five meters’ distance while bursting crackers.
- Keep diyas, candles, and incense sticks away from crackers.
- Do not store firecrackers inside homes or garages.
- Avoid lighting crackers near flammable materials or gas cylinders.
- Prefer green crackers to reduce air and noise pollution.
- Keep the surroundings clean after celebrations.
- In case of a fire, use water or sand to extinguish flames and call the fire department immediately.
All fire department personnel will remain on duty during the festive period, and leaves have been cancelled to ensure quick response to emergencies.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
101 / 020-26451707 / 9689935556
Over the past four years, Pune has seen a consistent rise in Diwali-related fire incidents — 21 in 2021, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2023, and 60 in 2024. The department hopes this year’s awareness efforts will lead to a safer, incident-free Diwali for all.
