Pune Fire Brigade Issues Diwali Firecracker Safety Guidelines To Prevent Fire Incidents
Pune, October 29, 2024 – With Diwali celebrations underway, the Pune Fire Brigade has issued safety guidelines urging residents to practice caution when handling firecrackers, following a rise in fire incidents linked to Diwali festivities in recent years. Last year alone saw 35 fire incidents in Pune related to firecrackers, with 23 of these occurring on Laxmipujan day.
Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode emphasized that fire brigade personnel are on high alert throughout Diwali. “We’ve stationed teams across Pune and started safety announcements in areas like Lakshmi Road. We urge citizens to follow fire safety measures and keep fire extinguishers or water sources nearby,” he stated.
The advisory recommends adult supervision for children handling firecrackers and stresses avoiding synthetic fabrics such as nylon. The brigade has advised against popular but risky practices, including bursting garlands of firecrackers in public places, lighting ‘diyas’ near flammable materials, and drying clothes on terraces during firecracker displays.
- Additional safety measures include:
- – Submerging sparklers in water post-use.
- – Avoiding hand-held use of flowerpots (‘anaars’) or ground spinners (‘charkis’).
- – Exercising caution when igniting rockets in bottles or tins, particularly in residential areas.
Citizens are urged to call the emergency hotline 101 in case of a fire. The fire brigade also recommends keeping cold water nearby to treat any burns that may occur.