Mumbai, 06th November 2026: With Diwali around the corner, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Fire Brigade have appealed to Mumbaikars to celebrate the festival with joy, enthusiasm, and responsibility, while following essential fire safety precautions to prevent fires and other untoward emergencies.
During Diwali, the extensive use of firecrackers, decorative diyas, and electrical lighting can increase the risk of fire accidents if people do not follow adequate precautions. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has therefore issued a public safety advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant and ensure that celebrations do not compromise the safety of individuals, families and the surrounding community.
Dr Deepak Ghosh, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Brigade, said, “Diwali is a celebration of lights, happiness and togetherness, and it is equally important that our celebrations are guided by awareness and responsibility. While bursting firecrackers and decorating homes with diyas and electric lights are traditional ways of celebrating the festival, even a moment of carelessness can lead to serious fire incidents. Citizens must ensure that firecrackers are burst only in open and designated safe spaces, away from buildings, trees, overhead electrical wires, gas pipelines and parking areas. Children must never be allowed to burst crackers without adult supervision.”
Dr Deepak Monga, Fire Safety and Evacuation Expert, said, “Unattended or unexploded crackers must never be relit and should be completely extinguished with water. Special attention must also be given to electrical safety while decorating homes and buildings. Lastly, every high-rise building must have, or should install, the fire evacuation lift immediately, as it is the safest and most suitable option to save lives and extinguish fire in the event of a fire.”
Residents of multi-storey buildings must ensure that staircases, passages and common areas remain free from obstructions, allowing occupants to evacuate safely during an emergency.
Key Fire Safety Guidelines Issued by Mumbai Fire Brigade
DO’s
1.Always wear cotton clothes while bursting firecrackers. Avoid nylon or polyester clothing.
2.Never allow children to burst crackers alone. Adults must always accompany them.
3.Wear closed shoes and protective eyewear while bursting crackers.
4.Keep a bucket of water nearby while lighting fireworks. In case of burns, immediately pour plenty of clean water on the affected area.
5.Use a long incense stick or candle to ignite crackers.
6.Light only one cracker at a time.
7.While decorating with lights, avoid overloading electrical connections or using loose wiring. All electrical fittings should be carried out by a trained electrician.
DON’Ts
1.Do not burst crackers indoors, inside buildings or on staircases.
2.Do not use matchsticks or lighters to ignite crackers.
3.Avoid bursting aerial fireworks near trees, overhead electric wires or tall buildings.
4.Never direct rockets towards people, animals or houses.
5.Do not place lamps or diyas near curtains or other flammable materials.
6.Avoid bursting crackers near electric cables, gas pipelines or parking areas.
7.Do not attempt to relight a cracker that has failed to ignite. Pour water over it to ensure it is completely extinguished.
