Licensed firecracker shops up by 25%, fire incidents drop sharply ahead of Diwali

The variety of licensed firecracker retailers in Telangana has gone up by almost 25% over the previous two years, at the same time as fire-related incidents throughout Diwali have fallen significantly, in keeping with the Telangana State Fireplace Division.

Information exhibits that short-term licences issued for outlets promoting lower than 100 kilograms of firecrackers rose from 6,439 in 2023 to 7,516 in 2024 and eight,019 up to now in 2025. Regardless of this sharp enhance, the variety of hearth incidents in the course of the Diwali season dropped from 164 in 2023 to 95 in 2024, reflecting improved security practices and heightened consciousness amongst residents.

Because the State prepares to have fun Diwali on October 20, the Telangana Fireplace Division has issued an in depth public security advisory urging residents to remain alert and comply with precautions whereas dealing with firecrackers, diyas, and ornamental lights.

The advisory recommends shopping for crackers solely from licensed distributors, bursting them in open areas away from buildings and autos, and holding buckets of water, sand, or hearth extinguishers close by. It additionally stresses grownup supervision for kids and using cotton or fire-retardant clothes. Residents have been inspired to go for eco-friendly diyas and low-noise crackers to scale back air pollution and misery to pets and the aged.

Folks have been cautioned towards lighting crackers close to fuel cylinders or electrical installations, carrying artificial clothes, or making an attempt to relight dud crackers. The division has additionally suggested towards storing firecrackers indoors and leaving diyas or candles unattended.

To make sure fast emergency response, Fast Response Tenders and multipurpose hearth tenders will likely be stationed at main junctions throughout the state. The Fireplace Management Room will stay operational around the clock. Residents can report hearth emergencies by dialling 101, 112, or 9949991101.