Mumbai recorded as many as 227 more fire incidents in 2024 compared to 2023. As per the Mumbai Fire Brigade’s (MFB) data, the city recorded a total of 5,301 fire incidents between January and December last year, against 5,074 from January to December 2023. The civic officials as well as the activists attribute the rise in incidents to lack of inspections of commercial and residential establishments by MFB ensuring compliance of fire prevention and safety measures as well as lack of conscience efforts by citizens.
As per the MFB data, in 2023 there were 4,993 ‘stop’ fire calls (the blazes which were extinguished either before fire brigade arrived or were doused before declaring Level 1), which can be counted as minor fires. While, in 2024 the ‘stop’ fire calls (minor fires) were 5,228. While, the Level 1 fire calls in 2023 were 57 against 55 in 2024. The Level 2 fire calls in 2023 were 14 against 13 in 2024, while the Level 3 fire calls in 2023 were nine against four in 2024. The highest fire call, the Level 4 fires in both 2023 and 2024 was one each.
A senior officer from BMC said, “It is true that inspections by the MFB need to be stringent. However, the department is understaffed. The MFB has 160 scheduled officers posts, which needs to be increased considering the increased number of fire stations.” While an officer from MFB said, “It is practically impossible to inspect every building in city like Mumbai to ensure fire safety and prevention complainces. The officers have to attend disaster calls as well as carry out administrative work.”
Experts suggest the authorities to use digital platforms to ensure fire audits carried out by buildings and issue online showcause notices to violators.
Ramesh Prabhu, chairman of Maharashtra Housing Society’s Federation said, “There are lack of conscience efforts from authorities as well as citizens. Mumbai has around 50,000 buildings and MFB is indeed understaffed to physically carry out inspections. They can provide a section on the BMC Citizen’s portal where societies can upload their fire compliance report and authorities can also issue showcause notices online.”
“The societies are mandatory to carry fire audits every six months. How many societies do it sincerely? Additionally, the internal fire fighting systems are non-operational several times and security staff too are untrained. Even to change a bulb or repair open wires, the society takes casually. The citizens also need to take conscience efforts to ensure their safety,” Prabhu added.
Godfrey Pimenta from the Watchdog Foundation had similar views. He said, “Instead of relying only on authorities to inspect, ensure complainces etc, the housing societies and commercial establishments should carry fire drills. Several times, injuries and casualties happen because residents are not aware of evacuation methods or cannot even operate a fire extinguisher. The authorities should ensure regular fire drills and training to security gaurds to avoid severe mishaps.”
