NEW DELHI: The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has issued a high alert ahead of Diwali and cancelled leaves of officers and staff for October 19 and 20 in preparation for fire-related emergencies. Officials said that 24 quick response vehicles (QRVs) and 17 fire tenders will be deployed across strategic locations in the capital to ensure swift response.
“Diwali is celebrated on a large scale and festivities begin a day before. In view of this, extra deployment is being made to reduce travel time and respond to emergencies quickly,” said A K Malik, Deputy Chief Fire Officer. The DFS has a fleet of 255 vehicles and around 2,700 personnel. Last year, the department received 318 fire-related calls on Diwali night.
The 24 QRVs—Maruti Suzuki XL6 vehicles equipped with 100-litre water tanks and 25 litres of foam—were introduced in September and are staffed by three personnel in rotating shifts to ensure round-the-clock coverage. These are positioned at fire-prone and congested areas such as Khari Baoli, Paharganj, Lajpat Nagar Central Market, Gandhi Nagar and Hastsal Village.
The order issued by the fire headquarters on Thursday directed all divisional officers and station heads to ensure the readiness of fire appliances and equipment. Inspections will be carried out to ensure operability of breathing apparatus (BA) sets, foam branches, hoses, and rescue tools.
Fire vehicles must also be kept roadworthy with functioning sirens, warning lights, and wireless communication systems. Water tankers will be stationed at high-risk locations between 5 pm and midnight on October 19 and 20. These include Bara Tooti Chowk, South Extension, Sonia Vihar, Mahipalpur Chowk, Sangam Vihar, and Mundka Metro Station, among others.
The DFS wireless and radio telecom divisions have also been instructed to ensure all communication devices and walkie-talkies are functional. Casual and earned leaves, including day-offs for radio operators, will be restricted during the two-day period. “We urge residents to be cautious while lighting firecrackers, diyas, or using overloaded or loose electrical wires. These are among the primary causes of fire incidents during Diwali,” a senior DFS official said.
Malik has also asked people to check loose electrical connections or overloads to prevent short circuits. The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily lifted ban on green firecrackers ahead of Diwali, allowing its sale on from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on October 19 and 20.