Assam logs 112 fire incidents on Diwali, 49 linked to firecrackers

Assam's fire and emergency services responded to 112 fire-related incidents across the state on Diwali, November 8, and 49 of them were linked to firecrackers, The Assam Tribune reported on Monday, citing the Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Kamrup Metropolitan district, which includes Guwahati, accounted for 22 of the incidents. The department said three major fires were reported from Lakhimpur, Pathsala and Silapathar, and its teams stayed on call across the state through the festival.

Elderly man hurt at Jorabat

The most serious injury reported was at Ambher village, 12th Mile, in Guwahati's Jorabat area, where a house was completely destroyed. Ratan Sharma, an elderly man, was trapped inside and suffered serious injuries.

His family had gone to the market to buy firecrackers when the fire broke out. Local residents suspect an electrical short circuit. Fire and police personnel put out the blaze and rescued Sharma, who was sent to hospital for further treatment.

Panbazar and Jonai

In Guwahati's Panbazar, a fire believed to have been caused by firecrackers burned down a roadside hut near the Don Bosco area, close to Cotton University.

At Simen Chapori in Jonai, in Dhemaji district, seven business establishments, including a jewellery shop, a bakery, a salon and an electronics shop, were gutted on Sunday evening. The cause was not known, though local people suspect the fire started at a garage. Property worth several lakh rupees was lost.

Staying safe

Fire officials across the North East routinely advise people to keep water or sand buckets nearby while bursting crackers, keep children supervised, light fireworks away from homes, shops, vehicles and electric lines, and avoid overloading wiring with festive lights. In an emergency, call 101 for fire services or 112 for the integrated emergency line.

The Diwali figures come as several districts in the region had issued time limits and green-cracker rules for the festival this year.