Amid a persistent heatwave in the national capital, Delhi Fire Services received over 220 calls within a span of 24-hour on Wednesday, marking the highest number in the past 10 years. According to fire department officials, this figure surpasses the call volume typically seen during Diwali last year. According to details, most of these calls originated from West Delhi localities, including Narela, Bawana, and Burari.
What's the reason for rise in fire-related incidents?
The soaring temperatures have led to a significant rise in fire-related incidents, with the Delhi Fire Services handling over 200 calls per day, a figure unprecedented in at least the last decade. "We are receiving more than 200 fire-related calls per day, this is the highest in the last 10 years... All equipment and manpower are stretched, it's a tough time for the Delhi Fire Department. 12 people including children have so far died in May in Delhi... We are mainly receiving calls from industrial areas related to industry and godowns, and in these areas, it takes more time..." Atul Garg, Delhi Fire Department Director, told news agency ANI on Wednesday.
"If the temperature rises by just 1 degree more, I think the calls will cross 250 per day... We have adopted new technologies. Many of the equipment like drones... are there that the fire department has bought for the first time..." he added. According to a senior fire official, electrical faults are the primary cause of these fires, responsible for 70 percent of the incidents. Garg also emphasised the importance of public awareness and safety, advising against attempting to fight fires independently.
North India reels under intense heatwave
It should be mention here that large parts of northern and central India continues to remain in the grip of a sweltering heatwave with the maximum temperature in the national capital nearing to 50 degrees Celsius. Cities and towns across Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh sizzled at maximum temperatures in excess of 47 degrees Celsius with Rohtak and Prayagraj logging 48.8 degrees, the highest temperatures recorded in the country on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Intense heat conditions also prevailed in Rajasthan despite the maximum temperatures falling by one to three degrees Celsius.
(With inputs from agencies)
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