Gujarat records 3,176 fire deaths in five years; Ahmedabad sees 38 house fires monthly on average

Fire-related incidents across Gujarat are on the rise, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Gujarat recorded 3,176 deaths due to fire incidents between 2018 and 2022.

In Ahmedabad alone, an average residential areas witnessed of 38 fire incidents every month. In the financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24, the city recorded 540 and 454 house fire cases, respectively. These statistics shed light on the growing threat, especially on the National Fire Service Day, observed on April 14 each year to honor firefighters and raise awareness on fire safety.

Apart from residential fires, the year 2023–24 also saw 18 incidents in showrooms and restaurants, 33 in shops and offices, 210 caused by electrical circuits, decoration setups, and installations, 24 in theatres and dance halls, and 195 cases involving vehicles including road and railway transport.

Overall, Ahmedabad reported 4,430 fire-related incidents in the past two years alone. Fire officials emphasise that “the first five minutes after a fire breaks out are more critical than the next five hours”, underscoring the need for swift response and public awareness.

Recently, on April 11, fire broke out in the afternoon at the Parishkar-1 residential complex in the Khokhra area of Ahmedabad, prompting an emergency response from the city’s fire brigade.  Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

According to officials, the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade deployed five fire tenders to the site shortly after the alarm was raised. The blaze, which caused panic among residents, was brought under control through a coordinated firefighting operation.