Last Updated:
Cut the power supply from the main meter or remove the fuse if safe to do so. Dial 101 immediately for the fire department help. Quick reporting saves precious time
Most fire accidents are preventable. With vigilance, regular safety checks, and quick action, property damage can be minimised and lives saved. (AI-generated Image)
Electrical short circuits remain one of the leading causes of fire accidents across India, striking in homes, workplaces, and crowded public spaces like shopping malls. They can turn deadly within seconds if not managed properly.
Early this month, a powerful explosion in a split air conditioner at around 1.30 am triggered a fire that claimed the lives of three members of a family in Faridabad.
Recommended Stories
Last month, a major fire broke out at a hospital in Delhi, reportedly triggered by a short circuit. Several patients had to be evacuated in the middle of the night, and while lives were saved thanks to quick response, the incident highlighted how dangerous electrical negligence can be.
Similar accidents have been reported in Hyderabad and Mumbai, often caused by faulty wiring, overloaded sockets, or unattended appliances.
How To Respond Immediately
Fire officials stress that the first few minutes are crucial:
• Turn Off Electricity: Cut the power supply from the main meter or remove the fuse if safe to do so.
• Call For Help: Dial 101 immediately for the fire department. Quick reporting saves precious time.
• Keep Calm & Evacuate: Guide family members or colleagues outside. Avoid using elevators during a fire.
Common Causes Of Household Fires
Kitchen Hazards: Gas cylinders left open, substandard pipes, or a lack of proper ventilation can cause explosions. Always use ISI-marked regulator pipes and shut off the cylinder after cooking.
Poor Wiring: Many Indian homes still use old or low-quality wires. Experts recommend checking household wiring every 6-7 years.
Overloaded Circuits: Plugging too many appliances into one socket is a recipe for disaster.
Negligence: Leaving stoves, heaters, or irons unattended is one of the most common triggers.
Preventive Measures Everyone Should Follow
Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen.
• Install fire extinguishers in homes, offices, and especially commercial complexes.
• Train family members or staff on how to use extinguishers and fire blankets.
• Conduct safety audits in apartments and offices at regular intervals.
Awareness Campaigns On The Ground
Fire stations in smaller towns like Vemulawada (Telangana) are running awareness drives in schools, shopping malls, and busy markets to educate people about fire safety. Officers recall several rescue missions where timely calls and smart decisions helped save elderly residents and prevent larger tragedies.
The takeaway is simple: most fire accidents are preventable. With vigilance, regular safety checks, and quick action, property damage can be minimised and lives saved.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Vemulawada R, India, India
September 18, 2025, 11:41 IST
Loading comments…
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere
 "‘Not obvious what to do’: Fed cuts rates, not confusion US has about its economy")
