The advisory follows a broader circular issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services on 1 May
As temperatures continue to soar in Mumbai, the Fire Brigade has issued an urgent public advisory, calling on residents to adopt fire safety measures and remain cautious. The warning comes amid a sustained heatwave that is placing considerable stress on electrical systems across residential, commercial, and industrial areas, increasing the risk of fires.
According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, operated under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the overuse of electrical appliances such as fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators is contributing to overheating, short circuits, and, in some cases, gas leaks—common causes of fire incidents during extreme heat conditions.
The advisory follows a broader circular issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services on 1 May, which warned against the rising danger of heatwave-induced fire hazards. In light of this, the city’s fire authorities are urging citizens to take preventive steps rather than wait for emergencies to unfold.
“While firefighters are always ready for operations, many major fire incidents can be avoided if citizens follow safety guidelines,” said Ravindra Ambulgekar, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the Mumbai Fire Brigade. His remarks underline the growing concern around public safety as the mercury rises.
To help mitigate risks, the Fire Brigade has issued a detailed set of safety guidelines. These include the need to regularly inspect electrical wiring, plugs, switchboards, and appliances, as damaged or ageing components can quickly become fire hazards. People are being advised to switch off appliances such as air conditioners, fans, televisions, and geysers after use and to avoid leaving them running unnecessarily, particularly overnight.
The Brigade has also urged residents to avoid overloading power sockets by plugging in too many devices and to ensure air conditioning systems are properly maintained. Homes and workplaces should keep fire extinguishers accessible and ensure people are trained to use them in emergencies.
Additionally, all emergency exits must be kept clear to enable quick evacuation if needed. The advisory also includes a special note for hospitals and clinics, which are expected to maintain fully operational fire safety systems and conduct regular fire audits to ensure compliance with safety norms.
Citizens have been reminded to act swiftly in case of a fire by contacting the emergency number 101.
With extreme weather conditions likely to persist, the Mumbai Fire Brigade is encouraging all residents to take these safety measures seriously. Early action and consistent awareness can go a long way in preventing potentially devastating fire incidents during this period of high heat.