New Delhi, October 16, 2025 – As Diwali approaches, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has announced a massive pre-festival deployment of 320 fire tenders and more than 2,000 personnel to ensure rapid response to fire-related emergencies across the city. The deployment, which will begin on October 19 and continue through October 21, aims to address the heightened risk of fire incidents during the festival of lights, when celebrations involving diyas, candles, electrical decorations, and firecrackers increase the likelihood of accidents.

An internal DFS order, issued on Thursday and signed by Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik, outlines the operational plan for the festive deployment. The department has identified 58 key locations across the city that are considered high-risk, including densely populated residential areas, bustling markets, and stretches far from existing fire stations. These locations will receive additional coverage to ensure rapid response times in case of emergencies.

“All operational staff have been directed to remain on duty. Casual and earned leaves have been restricted on October 19 and 20 to ensure full manpower strength during the peak festive days,” the order stated. The move is aimed at maintaining a robust presence throughout the city, minimizing the risk of delayed responses during critical fire incidents.

Among the high-priority areas for deployment are Lajpat Nagar Central Market, Tilak Nagar, Bara Tooti Chowk, South Extension, Gandhi Nagar Market, Azad Market, Jaipur Golden Hospital, and Yamuna Vihar. Smaller Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) will be stationed in congested locations such as Sadar Bazaar, Mehrauli, Badli Industrial Area, Ghitorni, and Burari, where larger fire tenders may face difficulties navigating narrow lanes or heavy crowds. The combination of large tenders and QRVs ensures that both open streets and tightly packed urban pockets are adequately covered.

In preparation for the festival, divisional and assistant divisional officers have been tasked with inspecting all fire units to verify operational readiness. This includes checks on foam branches, suction hoses, rescue tools, sirens, batteries, warning lights, and wireless communication systems. The DFS workshop will oversee routine maintenance and ensure that all vehicles and equipment are in optimal condition. A senior DFS officer noted, “The deployment pattern ensures that no part of the city remains uncovered. The focus is on high-risk zones, markets with temporary electrical setups, areas with cracker use, and congested residential pockets.”

The decision to enhance fire preparedness comes in response to recent trends. Last year, DFS received 318 fire-related calls on Diwali day, primarily due to diyas, candles, electrical short circuits, and firecrackers. In 2023, the department had recorded 208 such calls. The rising number of incidents underlines the importance of proactive measures, particularly in areas with high population density and limited access for emergency vehicles.

DFS personnel will operate in shifts to maintain continuous coverage, ensuring rapid response times throughout the festival. Firefighters will be stationed strategically to reach potential incident sites quickly, while QRVs will be used for swift intervention in congested lanes or markets where larger vehicles may be delayed. The deployment also includes specialized teams equipped with fire suppression foam, water hoses, and rescue equipment to handle complex incidents such as electrical fires or structural emergencies.

Electrical safety has been a major focus in the lead-up to Diwali. Temporary wiring for decorative lights, overloaded circuits, and faulty electrical equipment are common causes of fire during the festival. DFS teams will monitor such areas closely and are prepared to respond immediately to any incidents. Additionally, teams will provide guidance to local residents, shopkeepers, and market authorities on best practices for fire safety, including safe placement of diyas, proper insulation of wiring, and the handling of firecrackers.

Senior DFS officers emphasized the importance of public cooperation in ensuring a safe Diwali. Citizens are urged to follow basic fire safety measures, such as avoiding overcrowding around open flames, using fire-resistant materials for decorations, keeping water or extinguishers handy, and refraining from lighting firecrackers near flammable structures. These preventive measures, combined with the extensive deployment of personnel and equipment, are expected to minimize the risk of major incidents during the festival.

In addition to market areas and residential colonies, DFS has also prioritized hospitals, schools, and other sensitive locations in the deployment plan. Jaipur Golden Hospital, for example, has been specifically mentioned due to the vulnerability of patients and the critical need for uninterrupted safety services. Firefighters stationed near hospitals are trained to handle emergency evacuations while simultaneously managing potential fire threats.

The extensive deployment reflects a broader trend in urban fire safety management during high-risk periods. Cities across India have increasingly adopted pre-festival readiness strategies, integrating advanced monitoring systems, mobile alert teams, and strategic positioning of resources to enhance emergency response. Delhi’s approach, with a combination of 320 fire tenders, 2,000 personnel, and smaller QRVs, represents a comprehensive attempt to cover both high-density commercial areas and residential pockets effectively.

The DFS has also leveraged lessons from previous years to improve operational efficiency. Past incidents highlighted challenges such as narrow streets, overcrowding in marketplaces, and delays in response due to heavy traffic. By deploying smaller QRVs alongside conventional fire tenders, the department aims to overcome these logistical challenges, ensuring that firefighters can reach every incident site promptly.

Public awareness campaigns have complemented the operational readiness. DFS officials have used media advisories, community engagement programs, and social media outreach to educate citizens on fire safety protocols, emergency contact numbers, and the importance of reporting fire hazards immediately. Such initiatives are designed to reduce preventable accidents and ensure that both citizens and emergency personnel are prepared for potential contingencies during Diwali.

The upcoming deployment from October 19 to 21 represents a culmination of months of planning and coordination among various DFS units. By placing personnel on full alert, restricting casual leaves, inspecting equipment, and strategically positioning resources, the department aims to safeguard the city during one of the busiest and most accident-prone periods of the year. The emphasis on proactive readiness reflects a commitment to public safety, ensuring that residents can celebrate the festival of lights without undue risk.

In conclusion, the Delhi Fire Services’ extensive Diwali deployment demonstrates a comprehensive approach to urban safety during a period of heightened fire risk. By strategically placing 320 fire tenders and over 2,000 personnel across the city, including high-risk markets, residential areas, and hospitals, DFS seeks to ensure rapid response to emergencies and prevent potential accidents. Combined with public awareness efforts and strict operational protocols, these measures aim to provide Delhi residents with a safe and joyous festival experience.