As city sizzles in summer, fire alarms ring louder

New Delhi: On average, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has responded to nearly 60 fire-related calls every day this year. Such incidents have claimed 44 lives so far.

While the department received 9,000 fire calls in the first five months of 2026, it received 8,613 calls during the corresponding period last year, data shows.

Delhi recorded 21,367 fire-related calls and 113 deaths in 2024. In 2025, the overall number of such calls declined to 18,776, while the death toll dropped to 70.

Guest houses, which fall under the residential occupancy category, have accounted for more than 6,000 fire-related calls so far this year.

A surge was witnessed this May, traditionally one of the busiest months for the fire department due to soaring temperatures and heatwave conditions. It received more than 2,000 calls, surpassing 1,799 recorded last May.

The rise is consistent with seasonal trends, as extreme heat often increases the likelihood of electrical short circuits, overheating equipment and other fire hazards, an official said.

Another fire department official said that a majority of the incidents reported in summer are linked to electrical faults, particularly short circuits. The sharp rise in temperatures leads to increased use of air conditioners, coolers, fans and other electrical appliances, significantly putting more pressure on electrical systems.

“As power consumption increases, electrical wiring, meters and equipment are put under greater stress. In many cases, old or poorly maintained electrical infrastructure is unable to handle the additional load, resulting in overheating and short circuits that can quickly spark fires,” the official said.

Atul Garg, former chief of DFS, said that in summer when ambient temperatures hover between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius and occasionally touch 50°C, even a minor spark can rapidly escalate into a major blaze.

“In such weather conditions, if there is a short circuit or a small spark from a gas stove, it may take only a few seconds for combustible materials to catch fire and for the flames to spread through a building,” he said.

He explained that high temperatures lower the time needed for materials to reach their ignition point, making fires more difficult to contain in their initial stages. “During winter, it takes longer for objects to reach the ignition point required for combustion. That delay often gives occupants or firefighters a crucial window to detect a blaze and extinguish it before it spreads,” he said.