Upsurge in fire incidents during summer across Mumbai
Data provided by the Mumbai Fire Brigade pointed that most (90 per cent) of the fires during this time are caused by short circuit.
Come summer, the demand for electricity increases manifold. Depletion of resources apart, it also fuels fire mishaps across the city. Data provided by the Mumbai Fire Brigade pointed that most (90 per cent) of the fires during this time are caused by short circuit.
From April 2012 to March 2018 more than 28,000 fire incidents were reported across the city. Around 4,500 to 5,000 fire incidents took place across the city in a year. And, on an average around, the Fire Brigade received 400 calls in a month.
However, the numbers fluctuate greatly through the year.
As per information provided by the Fire Brigade, from October 2017 to April 2018, 3,425 fire incidents were reported across the city. In winter, the number of fire incidents are relatively low and the numbers are by far steady; it starts increasing from January. But the real difference can be seen in April. From 447 incidents in March, 2018, the number went up to 896 in April, 2018. This phenomenon, however, is not unique to this year, said a fire official.
"There is a pattern in fire incidents. As humidity and temperature rises, demand and load on electricity increases. Every year, fire incidents increase in the months of April and May, the major cause being short circuit in the air conditioners," said Prabhat Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Brigade.
He added, "Even in monsoon, short circuit incidents are reported frequently, but these are mainly due to flooding, and particular to rainy days. Therefore, the summer months always top the chart with regard to fire incidents."
"Interestingly, though the city limits have expanded in the past 10 years, fire calls have not increased at the same rate due to increased awareness. But even today, the major reason behind blazes remain short circuit," said another fire official.
NO EXCEPTION
- Even in monsoon, short circuits are reported frequently, but these are mainly due to flooding, and particular to rainy days. So, summer months always top the chart with regard to fire incidents.