Diwali Celebrations in Assam: Balancing Festivity and Fire Safety

The Festive Spirit and Fire Risks

As Diwali approaches, the vibrant glow of diyas, the sound of firecrackers, and the hustle of festive shopping fill the streets of Assam.

However, this joyous occasion also brings an increased risk of fire incidents, burn injuries, and even fatalities.

A recent fire at a commercial site under the Bhangagarh flyover serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a small fire can escalate into a significant emergency.

What started at The City Dhaba rapidly spread to nearby shops, damaging approximately seven establishments and severely impacting local businesses.

While the precise cause of the fire is still under investigation, the extent of the damage raises critical questions about Assam's preparedness for fire emergencies during this high-risk festive season.

Fire Emergency Statistics

Data from the Assam Fire & Emergency Services reveals alarming trends regarding fire incidents during Diwali over the past three years.

In 2023, there were 73 fire calls in the first reporting period, followed by 60 in the next. The numbers for 2024 were 42 and 31, totaling 73, while in 2025, the figures dropped to 46 and 20, summing up to 66.

Despite a decrease in reported calls in 2025 compared to the previous year, significant fires continued to occur.

Guwahati and its surrounding regions consistently appear in these records, with Kamrup (Metro) reporting 13 calls in the first half of 2023 and 11 in the latter half.

In 2024, the district recorded 11 calls in the first half, including four major fires, and six in the second half. In 2025, eight fire calls were logged during the first reporting period.

Each call represents a household or business that may have faced devastating consequences.

Causes of Fire Incidents

It is a common misconception that firecrackers are the sole cause of Diwali-related fires.

Incident reports indicate that electrical short circuits, earthen lamps, and LPG leaks have also been responsible for serious fires during this festive period.

In 2023, a tragic fire in Jorabat, attributed to an electrical short circuit, resulted in a woman's death.

The following year, a fire in Sivasagar involving ten rented rooms was suspected to have been caused by a similar issue, leading to one fatality and another person suffering burn injuries.

In Mirza, a fire that affected a house and a shop was believed to have originated from a diya, injuring two women.

Other incidents included a grocery store fire in Dibrugarh, a house fire in Ambagan, and an LPG-related fire in Silchar, with a serious incident in Jorhat claiming one life.

In 2025, a fire in an apartment in Beltola resulted in one person sustaining 10% burn injuries.

A Fire and Emergency Services official noted that while they receive calls about cracker-induced fires, many incidents stem from electrical issues and other sources. The 2023-24 Diwali periods saw fatalities due to fire incidents.

The Impact on Healthcare

The repercussions of fire-related accidents extend beyond property damage; hospitals often see a surge in burn patients during Diwali.

“We treat both minor and severe burn cases, including those from firecrackers. On average, we see around four major cases daily during Diwali, alongside numerous minor injuries. Patients with burns covering 90% of their body typically do not survive, while those with 70% burns face grave risks. We handle about eight major cases requiring surgery during this festive season,” a doctor from GMCH explained.

Promoting Safety Awareness

For many residents, the focus is not on forgoing celebrations but on understanding how a moment of negligence can have far-reaching effects.

“People love celebrating Diwali, but safety must be prioritized. A small error while lighting firecrackers can jeopardize an entire neighborhood,” stated Mrinal Kalita.

Jyotika Medhi emphasized the need for heightened awareness regarding firecracker safety.

“There should be more education on the responsible handling of firecrackers. Many underestimate how quickly a fire can spread, especially in densely populated areas. Keeping children away from hazardous crackers and ensuring basic fire safety measures are crucial,” she remarked.

In a city where commercial and residential spaces are often in close proximity, the ramifications of a fire can extend well beyond the initial site.

While the decline in recorded fire calls in 2025 is somewhat reassuring, the ongoing occurrence of major incidents and fatalities indicates that complacency is unwarranted.

Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, but ensuring safe celebrations requires more than just caution around firecrackers.