A surge in fire incidents during Diwali has brought Mumbai’s inadequate firefighting infrastructure into focus, raising concerns about the city’s ability to respond to emergencies amid rapid vertical development. The Mumbai Fire Brigade received 142 calls on November 8, including 137 related to firecrackers.
The challenge is compounded by the construction of nearly 5,500 buildings exceeding 15 floors over the past five years. Despite this growth, Mumbai operates only 36 fire stations against an estimated requirement of 100. The department also has just two 90-metre snorkel ladders, stationed at Byculla and Borivali, which can reach approximately the 25th or 27th floor.
A senior fire brigade official said equipment and infrastructure had largely remained unchanged despite the expansion of high-rise developments. Narrow roads, parked vehicles, traffic congestion and staff shortages further delay emergency operations.
“We typically need to dispatch six to seven vehicles to an emergency spot. During the Dongri fire on November 8, we first had to remove parked vehicles. The largest snorkel ladder is around 18 metres long and cannot be deployed on all roads,” an official said, adding that internal firefighting systems are mandatory under the Development Control Regulations.
Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar said personnel were instructed to remain at their stations during Diwali. “Despite all the odds, we must perform our duties. The exact causes of Sunday’s fires are not yet clear,” he said.
Following the incidents, the BMC prohibited rockets and other aerial fireworks across Mumbai until November 25, citing the risk of sparks reaching rooftops, balconies and combustible materials.
Activist Kamlakar Shenoy questioned the city’s preparedness, highlighting alleged manpower shortages and gaps in civic planning. In Andheri, LOCA has sought a fire station at Chitrakoot ground since 2016.
LOCA director Dhaval Shah warned that redevelopment could triple the area’s population within five years. Advocate Trivankumar Karnani also raised concerns over fire safety compliance and building approvals, alleging that Occupancy Certificates were being issued despite violations.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
