In a remarkable display of preparedness and courage, Ludhiana's firefighting teams worked tirelessly through Diwali night, confronting 25 separate fire emergencies that erupted across the industrial city. The rapid response and professional handling of these incidents ensured that no lives were lost, though property damage occurred in several cases.
Round-the-Clock Firefighting Operations
The fire control room remained on high alert throughout the festive evening, receiving multiple distress calls from various parts of the city. According to fire department officials, the majority of incidents involved electrical short circuits, fireworks-related accidents, and kitchen fires that spread rapidly in residential areas.
"Our teams were strategically deployed across Ludhiana's zones, enabling us to reach affected areas within minutes of receiving emergency calls," stated a senior fire officer. The department had implemented special Diwali arrangements, including additional staff and equipment deployment anticipating such emergencies.
Major Incidents and Quick Response
Among the significant fires was one at a commercial complex in Miller Ganj, where firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to adjacent buildings. Another major incident occurred in a residential colony in Sarabha Nagar, where a fireworks-related fire threatened multiple households before being brought under control.
The fire department utilized:
- Multiple fire tenders from different stations
- Specialized equipment for electrical fires
- Coordination with local police for crowd management
- Emergency medical support on standby
Safety Lessons from Diwali Night
Fire safety experts emphasized that while the absence of casualties is commendable, the high number of incidents highlights the need for greater public awareness about fire safety during festivals. The department had previously conducted awareness campaigns about safe Diwali practices, but the 25 emergency calls indicate many residents still neglect basic precautions.
"The successful handling of these multiple simultaneous emergencies demonstrates Ludhiana's improved disaster response capabilities, though we urge citizens to exercise more caution with fireworks and electrical decorations," the fire official added.
