New Delhi: An average of three to four residential buildings in the national capital report blazes every day, according to data from the Delhi Fire Services. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the department received 1,318 such calls, highlighting a persistent fire safety challenge.
Rising Fire Incidents in 2026
Comparative data shows a notable increase in overall fire-related calls in 2026. From January 1 to April 15 this year, a total of 11,590 such calls were received, compared with 10,957 during the same three-and-a-half-month period in 2025. This marks a rise of over 5.8% year-on-year. A fire service officer stated, “This year, more than 25 people have died and over 120 injured in such incidents.”
Primary Cause: Short Circuits
In most cases, short circuits were identified as the primary cause of fire, the official said. “While people continue to add electrical appliances to their houses, the wiring is often not upgraded accordingly, leading to excessive load on electrical systems, which can spark blazes,” he added. This highlights a critical gap between increasing electrical consumption and outdated infrastructure.
Lack of Escape Routes
Residents often neglect proper escape route planning, the official noted. “In many cases, no second escape route is created, and the only available exit is poorly planned — either located near an electricity meter board or opening into the parking area. If a fire breaks out, the lone exit route can quickly be blocked due to smoke, heat or burning vehicles, leaving people with little to no chance of escape.”
Gas Leaks and Unsafe Cooking Practices
Another officer pointed out that many people forget to turn off cylinder valves, which can lead to gas leaks, blasts or secondary fires. Unsafe cooking practices at home are also a major trigger. “People often use cooking gas while talking on mobile phones or watching television. They leave milk or other liquids on the stove and step away. When it overflows, it can extinguish the flame while the gas continues to leak. Later, when the person returns and attempts to relight the burner, it can suddenly catch fire or even lead to an explosion,” the officer added.
Fire Safety Norms and Compliance Gaps
According to fire safety rules in Delhi, residential buildings taller than 15 metres or those with ground-plus-four or more floors, including mezzanine levels, are required to obtain fire safety no-objection certificates (NOCs). These certificates are meant to ensure that basic fire prevention and safety systems are in place before residents move in. However, many such buildings do not have valid fire NOCs, meaning there is little to no regulatory check on their construction and safety standards. The officer stated, “As a result, many of these structures are built without proper fire-safety planning or compliance with mandatory norms.”
“Calls regarding residential fires account for the highest number when we talk of structural blazes. Many of these buildings don’t install essential firefighting systems, such as alarms, sprinklers or extinguishers,” the official added, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
