304 fire incidents in May, highest ever in a month

Nagpur: The fire and emergency services department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has registered 304 fire incidents in May, making it probably the highest-ever in a month in city’s history.
On Saturday, two warehouses of Nakoda Fruit Products Pvt Ltd situated at Bhidgaon near Bhandewadi dumping yard in Kamptee tehsil caught fire at around 4am on Saturday. The warehouses were situated on the premises of the factory manufacturing food products.
One warehouse was reportedly empty and other stocked with dry fruits. Four fire tenders rushed to the spot but could not begin fire dousing operation till afternoon. The fire could not be brought under control at the time of going to press.
As per the data available with the department, 277 fire incidents were registered within city limits and 27 on the outskirts between May 1 and 31. Of the total incidents, 23 were major, while 17 were medium and 264 minor.
The fire at Sandesh Dawa Bazaar on Friday turned out to be a major one.
As per the department’s officials, the reason behind majority of the incidents was short circuit in electrical wirings. “Also, most of the fire incidents took place during the wee hours. A fire is noticed and doused during day hours. Incidents during wee hours can be controlled only if fire systems are in place and in working conditions,” the officials said.
Such incidents are on the rise in May probably due to melting of electrical wires and other reasons. Altogether 248 fire incidents were recorded in May 2018 and 184 in May 2017. Fire incidents were less than 150 during the month in previous years.
As many as 124 such incidents were registered in May 2016, 140 in May 2015, 115 in May 2014, 134 in May 2013, 148 in May 2012, 154 in May 2011, 131 in May 2010, 111 in May 2009 and 136 in May 2008.
Many buildings neglect fire NOC and installation of fire systems. Such incidents can be prevented in case of fire systems are in place. Altogether 3,648 buildings got fire NOC of which only 675 installed fire systems and obtained compliance. After the incidents, the fire department issued notices to 2,025 buildings of which 1,045 have been declared unsafe for non-compliance of notices. Still, unsafe buildings are in operation.