Fire incidents surge in Patna as temperatures rise

Patna: With rise in temperature, fire incidents across the city have increased. Five fire incidents were reported on Wednesday alone — at a girls' hostel in Buddha Colony, field at Amhara, Bihta, a private bank branch in Kidwaipuri, a general store at Shastri Nagar and 40 shanties in Masaurhi.
A total of 104 fire incidents were reported in the district from January to April 24, claiming three lives in two separate blazes, according to data provided by Patna district fire office. Two minor brothers, aged 4 and 8 years, were killed in a fire that broke out in their hut in Gaurichak police station area, while they were asleep on March 24. In another incident at Kadamkuan, a 20-year-old employee of a sweet shop died of suffocation from smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a shopping complex on Feb 23. Five shops and a bank branch were destroyed in the blaze.
According to the district fire office data, seven injuries were reported during the fire incidents this year so far.
District fire officer Manoj Kumar Nat told this newspaper that this year, the maximum cases were reported from their Barh station. "In cities, the maximum incidents of fire were due to electrical short-circuits, and in rural areas, gas cylinders leaks or wood stoves. In 2023, 730 fire incidents were reported, but it came down by over 35% in 2024 with 472 cases. Most cases were reported between March and June. This year so far, 104 fire incidents have been reported.
"We are taking all measures to reduce the fire incidences by creating awareness among the residents. We have put up banners and posters across the district and conducted puppet shows. Currently, we have a team of 535 people, 95 vehicles and four hydraulic vehicles, which can reach up to a height of 32, 42, 52 and 62 metres. Now 72-metre-high buildings are also being built in Patna, so we are in the process of procuring such hydraulic systems," Nat said.
The district magistrate has also directed the officials to run an intensive public awareness campaign. The general public has also been called on to follow the do's and don'ts issued by the state govt for fire safety.
The do's include installing smoke alarms, having a fire escape plan and ensuring exits are clear of obstructions. Don'ts include neglecting electrical maintenance, unattended cooking or using flammable liquids near heat sources.
Patna: With rise in temperature, fire incidents across the city have increased. Five fire incidents were reported on Wednesday alone — at a girls' hostel in Buddha Colony, field at Amhara, Bihta, a private bank branch in Kidwaipuri, a general store at Shastri Nagar and 40 shanties in Masaurhi.
A total of 104 fire incidents were reported in the district from January to April 24, claiming three lives in two separate blazes, according to data provided by Patna district fire office. Two minor brothers, aged 4 and 8 years, were killed in a fire that broke out in their hut in Gaurichak police station area, while they were asleep on March 24. In another incident at Kadamkuan, a 20-year-old employee of a sweet shop died of suffocation from smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a shopping complex on Feb 23. Five shops and a bank branch were destroyed in the blaze.
According to the district fire office data, seven injuries were reported during the fire incidents this year so far.
District fire officer Manoj Kumar Nat told this newspaper that this year, the maximum cases were reported from their Barh station. "In cities, the maximum incidents of fire were due to electrical short-circuits, and in rural areas, gas cylinders leaks or wood stoves. In 2023, 730 fire incidents were reported, but it came down by over 35% in 2024 with 472 cases. Most cases were reported between March and June. This year so far, 104 fire incidents have been reported.
"We are taking all measures to reduce the fire incidences by creating awareness among the residents. We have put up banners and posters across the district and conducted puppet shows. Currently, we have a team of 535 people, 95 vehicles and four hydraulic vehicles, which can reach up to a height of 32, 42, 52 and 62 metres. Now 72-metre-high buildings are also being built in Patna, so we are in the process of procuring such hydraulic systems," Nat said.
The district magistrate has also directed the officials to run an intensive public awareness campaign. The general public has also been called on to follow the do's and don'ts issued by the state govt for fire safety.
The do's include installing smoke alarms, having a fire escape plan and ensuring exits are clear of obstructions. Don'ts include neglecting electrical maintenance, unattended cooking or using flammable liquids near heat sources.