Noida steps up efforts to prevent fire hazards amid rising temperature

Noida: With the summer heat increasing the risk of electrical fires, the Noida administration has launched a comprehensive safety campaign aimed at preventing fire hazards.
In 2024, the city reported 2,228 fire incidents, many of which were linked to faulty electrical systems, particularly air conditioners.

Led by electrical safety department, the awareness campaign features a series of training workshops targeting RWAs, hospital staff, and shopping mall employees. The sessions aim to curb fire risks at a time when high temperatures make cooling devices both a necessity and a hazard.
"Urban fires during summer are often linked to electrical faults, especially in AC units," said Ramesh Chaudhary, assistant director of electrical safety department.
"Educating people in high-density areas is key to prevention," he added.
Training sessions have already been conducted in Sector 62 with representatives from 10 RWAs and at high-footfall spots like GIP and Gardens Galleria malls. Upcoming workshops are scheduled with the management of Kailash Hospitals.
The urgency of the initiative follows two major fires over the past month, exposing critical gaps in enforcement of safety norms.
On April 2, a massive blaze erupted at Krishna Apra Plaza, a commercial complex in Sector 18, after an air conditioner exploded in a first-floor office. About 150 people were rescued by firefighters using hydraulic cranes and ladders. One victim succumbed to injuries days later. Officials are now probing potential fire safety lapses in the building.
A day earlier, a fire broke out at a warehouse storing cardboard boxes for coolers in Greater Noida, spreading to adjoining industrial units. It took 175 firefighters and 35 fire engines nearly six hours to control the inferno. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
At a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority this week, officials were directed to intensify inspections in industrial zones and ensure round-the-clock readiness of fire stations at the tehsil level. The health department has also been roped in to provide emergency medical supplies and keep services like 108/102 ambulances on alert.
Public awareness is a key part of the response. The transport department has been tasked with installing shaded areas and drinking water facilities at bus stands, while police have been instructed to use LED screens and public announcement systems to spread heat wave and fire safety messages.
"Controlling fire incidents is our top priority this season," said district disaster management officer Omkar Chaturvedi.
"All departments are working together to ensure residents remain safe amid rising temperatures."
As fire threats loom larger with every passing day of the heatwave, residents are being urged to not only rely on emergency services—but to take preventive action before sparks turn to tragedy.