On high alert for Diwali, Delhi Fire Service urges responsible celebrations, to deploy 24 quick response vehicles and fire tenders at 17 spots

The Delhi Fire Service says control rooms and fire stations have been put on high alert, and emergency response drills have been conducted to ensure crews are prepared for any situation.

By: Express News Service

New Delhi | October 16, 2025 03:58 PM IST

3 min read

According to the order, fire tenders will be stationed at 17 key locations. (Express file photo)

The Delhi Fire Service has issued special instructions ahead of Diwali, ordering citywide deployment of additional fire units to prevent and respond quickly to fire incidents during the festive weekend. The move comes as part of annual preparedness measures taken by the department to handle the spike in fire-related calls typically reported during Diwali due to fireworks, diyas, and electrical decorations.

“In view of the forthcoming Dewali festival, it has been decided to deploy fire units at vulnerable points in Delhi on October 19 and 20 from 5 PM to 12 midnight,” stated the order issued by the fire headquarters. The directive outlines that both water tenders and quick response vehicles will be strategically positioned across major markets, residential areas, and densely populated localities to ensure prompt emergency response.

According to the order, fire tenders will be stationed at 17 key locations: Bara Tooti Chowk, Tilak Nagar, Lajpat Nagar Central Market, Lal Kuan Chowk, Lahori Gate, South Extension, Sonia Vihar, Gandhi Nagar Market, Mahipalpur Chowk, Sangam Vihar, Azad Market Chowk, Jaipur Golden Hospital, Mundka Metro Station, New Ashok Nagar Police Station, Yamuna Vihar (new fire station site), and Radha Soami Satsang Bhati Mines.

In addition, quick response vehicles, which are smaller and designed to reach narrow or congested areas inaccessible to large fire engines, will be deployed at 24 points: Hastal village, Vishal Garden on Najafgarh Road, Vikas Puri, Mehrauli, IGNOU Maidan Garhi, Aya Nagar Metro Station, Burari, Azadpur Terminal, Wazirabad Village, Lajpat Nagar, Sonia Vihar, Gandhi Nagar, Paharganj, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Rani Bagh, DLF Karawal Nagar, and Palam Gol Chakkar in Dwarka.

“All the concerned officers/officials are directed to ensure that the deployed vehicles along with crew are in position by 1700 hrs sharp,” the order said, stressing punctuality and operational readiness. It further instructed divisional and station officers to “ensure proper supervision and liaison with local police for smooth movement and operation” of vehicles during the deployment.

Officials said these measures are part of a proactive approach to minimise fire hazards during the festival. They added that control rooms and fire stations have been put on high alert, and emergency response drills have been conducted to ensure crews are prepared for any situation.

The fire service has also appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and follow safety guidelines while lighting diyas.

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