Delhi has 65 fire stations, all on alert, as is customary during summer.
The summer season began earlier this year in Delhi, with temperatures rising from the last week of March. As the heat increased, so did the number of fire calls. This March, the Delhi Fire Service received 1,809 fire calls, compared to 1,328 calls the same month last year. Eleven people died in fire accidents in March, while 56 were either saved or injured.
“Usually, during summer, a small fire also takes no time to turn big owing to heat. A little ignition of a cigarette or even a spark from shoes, if they have a nail, can lead to a fire. In March itself, we have received at least 60-70 calls a day, and the number will easily be 100 calls a day in the coming weeks,” a senior fire official said, adding that 720 of the 1,809 fire calls were related to garbage fires.
Due to the rise in calls, fire officials have implemented several measures, including restricting leave for all staff members. Previously, the station officer was responsible for approving leave requests, but now the assistant divisional officer (ADO) will handle this duty to ensure maximum staff availability.
Delhi has 65 fire stations, all on alert, as is customary during summer. Also, the workshop staff, who typically receive rest days over the weekend, work around the clock to ensure that fire tenders are regularly maintained.
“All equipment required for firefighting is also being checked and repaired to ensure that everything is readily available in case of an emergency. We also advise the public to get the servicing done for air conditioners before using them, not to use them for long hours, or to leave them unattended. Besides, multiplugging of wires should be avoided as overloading also leads to fire,” the official added.
Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital.
Professional Background
Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance.
Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh).
Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India.
Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life.
Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025)
Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability:
1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation
Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort:
Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025).
The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025).
Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025).
2. Crime & Police Accountability
"Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025).
"Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025).
Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025).
3. Governance & Public Policy
"13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025).
Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025).
Signature Style
Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More
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Delhi has 65 fire stations, all on alert, as is customary during summer.
