No casualties as Pune firefighters contain fireworks‑induced blazes

During Diwali celebrations in Pune’s industrial hub of Pimpri‑Chinchwad, fireworks triggered 76 fire outbreaks, but rapid action by the fire service prevented any loss of life. Twelve fire engines were kept on standby across the district, and ten fire stations kept their crews alert, ensuring immediate deployment. The control room recorded 76 emergency calls: twenty from residential flats where a gallery caught fire, and fifty from open spaces, waste piles and trees. Firefighters arrived promptly, contained the flames and extinguished each blaze before it could spread. Normally the department receives five to six calls per day; the Lakshmi Puja day alone generated the highest volume due to the extensive use of crackers. Approximately 250 firefighters were on duty around the clock, and their coordinated response meant that no injuries or deaths occurred. According to Fire Officer Shahji Kopanar, the standby arrangement, directed by the deputy commissioner, was the key factor in avoiding a larger incident. Residents were encouraged to enjoy Diwali responsibly, with the assurance that the fire brigade remains on alert throughout the holiday.