Diwali Fire Safety Tips
Diyas, decorative lights, crackers and festive cooking — most Diwali fires start small. Here is what to keep ready at home, in shops and in housing societies, and what to do if a fire starts.
Six Things to Check Before the Festival
Check your extinguisher
Gauge needle in the green, pin and seal intact, and the refill date on the tag not passed. If in doubt, get it refilled before the festival.
Keep one within reach
An ABC extinguisher in the hall or near the kitchen door — not locked in a cupboard. Show everyone at home how the pin comes out.
Plan for the kitchen
Festive frying means hot oil. Keep a fire blanket near the stove and never pour water on burning oil.
Lights & sockets
Use good-quality decorative lights, do not overload one socket with multi-plugs, and switch lights off when you go out or go to sleep.
Clear the exits
Staircases, corridors and the main door should stay clear of boxes, gifts, cracker stock and two-wheelers.
Save the numbers
Fire brigade 101, emergency 112, and your society or building security. Keep them on the fridge as well as in your phone.
Diyas, Lights & Crackers
- Burst crackers only in an open area, away from buildings, parked vehicles, dry leaves and electric wires.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby, and drop used sparklers and duds into it.
- Never relight a cracker that did not go off. Wait, then soak it in water.
- Keep diyas and candles away from curtains, rangoli powder, paper decorations and children’s clothes, and never leave them burning in an empty room.
- Wear cotton clothes near diyas and crackers; synthetic clothes catch fire and stick to the skin.
- Children should burst crackers only with an adult watching.
What to Do in the First Minute
Raise the alarm
Shout to warn everyone and get children and elders out first.
Call 101 or 112
Give the full address and a landmark. In a society, inform security so they can start the fire pump and guide the fire brigade.
Fight only a small fire
Use the extinguisher only if the fire is small and you have a clear way out behind you: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze, Sweep side to side.
Get out and stay out
If the fire grows or there is thick smoke, leave, close the door behind you and do not use the lift.
If clothes catch fire
Stop, drop and roll. Cool burns under clean running water and get medical help for anything more than a small burn.
Extra Checks for Buildings & Businesses
Shops & offices
Keep stock away from lights and panels, an extinguisher near the counter, and switch off the main supply when you close. Need one? See our extinguisher dealer page.
Housing societies
Pumps on auto, hose reels working, risers and refuge areas clear, and a notice to residents about crackers. Form B is due in January — plan the visit now.
Restaurants & caterers
Clean the hood and duct before the rush, check the kitchen suppression system and K-Type extinguishers, and brief every shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most homes an ABC powder extinguisher of 1 to 2 kg, kept where everyone can reach it, covers common fires from cloth, paper, wood, cooking gas and electrical points. For pan fires in the kitchen, a fire blanket or a K-Type kitchen extinguisher is the better choice. See our home & car extinguishers and fire blankets.
Yes. In Pune and PCMC we pick up and drop back free, and most extinguishers are refilled and returned the same day or within 4 days, depending on type and quantity. Book early — the week before Diwali is busy. Rates are on our refilling page.
Call the fire brigade on 101, or the national emergency number 112. Give the full address and a landmark, and tell them if anyone is trapped.
That the fire pumps are on auto, hose reels and landing valves work, staircases and refuge areas are clear of stored items, and residents know not to burst crackers near parking, balconies or the building. Our society AMC covers these checks on every visit.
What Our Clients Say
Get your extinguishers ready before Diwali
Refilling from ₹199 + GST with free pickup and drop in Pune & PCMC. Call or WhatsApp to book.