Nagpur recorded 42 fire incidents within 24 hours during Diwali celebrations on November 8, with 34 linked to firecrackers, according to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire Department. One of the major fires broke out at a two-wheeler showroom in Devnagar, where a burning firework rocket allegedly entered the premises and triggered a blaze that gutted around 25 new two-wheelers, spare parts, helmets and accessories.
The showroom owner has estimated the loss at around ₹1.75 crore. No deaths or injuries were reported in the incidents. In response to the fires, civic authorities have restricted the use of aerial fireworks, including rockets and sky shots, across Nagpur from November 9 to November 30.
Devnagar Showroom Gutted
The most significant blaze was reported at the Sai Dynamic TVS showroom on Savarkar Road in Devnagar at around 8.30 pm. According to fire department reporting, a burning firework rocket allegedly entered the second floor of the showroom.
The flames spread through the premises, damaging around 25 new two-wheelers along with spare parts, helmets and other accessories. Five fire tenders were deployed and firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. The showroom owner has put the financial loss at approximately ₹1.75 crore.
The incident was among several major fires reported during the celebrations. A senior NMC Fire Department official said aerial fireworks were a major reason behind 34 of the 42 incidents, adding that people continued bursting crackers even after the permitted hours. The official’s assessment links a substantial share of the emergency calls to fireworks, although the cause of every individual fire has not been independently established.
Fires Reported Citywide
The Devnagar blaze was followed by other serious incidents. At around 11 pm, a fire broke out at a makeshift hardware godown on the terrace of a residential-cum-commercial building near Medical Square. Firecracker sparks were suspected to have triggered the blaze, which damaged stocks including plastic gumboots, safety belts, paint and other hardware material. Six fire tenders and more than 20 firefighters were involved in the response, while people trapped on upper floors were rescued using a hydraulic ladder.
Around 30 minutes later, another fire was reported at a scrap yard near Chikhali Dev Chowk in Kalamna. Firecracker sparks allegedly ignited accumulated scrap, damaging large quantities of material and two two-wheelers. Residents of nearby homes were evacuated and LPG cylinders were moved to safety to prevent the fire from spreading. Other fire calls were reported from areas including Narendra Nagar, Ramdaspeth, Bajaj Nagar, Pratap Nagar, Hudkeshwar, Sakkardara, Wathoda, Jaripatka, Itwari, Kamptee Road and Wardhaman Nagar.
Peak Hours Under Scrutiny
The timing of the incidents has also raised concerns. The NMC Fire Department’s incident summary recorded five calls between 8 am and 8 pm, 24 between 8 pm and midnight, and 13 between midnight and 8 am, taking the total to 42. More than half of the calls therefore came during the four-hour evening period when Diwali celebrations were at their peak.
The NMC fire control room separately received 24 distress calls between 10 pm and 6 am, according to The Times of India. This was significant because restrictions on firecracker bursting after 10 pm were in force. A senior fire official said the continued use of aerial fireworks after the permitted hours contributed to the spike in emergencies.
The fire department had positioned fire tenders at strategic locations and deployed around 100 personnel, including nine newly recruited staff members and trainees, to handle the increased emergency workload. Despite the large number of calls and several major fires, no casualties were reported.
A Recurring Fire Risk
Nagpur has faced fire incidents linked to Diwali celebrations in previous years as well. Local fire department data cited by Loksatta shows that 37 fire incidents were recorded during Diwali in 2023-24, including 20 linked to firecrackers, while the corresponding figure in 2024-25 was 54 incidents, of which 28 were linked to firecrackers. During the 2025-26 Diwali period, 17 incidents were reported, including 16 linked to firecrackers.
The latest incidents highlight the particular risks posed by aerial fireworks in densely populated areas. Fire Chief Rajendra Uchake said sparks from fireworks that travel through the air can land on shops, accumulated waste, rooftops and other combustible material. He pointed to the presence of commercial storage and waste in crowded market areas as factors that can increase the risk of fires.
The fire department’s data also indicates that the evening surge in emergency calls places considerable pressure on emergency responders, particularly when multiple incidents occur simultaneously. The ability of firefighters to reach congested neighbourhoods quickly can become another challenge during such periods.
Aerial Fireworks Restricted
Following the 42 incidents, the Nagpur Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) ordered restrictions on aerial fireworks across the city from November 9 to November 30, 2026. Municipal Commissioner and UDMA chairman Dr Vipin Itankar issued the order as a preventive measure. It covers rockets, sky shots, aerial shells and other flying fireworks.
The restrictions apply particularly to rooftops, terraces, balconies, refuge areas, narrow and congested roads, slum settlements, markets, commercial premises and parking areas with heavy public movement. The Nagpur Police Commissionerate and NMC Fire Department have been directed to enforce the order. Violations may attract action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as well as relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The civic administration’s move comes as authorities seek to prevent further fires following a Diwali period that resulted in substantial property damage but, fortunately, no reported loss of life.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Diwali is a festival of light, community and togetherness, but celebrations should not put lives, homes or livelihoods at risk. Nagpur’s experience shows that even when there are no casualties, preventable fires can leave businesses facing losses running into crores and put enormous pressure on emergency workers.
Responsible celebration does not mean taking away the joy of a festival; it means ensuring that our celebrations do not become someone else’s loss. How can we preserve the joy of our festivals while making safety and consideration for others an equally important part of the celebration?
