Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 5: With temperatures soaring in the city, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has issued urgent safety guidelines to prevent fire incidents, urging citizens to exercise caution in the wake of rising heat.

The heatwave has been placing added pressure on electrical systems across homes, offices, and industrial areas, significantly increasing the risk of fires due to overheating, short circuits, gas leaks, and the overuse of electrical appliances such as fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

An official statement from the Fire Brigade, operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), called on citizens to stay vigilant and adopt safety measures. This comes after the Directorate General of Fire Services issued a circular on May 1, warning of fire risks related to the ongoing heatwave.

Mumbai Fire Brigade's Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Ravindra Ambulgekar, emphasized the importance of caution, stating, "While firefighters are always ready for operations, many major fire incidents can be avoided if citizens follow safety guidelines."

The Fire Brigade has outlined the following key safety instructions:

• Regularly check electrical wiring, plugs, switchboards, and appliances.
• Turn off electrical appliances like fans, air conditioners, TVs, and geysers immediately after use.
• Repair old or worn-out wiring with expert help.
• Keep emergency exits clear at all times.
• Avoid overloading sockets by plugging in multiple devices.
• Ensure air conditioning systems undergo regular maintenance.
• Keep a fire extinguisher at home or work, and learn how to use it properly.
• Avoid charging phones and appliances overnight.
• Hospitals and clinics must maintain fully functional fire safety systems and conduct regular fire audits.
• In case of fire, call the emergency number 101 immediately.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade urges all residents to be proactive and take these measures seriously to prevent avoidable disasters.