The national capital witnessed a marginal decline in fire-related calls over the course of the year, offering a measure of relief even as the absolute numbers continue to remain a concern.
Data from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) shows that, as of December 21, 2025, the department recorded 18,208 fire-related calls, a noticeable drop from the 21,367 calls logged in 2024. Total emergency calls have also declined, with 34,971 calls recorded in 2025 so far, compared to 37,260 during the same period last year.
Overall, this translates to a 14.7% reduction in fire-related calls and a 6.1% decrease in total emergency calls.
Fatalities linked to fire incidents have followed a similar downward trend. In 2025, 70 people lost their lives in fires, compared to 113 deaths recorded in 2024. The total number of deaths, including those arising from r darescue operations and house collapses, also dipped slightly, from 1,449 in 2024 to 1,353 in 2025.
Why the numbers dipped
Officials have attributed the decline to relatively manageable summer temperatures and the deployment of Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) in fire-prone areas.
“We have been able to maintain the fires this time around owing to the temperatures not reaching last year’s levels. On the other hand, with the QRVs, we were able to keep a check on fires so that they do not spread as well,” said a senior official.
The QRVs form a key component of the Delhi Government’s fire preparedness strategy. The total cost of procuring these vehicles, including specialised firefighting equipment, stands at Rs 8.61 crore, covering both the base vehicles and ultra-high-pressure pump systems.
In the first phase, 24 QRVs were deployed using existing DFS personnel. In the second phase, 26 more vehicles will be added with outsourced manpower, followed by a third phase that will bring in another 50 vehicles.
“These vehicles have enabled faster arrival and quicker fire suppression before larger engines are needed,” officials said. Each QRV operates at 21 litres per minute with a 100-litre water tank and is equipped with water mist for cooling, foam for oxygen cut-off, and a high-pressure jet to tackle different kinds of fires.
Another official said that an advanced ultra-high-pressure pump extinguishing system had been integrated into compact XL6 vehicles, significantly enhancing their ability to respond to urban emergencies. The official added that while no funds had initially been allocated for the concept, the government later sanctioned a budget and planned its implementation in three phases.
At present, QRVs have been stationed at several vulnerable locations across the city, including Hastal Village in Janakpuri, Vishal Garden in Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, Mehrauli, IGNOU Maidan Garhi, Ghitorni Metro Station, and Badli Industrial Area. Other locations include Sant Nagar in Burari, Lajpat Nagar Market, Sonia Vihar, Gandhi Nagar, Paharganj Main Bazaar, Bawana, Rani Bagh Market, Palam Gol Chakkar in Dwarka, and Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital in Raghubir Nagar, among others.
Former DFS Director Atul Garg said that the spike in fire incidents last year was largely driven by extreme weather conditions. “We observed the highest number of emergency calls last summer, with the mercury reaching unprecedented levels. This was the hottest summer we’ve seen in the past couple of years,” he said.
Month-wise trends
Despite the overall decline, summer months continue to account for the highest number of fire-related calls.
In a departure from last year’s trend, April emerged as the most challenging month in 2025, with 2,991 fire-related incidents recorded. In comparison, April 2024 saw 2,357 calls, marking a rise of 21.1%.
Garbage burning accounted for a significant share of April’s incidents, with 1,030 calls reported during the month, or 34.4% of the total.
May and June also posed difficulties for the department. The DFS received 1,799 calls in May and 1,780 in June this year. However, these figures were considerably lower than in 2024, when May and June recorded 3,973 and 3,109 calls, respectively.
December figures point towards further improvement. As of December 2025, the DFS had received 1,122 fire-related calls, compared to 1,586 in December 2024. Total emergency calls during the month also declined, with 2,030 calls recorded in December 2025, down from 2,766 the previous year.
A lingering tinderbox
Even as statistics indicate improvement, recent incidents underline the continuing vulnerability of the city.
On December 22, a fire broke out at a shoe manufacturing factory in Delhi’s Narela Industrial Area, prompting the deployment of 14 fire tenders. A call regarding the blaze was received at around 10:58 pm from a factory near Harish Chander Road. The fire engulfed machinery, shoe boxes, and finished footwear stored inside the building, which spans approximately 150 square yards and includes a basement, ground floor, and two upper floors.
On the same day, a 31-year-old man sustained severe burn injuries following a fire at a shop in Dwarka’s Mahavir Enclave area. A call about the blaze near a gurdwara in Mahavir Enclave Part-I was received at around 1:55 am, after which four fire tenders were dispatched.
The fire broke out when three LPG cylinders stored at the shop exploded, causing flames to spread to a daycare preschool attached to the premises. “The fire was brought under control by around 4.15 am,” an official said.
Police said the injured man, identified as Laxman, sustained around 80% burn injuries. He was first taken to Bhagat Chandra Hospital and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment.
According to the police, the shop dealt primarily in cycle and bike repairs, in addition to LPG refilling. The incident allegedly occurred when the shop owner, Rohit Walia, along with Laxman, attempted to extinguish a minor fire. A compressor used for gas refilling reportedly malfunctioned and exploded, leading to the injuries.
A day earlier, on December 21, another fire broke out at a house in Delhi’s Jaitpur Extension after an LPG cylinder caught fire. The incident was reported at around 9 am, following which three fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
“The fire involved domestic articles and an LPG cylinder. No injuries were reported,” a fire official said. “The blaze was brought under control by 9:50 am, and cooling operations were carried out,” he added.
