Fire-related deaths in Delhi drop 74% this year: DFS data

Fire-related fatalities in Delhi have witnessed a sharp decline of 74% this year, with eight deaths reported till February 24, compared to 31 during the same period last year, according to Delhi Fire Services (DFS) data.

The data reveals that six people lost their lives due to fire incidents in January, while two fatalities occurred in February. This marks a significant drop from last year when 15 deaths were recorded in January and 16 till February 24.

In terms of rescues and injuries, 51 people were either saved or injured in January last year, whereas this number fell to 38 this year. However, for the period till February 24, the number increased from 34 last year to 42 this year.

While overall fire calls received by DFS in January dropped from 1,204 last year to 938 this year, February recorded an increase in emergency calls. In the first 24 days of February, 932 fire-related calls were received, compared to 834 during the same period last year.

The total number of emergency calls to the fire department also showed a decrease in January, with 2,183 calls made this year as opposed to 2,502 last year. However, in February, calls increased from 1,766 last year to 1,811 this year.

In terms of rescues, DFS saved 182 people in January and 209 till February 24 last year, while 176 were rescued in January and 137 in February this year.

The data also indicates a slight decline in animal rescues, with 490 animals rescued till February 24 this year, compared to 509 last year. Similarly, bird rescues dropped from 435 last year to 351 this year.

Meanwhile, calls related to fire incidents in garbage saw a marginal decrease, with 387 such cases reported till February 24 this year, compared to 392 in the same period last year, an official stated.

(With inputs from PTI)