Fire incidents in Delhi rose sharply in April, with cases increasing by 73 per cent compared to March, according to official data from the Delhi Fire Service, as cited by News18.
The 'Call Summary 2026' shows that 2,663 fire-related calls were recorded in April alone. This marks a steep jump from 1,538 calls in March and 1,096 in February. January had reported 1,396 incidents, taking the total number of fire-related calls to 6,693 in the first four months of the year.
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Overall emergencies also rise
The increase was not limited to fires. Overall emergency calls, including rescue operations and other assistance, reached 3,914 in April, the highest so far this year. Between January and April, the Delhi Fire Service handled a total of 12,008 calls.
Officials attribute the spike largely to rising temperatures and a noticeable increase in garbage and dry waste fires. Data indicates that such incidents rose steadily, from 441 cases in January to 725 in April.
Casualties and recent incidents
Between January and April, 32 people lost their lives in fire-related incidents. March recorded the highest fatalities at 15, followed by six deaths each in January and February, and five in April.
In May, at least 10 deaths have already been reported. On May 4, a major fire in East Delhi's Vivek Vihar claimed nine lives from two families, including a toddler. Authorities suspect an air-conditioner blast triggered the blaze.
Across all emergency categories, the death toll stood at 428 during this period.
Rescue efforts and response
Despite the rise in incidents, response teams managed to save 837 lives between January and April. April alone accounted for 261 rescues, the highest monthly figure so far this year.
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The Delhi Fire Service also carried out animal rescue operations, saving 1,254 animals and 947 birds over the four-month period.
Officials say the data reflects both the growing volume of emergencies and the scale of response efforts across the city.
