# Mumbai Bans Aerial Fireworks Following Record Diwali Fire Incidents City authorities restrict aerial firecrackers until November 25 after 137 fire reports. - **Source:** [Scroll.in](https://scroll.in) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6b6fca4f-a51b-470d-9fe7-2fc9564a54a4 ## Surge in Diwali Fires The Mumbai Fire Brigade responded to 137 fire calls on Sunday during the Diwali celebrations. This single-day figure surpassed the total number of firecracker-related incidents reported during the entire four-day festival periods in both 2024 and 2025. Authorities identified these incidents as directly linked to the use of various firecrackers. ## Immediate Municipal Intervention Following the spike in emergencies, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation issued an immediate ban on rockets and aerial firecrackers. This restriction remains in effect across the city until November 25. The measure aims to curb further fire risks in densely populated urban areas and prevent additional damage to residential and commercial properties. ## Major Incident in Dongri A significant Level-I fire occurred at Haji Kasam Chawl near Datta Mandir on Diwali night. The blaze engulfed multiple shops and hutments, requiring urgent intervention from firefighters, police, and emergency response teams. The call was officially registered at 10:11 pm, highlighting the severe safety challenges faced by emergency services during festivities. ## Scope of the Ban The municipal ban is comprehensive, covering both public and private spaces throughout Mumbai. Restrictions apply strictly to terraces, balconies, parking lots, and slum areas where fire risks are elevated. While aerial fireworks are prohibited, the order does not extend to all types of firecrackers, allowing some traditional ground-based items to remain. ## Historical Fire Data Trends Recent years have shown a consistent upward trend in fire incidents during the Diwali period in Mumbai. In 2024, the city recorded 262 total fire incidents, with 80 attributed to firecrackers. By 2025, the total rose to 289 incidents, with 113 specifically linked to firecrackers, indicating a growing safety concern for local authorities. ## Vidyavihar and Thane Incidents Emergency operations extended beyond the Dongri area, with fire tenders deployed to the Skyline Epitome building in Vidyavihar. Additional reports confirmed a fire incident at Raheja Gardens in Thane. These multiple, simultaneous emergencies placed significant strain on the city's firefighting infrastructure, necessitating the rapid implementation of the new aerial firework restrictions. ## Public Safety Mechanism The ban functions as a regulatory mechanism to manage urban density risks during high-activity periods. By specifically targeting aerial fireworks, the municipal corporation aims to reduce the likelihood of stray sparks landing on flammable structures. This policy shift reflects a reactive strategy to mitigate the escalating frequency of fire-related property damage. ## Future Regulatory Outlook The effectiveness of this ban will be evaluated as the November 25 deadline approaches. Authorities are monitoring compliance across all wards to ensure public safety. Future festival planning may require stricter enforcement or broader prohibitions if current trends in firecracker-linked incidents continue to challenge the city's emergency response capabilities and infrastructure. ## Sources covering this story - https://scroll.in/latest/1096971/mumbai-records-137-fires-on-diwali-bans-aerial-fireworks-till-november-25?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._