NEW DELHI – Official data from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) reveals a sharp escalation in fire-related emergencies across the national capital, with April witnessing a staggering 73% increase in incidents compared to March. Between January and April 2026, fire accidents have claimed 32 lives, underscoring a growing public safety concern as the summer heat intensifies.
Escalating Emergency Trends
The DFS "Call Summary 2026" highlights a steep monthly upward trajectory in distress calls. In April alone, the department responded to 2,663 fire-related calls, a significant jump from the 1,538 recorded in March and 1,096 in February. January saw 1,396 calls, bringing the four-month cumulative total to 6,693.
When accounting for all emergency categories—including animal rescues and general assistance—the DFS attended to a total of 12,008 calls during this period. April remained the peak month for overall operations, with 3,914 emergency responses.
Casualties and Key Drivers
While April saw the highest volume of fires, March recorded the highest fatality rate with 15 deaths. This was followed by six deaths each in January and February, and five in April.
Fire officials attribute the April spike to soaring temperatures and a proliferation of garbage and dry waste fires. Data indicates that incidents involving rubbish fires nearly doubled, rising from 441 in January to 725 in April.
The crisis has extended into May, with at least 10 fatalities reported in the first few days of the month. On May 4, a suspected air-conditioner (AC) unit explosion triggered a devastating blaze in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar, claiming the lives of nine individuals, including a toddler.
Lifesaving Interventions and Rescue Operations
Despite the increased frequency of blazes, DFS personnel have conducted successful lifesaving operations, rescuing 837 individuals between January and April. April marked the most active month for rescues, with 261 lives saved.
Beyond human emergencies, the DFS has undertaken extensive wildlife and domestic animal interventions. Over the first four months of the year, the department successfully rescued:
1,254 animals
947 birds
As the capital enters the peak of the summer season, authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution with high-load electrical appliances and to ensure proper disposal of waste to mitigate further fire risks.
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