As summer sets in, Pune has witnessed a sharp spike in fire incidents, straining the city’s firefighting services. According to Pune Fire Brigade data, the number of fires has risen alarmingly over the past few months, with dry weather, overloaded electrical systems and flammable waste contributing to the surge.
In January and February 2024, the city recorded 425 and 481 fire incidents respectively. However, the numbers rose significantly in March, with 572 cases, followed by 440 fires in just the first half of April. A substantial number of these were garbage fires—120 in March and 75 in early April alone.
The situation has worsened further in 2025, with 1,195 fire incidents reported in just January and February—surpassing totals recorded during entire summer seasons in previous years. Fire officials say the trend is linked to a combination of dry weather, increasing use of electrical appliances, poor waste management and human negligence.
Garbage, forest and structural fires on the rise
Among the many fire types, garbage and scrap yard fires are the most frequent. A major blaze broke out at the Uruli Devachi garbage depot recently, sending thick plumes of smoke across nearby areas. Another fire engulfed a paper godown in Barate Maidan, Warje, prompting the deployment of seven fire tenders.
Forest and grass fires are also rising at an alarming rate. “We’re seeing a steep increase in forest fires. We get multiple calls daily, especially from hilly and dry areas,” said Nilesh Mahajan, Public Relations Officer, Pune Fire Brigade.
In Wednesday’s incidents, a fire at a scrap godown in Wadgaon Maval and another at a timber warehouse in Moshi were both brought under control without any injuries. However, not all incidents have been as fortunate.
Fatalities and large-scale evacuations
A tragic fire occurred in the Warje area earlier this week, where a man and his son died following a gas cylinder explosion. In another major operation, firefighters battled a blaze in a traditional wada (wooden house) in Nana Peth. The uninhabited structure collapsed due to the fire, but no casualties were reported. Ten fire tenders and 80 personnel were deployed, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
"Many structures store paper, plastic, chemicals and furniture in poorly ventilated attics or sheds. These become tinderboxes in summer,” said an official from the fire brigade.
Firefighters have also requested stricter monitoring of garbage dumps, awareness campaigns in vulnerable localities and better coordination between civic agencies to reduce risks during peak summer months.
What’s fuelling the fires?
Officials attribute the rise in incidents to a confluence of factors:
Electrical overloads: Increased use of fans, coolers and ACs in summer months leads to overheated circuits and short circuits.
Flammable waste: Accumulated garbage, methane gas emissions, and improper chemical storage make areas like garbage depots extremely vulnerable.
Dry vegetation: Leaves and dry foliage catch fire easily and can spread to buildings or vehicles.
Vulnerable structures: Tin-roofed houses and congested areas with poor ventilation are at greater risk.
Preventive measures
To combat the crisis, officials urge citizens to focus on:
Load management: Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
Maintenance: Regular checks of wiring, appliances, vehicles and fuel systems.
Preparedness: Ensure that storage areas are clean and flammable items are secured properly.
