As the city gears up to welcome the festival of lights, a series of untoward incidents have given the festivities a bad start
As the city gears up to welcome the festival of lights, a series of untoward incidents have given the festivities a bad start. So far, 10 incidents of fire caused due to firecrackers have been reported throughout the city. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The casesu00a0
On Sunday itself, eight cases were reported from both central and western suburbs. In Mulund, a pile of newspapers kept near the window of a flat at Sai Sadan building on Ba Rajeshwari Road caught fire after a stray cracker landed on it. 
Up in flames: Fire engines rushed to Nahur railway station yesterday
as a tree caught fire. The burnt tree became quite a popular spot as
many stood and stared at the apparent burnt piece of art.
Pic/ Datta Kumbhar
Similarly, a temporary plastic shed built on the terrace of a two-storey building caught fire in Kandivli. At Antop Hill, the flames produced by the cracker that was lit nearby, engulfed the garbage kept in the passage of a building. In Andheri, flames emitted by the ignited firecrackers caused a fire at a construction site.
On the Western Express Highway near Bandra, a tree caught fire after a firecracker was lit near it.
A similar incident was reported from TH Kataria Road in Dharavi, on Monday. Besides, instances of collected garbage catching fire were reported in Deonar Municipal Colony, Kurar Village, Worli and Backbay. Fortunately no casualties were reported from any of these sites, as the firemen were able to douse the flames in time.
Speaking to MiD DAY, Deputy fire officer Suhas Joshi, said, "Every Diwali, instances of fire accidents due to stray crackers go up significantly in the city. It's very important that people take adequate precautions while bursting crackers, so that untoward incidents can be averted."
According to chief fire officer C H Muzawar, "All the 23 fire stations, and fire tenders will be on alert round-the-clock during Diwali. Moreover, we have asked fire officials, who are on leave, to contact the control room every two hours, and immediately report to work in case of a major fire. Besides, our helpline numbers 23085991/92/93/94 and 23076111 will be accessible 24 hours a day. Moreover, I appeal to the people to take adequate precautions to prevent mishaps."
Safety measures
Do's
>> Buy crackers only from a licenced shop
>> Keep crackers in a closed metal bin
>> Follow safety precautions issued with the fireworks
Dont's
>> Do not hold or throw ignited crackers
>> Do not ignite the firework in a container
>> Never relight the firework that has not burnt properly
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