Delhi’s fire brigade picked up 36,877 emergency calls in 2025-26, the highest in six years. Fire calls made up 55.26 per cent of them, and in nearly every case the building had no valid fire safety certificate. Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu raised the figures at a meeting on Friday to review the Delhi Fire Service (DFS). It was held with Home Minister Ashish Sood. The remaining calls were about animal rescue, bird rescue and other emergencies.
Of all fire incidents, 99 per cent occurred in premises without a valid fire safety certificate. Such incidents were more frequent in unauthorised and unplanned colonies and buildings. There, an almost total lack of access meant fire tenders could not reach on time. Power use far above the sanctioned load and combustible materials also caused fires, even in planned areas.
The LG said that, until long-term answers to these problems are found, the DFS should run continuous and proactive awareness campaigns. These should involve every section of society, including students, resident welfare associations, industry associations and market trader associations. Citizens, he said, could then become the most effective bulwark against fires.
He asked for fire-safety awareness, inspections and audits in homes, markets, industrial premises and mixed-use areas. Buildings with recurring violations are to be identified, and corrective action ensured by involving residents and owners positively, not only through coercive measures. Public access to emergency helpline numbers and fire-safety guidance is to be improved. Timely reporting of fire hazards is to be promoted, with follow-up on complaints.
On response time, the LG directed a review, especially in densely populated colonies, industrial clusters and high-rise buildings. A zone-wise action plan with measurable targets and periodic monitoring is to be prepared. He also called for coordination with the Traffic Police, MCD, DDA and other agencies so that fire tenders get unobstructed access. Periodic fire-risk mapping of vulnerable areas and mock drills were also sought.
The capital has 71 fire stations, including four day-time stations. The Master Plan norm is a minimum of 120 stations for a five-minute response time. Land has been made available to the DFS for 23 new stations. The LG directed the land-owning agencies to allot land for the remaining 27 at the earliest, so that the network can grow from 71 to 121 stations.