Significant rise in fire accidents in Kozhikode put rescue squads on toes

As summer temperatures rise in Kerala, the Fire and Rescue Services have reported a significant increase in fire accidents in recent months, prompting firefighters and building owners to call for greater precautions and preparedness.

The latest data compiled by rescue teams indicates that around 160 fire incidents, large and small, have been reported in the Kozhikode district in the last 30 days. These include residential, commercial vehicle and waterborne fires, marking a noticeable increase compared to the same period last year.

Daytime heat combined with dry conditions was determined to be the main reason for the increase. In many cases, small sparks or remaining embers quickly grew into larger fires due to dry vegetation and flammable waste. A senior officer from the rescue team said this trend was found to be consistent with seasonal temperature changes coinciding with higher fire calls.

“We have responded to an unusually high number of calls over the past month. The combination of rising ambient temperatures and dry materials have created conditions where even small ignition sources can lead to large fires,” the officer said. He said residents and traders have already been asked to avoid burning waste and ensure proper functioning of electrical installations.

In addition to outdoor fires, the department has recorded numerous incidents of vehicle fires, often linked to short circuits or fuel line problems. While such incidents are local, they strain resources as units are constantly deployed to different areas. Firefighters worked long shifts to contain the blazes in both urban and rural areas.

Rescuers who responded to some recent fire accidents in residential areas said many incidents were caused by unattended electrical appliances and improper use of flammable materials. In some cases, accumulated waste and dry grass igniting in open areas have caused mass fires.

Fire stations have recently been instructed to identify hotspots within their jurisdiction and increase inspections, sources said. Firefighters have also intensified public awareness campaigns through local agencies and community groups to eliminate preventable incidents.

Local authorities were also urged to take precautionary measures, including clearing dry vegetation on vacant lands and properly installing basic fire safety equipment in workplaces. The public was also asked to report even small fires early rather than trying to intervene without professional help.