Firecracker-related incidents triggered 126 fires across Ahmedabad during Diwali night, keeping fire brigade teams on high alert for 12 hours from 6 pm to 6 am. Three people trapped near a building close to Silver Oak College in Gota were rescued safely.

The busiest hours were 10 pm to midnight

According to the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services control room, more than 70 fire calls were received between 10 pm and midnight, making it the busiest period of the night.

The 112 and 101 emergency control rooms remained busy as fire teams responded to incidents across the city. Fire stations across Ahmedabad remained on high alert throughout the celebrations.

Teams rushed to Bopal, Navrangpura, Nikol, Vasna, Ghodasar, Bodakdev and Danilimda, among other areas, after receiving reports of fires.

Open plots and garbage dumps hit hardest

Most incidents involved fires in open plots and garbage heaps, where sparks from firecrackers reportedly ignited combustible material.

Unattended flat balconies, locked apartments and building terraces storing discarded household items also emerged as ignition points, with sky rockets and aerial fireworks landing on cardboard boxes, old mattresses and clotheslines.

Firecracker-related fires were also reported at residential properties, causing damage to household belongings in some houses. Firefighters reached the affected locations and used water jets to bring the flames under control.

Three rescued near Silver Oak College in Gota

One of the major rescue operations took place near Silver Oak College in Gota, where a fire broke out close to a building, leaving three people trapped amid smoke and flames.

After receiving the emergency call, fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot. While one team directed water jets towards the fire, another carried out the rescue operation and safely brought all three people out of the affected area.

The prompt response by the fire brigade helped prevent a major mishap.

No major casualty in 12 hours

Despite the large number of emergency calls, no major casualty was reported during the 12-hour period.

Local authorities have re-issued guidelines urging citizens to clear flammable debris and junk from balconies and rooftop spaces before burning fireworks during the remainder of the festive season.