Diwali is the brightest, warmest festival of the year, and also one of the most dangerous for fire. Diyas, candles, decorative lighting and crackers all arrive at once, and fire services across India see a sharp spike in calls. Delhi alone recorded over 700 fire calls across two days during one recent Diwali. A little care lets you celebrate safely.
Lights and diyas
- Place diyas and candles on stable, non-flammable surfaces, away from curtains, rangoli materials and decorations.
- Never leave them burning unattended or within reach of children and pets.
- Keep flames away from flowing clothes like dupattas and sarees.
Decorative lighting
- Use good-quality, undamaged light strings and avoid overloading sockets.
- Switch off decorative lights before sleeping or leaving home.
- Check our guide on festival lighting fire safety for more.
Crackers
- Burn crackers in open spaces, away from buildings, vehicles and people.
- Keep water or sand close by.
- See our firecracker safety guide for the full set of precautions.
Be ready, just in case
With so many open flames around the home, keep protection close. A fire blanket, an extinguisher, and an automatic fire extinguisher ball near the kitchen and lighting all mean a stray spark does not become a disaster. A FireXross ball from ₹999 is a thoughtful bit of preparation, and the full Diwali fire safety checklist ties it all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do house fires increase during Diwali?
The combination of diyas, candles, decorative lighting and crackers sharply raises the chance of a fire, and fire services see a clear spike.
How can I celebrate Diwali safely?
Keep flames on stable surfaces away from fabrics, use good lighting without overloading sockets, burn crackers in the open, and keep fire protection handy.
What should I keep at home for Diwali fire safety?
A fire blanket, an extinguisher, water or sand near crackers, and an automatic fire ball at high-risk spots.
