Over 10,000 fire & emergency calls handled by Telangana fire department in 2024
Hyderabad: The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department responded to a total of 10,261 fire and emergency calls across the state in 2024. Among these, 779 were rescue and emergency operations, showing an increase from 656 such calls in 2023. This rise highlights the department’s growing role in protecting lives and responding to emergencies across Telangana.
As part of its ongoing public safety efforts, the department is observing Fire Service Week from April 14 to 20, in line with the nationwide campaign. The theme for 2025, announced by the Government of India, is “Unite to Ignite, a Fire-Safe India”. The theme calls for collective responsibility in preventing fire hazards and promoting preparedness, not only by fire and emergency personnel but also by individuals, communities, industries, and government institutions.
Fire Service Week began with Martyrs Day on April 14, observed to honour firefighters who died in the line of duty. The date commemorates the 1944 explosion on board the British warship S.S. Fort Stikine at Victoria Dock in Mumbai, a disaster that claimed the lives of 66 firefighters. In Telangana, the department paid tribute to 62 firefighters who have lost their lives while saving people and protecting property.
A commemoration parade was held at the Telangana State Fire Service and Civil Defence Training Institute in Vattinagulapalli, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The event was attended by Director General Y. Nagi Reddy, IPS; Training Institute Director G.V. Narayana Rao; Additional Director B.J.E. Prasanna Kumar; Deputy Director B. Sudhakar Rao; District Fire Officers K.V. Krishna Kumar and T. Mahendar Reddy; along with other officers and personnel.
In addition to rescue operations, the department handled 89 serious fire incidents, 184 medium-level fires, and 7,185 small fire calls in 2024. This marked an overall increase compared to 2023, when the department responded to 103 serious, 170 medium, and 7,095 small fire incidents, bringing the previous year’s total to 8,024 calls.
The department also intensified its fire safety awareness efforts. In 2024, it conducted 13,949 public awareness programmes and mock drills, more than double the 6,641 held in 2023. Surprise fire safety inspections were carried out at 157 locations in 2024, compared to 485 inspections in the previous year.
Since June 2, 2014, a total of 5,030 individuals have been trained at the Fire and Civil Defence Training Institute. This includes service personnel, new recruits, candidates from the National Fire Service College, as well as private sector employees such as security guards and staff from high-rise buildings and industries.
In 2024, the department also provided fire safety standby services during visits by key dignitaries, including the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other national and international guests. Fire safety was ensured at various high-profile events, fairs, and festivals without any incident reported.
The Telangana Fire Department has appealed to all citizens to follow basic fire safety practices and stay alert to potential hazards. In case of a fire emergency, the public is advised to immediately contact the fire services by dialing 101.
As Fire Incidents Rise, HYDRAA Shares Summer Fire Safety Tips
• Prevent conditions that may lead to fire hazards during the summer months.
• Use only ISI-marked electrical appliances.
• Avoid using damaged electrical wires and do not overload circuits.
• Never overload a single socket with multiple appliances or use unsafe plug adapters.
• Turn off electrical plugs and lights when not in use.
• Do not leave lights or appliances on when leaving the house.
• Keep flammable materials away from electric stoves while they are in use.
