Madhya Pradesh fires surge: Are safety measures failing?

On March 1, 2025, a massive fire broke out in a paint-making chemical factory in Madhya Pradesh's Govindpura. The blaze erupted in a commercial area on JK Road, with firefighters engaged in rescue operations. The suspected cause was a short circuit. Flames soared up to 20 feet, engulfing the factory and sending thick black smoke into the sky. The smoke was visible from several kilometres away.

Fire incidents in Madhya Pradesh have risen, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Similarly, on December 27, 2024, a similar fire incident in Dewas killed four family members, including two children. The fire started in a dairy shop on the first floor and quickly spread to the second floor, where the family was asleep.

Fire data

According to the data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in the last six years from 2017 to 2022, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed 8,777 fire incidents, resulting in 8,672 deaths. Reports indicate that Madhya Pradesh, along with Maharashtra and Gujarat, accounts for over half of India's fire-related accidents. Despite a nationwide decline in fire incidents, Madhya Pradesh continues to report high casualty figures. Experts point to rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and inadequate fire safety measures as the primary reasons behind this problem.

According to the ADSI reports, between 2020 and 2022, Madhya Pradesh recorded 1,430 fire incidents, resulting in 1,390 deaths in 2020, 1,179 incidents with 1,178 deaths in 2021, and 841 incidents with 839 deaths in 2022. Despite the decline in incidents, casualties increased, demonstrating the need for improved fire preparedness. 

Madhya Pradesh consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fire incidents. The NCRB reports that, despite fluctuations, fire-related casualties in the state remain high.

Why are fires so frequent in MP?

Government data highlights four main causes of fire accidents—electrical short circuits, fireworks, gas cylinder or stove bursts, improper storage of flammable materials, open flames in homes, stubble burning, and other factors.

Gas cylinder bursts remain a major contributor, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all fire accidents in India. In 2022, out of 7,566 fire incidents, 1,567 were caused by short circuits, while 1,551 were due to gas cylinder explosions.

The share of fire accidents caused by electrical faults increased from 3% in 1996 to 21% in 2022, whereas incidents due to gas cylinder bursts declined from 27% to 20% in the same period. Meanwhile, fires caused by fireworks or crackers have remained steady, averaging around 2% over the past 25 years.

The main causes include electrical short circuits, fireworks, cooking gas cylinder or stove bursts, and other factors. There is a clear seasonal pattern, with fire incidents rising sharply in the summer months. Between February and June, over 1,100 fire cases were reported, which is almost half of the state's yearly total alone in Bhopal.

A study titled "An Analysis of Failures Leading to Fire Accidents in Hospitals; with Specific Reference to India" highlights that the lack of multiple emergency evacuation routes and insufficient side space for fire engine movement are significant factors contributing to hospital fire-related fatalities. 

The study emphasises that many hospital fire incidents result from non-compliance with existing safety codes and guidelines, underscoring the need for strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.

Summer poses the highest risk for fire outbreaks, with soaring temperatures and increased strain on electrical systems. Many households and businesses experience electrical short circuits, a leading cause of fires. In industrial areas, improper storage of flammable materials increases the risk. Firefighters are overburdened, responding to multiple calls daily. The lack of an early warning system exacerbates the situation, as fires are often reported too late for timely intervention.

Fire stations lack equipment, manpower

The state faces a severe shortage of fire stations, personnel, and equipment. Madhya Pradesh has only 11 fire stations, while at least 52 are needed for its population. With only 300 firemen available, compared to a minimum of 750, firefighters cover vast distances, delaying response times and reducing chances of saving lives and property.

Many fire stations are surrounded by encroachments, hindering fire trucks’ quick exit during emergencies. In Bhopal’s Kainchi Chhola area, the fire station was relocated to Adampur Khanti, but fire engines struggle to reach due to underpasses that can’t accommodate large vehicles. Metro barricading has narrowed the roads, causing traffic congestion and delaying fire engines’ response to incidents.

Adding to the crisis is the lack of properly maintained equipment. Several fire vehicles are out of order, while mini fire engines lack the tools to tackle emergencies. Expired fire extinguishers and outdated fire safety gear compromise firefighting operations.

Funds approved, but not deployed

According to the report of PIB, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved financial assistance of ₹397.54 crore for fire services expansion and modernisation, but experts argue it’s insufficient given the problem’s scale. The municipal corporation recently purchased over 40 fire brigades and proposed recruiting 600 employees, but no action has been taken.

The problem is worse in densely populated urban areas like Bhopal and Indore, where fire incidents are common due to overcrowding, unauthorised constructions, and commercial establishments in residential zones without proper fire safety measures. 

Many buildings in Bhopal lack fire safety compliance, increasing the risk of large fires. Authorities have inspected and warned, but enforcement is weak and violations continue.

Weak enforcement of rules

According to Madhya Pradesh fire safety regulations, buildings over 15 meters tall, single floors exceeding 500 square meters (excluding residential and religious buildings), and hotels/hospitals with over 50 beds must obtain a fire safety certificate, adhering to National Building Code standards. However, enforcement is inconsistent, allowing many businesses to operate without the necessary approvals and putting lives at risk.

Rakesh Kumar Yadav, former principal of the Institute of Local Self Government in Bhopal, states, "The municipal corporation must develop a scientific fire control plan. Resources and manpower need to be increased. Fire stations, firemen, and firefighting vehicles must be expanded to deal with major incidents."

Authorities must increase public awareness about fire safety. Many fires result from electrical short circuits, gas cylinder explosions, and negligence. Conducting fire safety campaigns and training programmes for citizens, especially in high-risk areas, could mitigate damage.

Experts emphasise that Madhya Pradesh must prioritise fire safety by expanding fire services, recruiting more personnel, and modernising equipment. Strict enforcement of fire safety regulations is needed. Many commercial and residential buildings lack essential fire prevention systems like alarms, sprinklers, and emergency exits.

Regulatory violations often go unchecked, increasing the risk of catastrophic fires in densely populated areas. Unlike some states with regular risk evaluations, Madhya Pradesh lacks systematic fire hazard mapping, making resource allocation difficult. Detailed fire risk assessments could help authorities develop targeted fire prevention strategies.

The state government must urgently improve fire safety infrastructure. A multi-pronged approach is essential: hiring more firefighters, increasing fire stations, improving road access for fire vehicles, and ensuring strict fire safety regulation compliance. Without urgent reforms, Madhya Pradesh will continue to face devastating fire tragedies, causing irreversible losses. Action is needed now.

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