Mumbai banned aerial firecrackers till November 25 after 137 fires in a day

Mumbai has banned the use of rockets and other aerial firecrackers across the city till November 25 following a spike in fires during Deepavali celebrations. The decision comes after 137 firecracker-related fires were reported on November 8 alone, with two women injured.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement on Monday that the Urban Disaster Management Authority, Greater Mumbai, has issued prohibitory orders under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 as a precautionary measure to prevent further fires.

The ban, which came into effect on November 9, will remain in force till November 25 at 11:59 pm across the BMC jurisdiction. It applies to the use of aerial rockets and similar firecrackers in public and private spaces, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards, parking areas, slums and all other areas within municipalities.

A similar ban was imposed in neighboring Thane district on Monday, where the district administration banned the use of air rockets and similar firecrackers till January 8, 2027. The order issued by District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal followed a major fire in a 17-storey residential building in Thane city on Sunday evening, during which 50 residents were rescued.

According to the BMC, rockets and similar aerial firecrackers pose a significant fire hazard as they can land on roofs, balconies, windows and combustible materials in nearby buildings. The risks are particularly high in Mumbai due to its dense population, high-rise buildings, slum settlements, narrow roads and concentration of residential and commercial structures.

Action against violators

The Mumbai order, issued by the chairman of the Urban Disaster Management Authority, Greater Mumbai, under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, directs the police, municipal authorities and the fire brigade to ensure its implementation. It also states that violations will require action under the Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws. Authorities have been instructed to publicize the restrictions and raise awareness among residents.

According to data released by the BMC earlier on Monday, Mumbai recorded 142 fires on November 8, of which 137 were attributed to firecrackers. Two women were injured in the incidents.

During the 2024 Deepavali period, Mumbai recorded 262 fires, including 80 caused by firecrackers, in which three people were injured. In 2025, the city reported 289 fires, including 113 related to firecrackers, with no injuries or deaths. Unlike the data for the previous two years, the data for 2026 refers to a single day.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has expressed concern over firecracker-related fires reported in Mumbai and Thane in the last two days and has called on the police and administration to take action. In a post on X, he described incidents of rockets flying into homes and causing fires as “extremely serious” and said the authorities needed to take official action and provide an explanation.

Mayor’s call

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde had earlier expressed concern over the incidents and urged residents to be cautious while celebrating Deepavali. In a video message, Ms Tawde urged residents to avoid exploding rockets and other aerial firecrackers, warning that they could reach windows, balconies or terraces and cause fires, endangering lives and property.

She also reminded residents that firing firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths is prohibited as per Supreme Court directives.

The Mumbai Fire Department separately advised residents to set off permitted firecrackers only in the open, away from buildings, shops, vehicles, petrol pumps and electrical installations. She also urged parents to supervise children, have firefighting equipment readily available and avoid wearing loose or synthetic clothing when handling firecrackers.

In case of fire or other emergency, residents can contact the Mumbai Fire Brigade at 101 or the BMC’s emergency number at 1916.

The civil administration appeals to residents to strictly observe the ban and other fire regulations to prevent further incidents during the holiday season.

Published – 09 Nov 2026 17:25 IST