Three major fires hit Delhi’s commercial hubs ahead of Deepavali; fire service on high alert

With just two days to go before Deepavali, at least three fires broke out at commercial establishments across Delhi on Friday (November 6, 2026), triggering large-scale firefighting operations involving more than 20 fire tenders in each case and bringing the challenges of fire safety in the Capital’s congested markets into focus.The incidents were reported at a commercial complex in Gaffar Market, Karol Bagh, a garment store in Shanti Mohalla, Gandhi Nagar, and a Kia car showroom near Saket Metro station, which left at least two women injured.The fires come at a time when commercial establishments are stocking additional goods ahead of the festive season, increasing the fire load in several markets. With narrow lanes and limited access posing challenges to firefighting operations and rise in risk of incidents ahead of Deepavali, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has issued a high alert and cancelled leaves of officers and staff.Across the incidents, accessibility remained a key challenge. In Shanti Mohalla, firefighters had to lay at least 500 metres of hose pipes to reach the affected building as the narrow lanes left no room for fire tenders to enter.“The fire tender had to be stationed on the main road, while four hose lines, each extending around 500 metres, were laid from four directions to reach the building,” explained Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) Santosh Kumar. The blaze gutted the entire ground-plus-four-storey building, which was being used to store garments.In Gaffar Market, the fire engulfed a commercial complex housing around 50 mobile accessories shops. The building, comprising a basement, ground floor, three upper floors and a tin shed on the terrace, had only one staircase serving the entire structure, further complicating the firefighting operation. A major fire broke out at a four-storey commercial building in Delhi's Gaffar Market in the early hours of Friday, just days before Deepavali and on the occasion of Dhanteras, triggering a massive emergency response. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma The fire is suspected to have originated in a ground-floor shop where mobile batteries were stored before spreading to the upper floors. Around 14-15 shops were housed on each floor.Deputy Chief Fire Officer M.K. Chattopadhyay, who oversaw the operation, said the absence of ventilation had resulted in smoke accumulating inside the building, making it difficult for firefighters to access the premises. The shutters of the shops were also jammed, adding to the challenge. There were no firefighting arrangements inside the shops and godowns, he said.At the Kia showroom, 12-15 people were rescued from the top of the building and another four were rescued from the rear of the showroom. Two women sustained minor injuries due to smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable. Six vehicles were also reportedly affected by the blaze, police said.Delhi Fire Service Chief A.K. Malik said fire incidents in commercial and mixed-use areas tend to rise ahead of Diwali as shops stock additional goods for the festive season, increasing the fire load. A total of 78 fire calls were reported on Friday alone, from midnight till 7.30 p.m. “During the festive season, shops stock additional goods, which increases the fire load. Consequently, when a fire breaks out, the scale of damage can be much larger. In congested markets such as Karol Bagh, where several shops are interconnected, flames can spread quickly and affect adjoining establishments,” he said.He added that the department had made additional arrangements in advance to account for delays in reaching fire sites in congested areas.“We know that reaching the spot in these areas can take time because of their layout and congestion. We therefore deploy additional vehicles in the beginning to ensure that we can respond effectively and make up for the time lost in accessing the site,” Mr. Malik said.3,000 personnel to be on duty over Diwali weekendWith the festival approaching and firecracker use permitted this year, the Delhi Fire Service has placed its personnel and resources on high alert. Mr. Malik said 325 fire service vehicles were in operation on Friday (November 6), while around 3,000 personnel are on duty throughout the weekend.The department is also anticipating an increase in emergency calls during the two days of permitted firecracker use.“We are keeping the maximum number of vehicles in commission and deploying our full strength to respond to any emergency,” Mr. Malik said.