Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing above-normal temperatures these days. Fire incidents tend to increase during the summer months due to a combination of factors, such as higher electricity usage, dry weather, and more frequent outdoor activities. The heightened electrical load can strain systems, raising the risk of short circuits and overheating. At the same time, dry surroundings and vegetation become more flammable, while outdoor cooking and recreational fires can easily trigger accidental blazes. Together, these conditions significantly raise the likelihood of both structural and wildland fires during the season. As temperatures continue to climb across the Union Territory, the Srinagar unit of the Fire and Emergency Services has issued a public advisory aimed at reducing the risk of fire incidents during the ongoing heatwave. This development reflects a growing concern over the increased likelihood of accidental fires in dry and overheated conditions, which have become more common in recent years. The advisory, issued by the Deputy Director of the department, emphasises the importance of public awareness and individual responsibility in preventing fire-related hazards. It instructs fire service in-charges to actively disseminate information about fire safety across the region. These efforts are particularly crucial, as rising temperatures create conditions in which even small sparks or negligence can quickly escalate into destructive fires. Key messages in the advisory focus on household and environmental precautions. Residents are urged to clear their surroundings of flammable debris, such as dry leaves and sticks, avoid overburdening electrical outlets, and switch off power when leaving their homes. The guidelines also call for safer handling of everyday items: keeping electrical wires away from heat-sensitive furniture, storing lighters and matches securely, and ensuring that cooking is done in well-ventilated areas, preferably outside of peak heat hours. The fire department’s concerns also extend beyond residential spaces. Smokers are reminded to extinguish cigarette butts fully and avoid discarding them carelessly, especially in dry outdoor settings. Farmers, too, have been asked to refrain from burning crop stubble without supervision, a practice known to spark uncontrolled fires during dry spells. Though these instructions may seem routine, the department’s emphasis on preventive action is timely and essential. In hot and arid conditions, a moment of inattention—whether it’s an overloaded socket or a carelessly discarded match—can have consequences that go far beyond personal property, affecting entire communities. To ensure swift responses to any fire-related emergencies, the advisory includes the emergency contact number for the department: 0194-2455050. Authorities hope that by following the recommendations, residents can help minimise the risk of fire and reduce the burden on emergency services during an already challenging season. In the face of intensifying heatwaves, the Fire and Emergency Services’ appeal is clear: prevention is not just a precaution, but a collective responsibility. Also, to ensure widespread awareness and community preparedness, it is essential to carry out consistent publicity through social media, print, and electronic media. Social platforms offer immediate and far-reaching engagement, making them ideal for sharing quick tips, emergency contact information and visual content that reinforces fire safety messages.
Heat Hazards
