The significant increase in the number of fire accidents in Kozhikode put the rescue teams on alert

As summer temperatures rise in Kerala, fire and rescue services have reported a significant increase in fire accidents in recent months, prompting firefighters and building owners to call for greater caution and preparedness.

The latest data from the rescue teams shows that around 160 fire outbreaks, including major and minor ones, have been reported in Kozhikode district in the last 30 days. These included a mix of home, commercial vehicle and water-related fires and marked a noticeable increase compared to the same period last year.

Daytime heat, coupled with dry conditions, has been identified as a major reason for the increase. In many cases, small sparks or residual embers have quickly escalated into larger fires due to dry vegetation and flammable debris. A senior officer from the rescue team noted that the trend was consistent with seasonal temperature shifts coinciding with higher fire calls.

“We have responded to an unusually high number of calls over the past month. The combination of rising ambient temperatures and dry materials has created conditions where even small ignition sources can lead to large fires,” the officer said. He said residents and traders had already been asked to avoid burning waste and ensure proper functioning of electrical installations.

In addition to outdoor fires, the department has recorded several incidents of vehicle fires, often linked to short circuits or fuel line problems. Such incidents, while local, have put pressure on resources as units are repeatedly deployed across districts. Firefighters worked longer shifts to contain the flames in both the city and the countryside.

Rescue crews who recently responded to some fire accidents in residential areas said many cases stemmed from unattended electrical appliances and improper handling of flammable materials. In some cases, accumulated rubbish and dry grass ignited in open spaces have caused massive fires.

Sources said fire stations have recently been instructed to identify hotspots within their jurisdiction and step up inspections. The firefighters have also intensified public awareness campaigns through local agencies and community groups to mitigate avoidable incidents.

Local administrators were also urged to take precautionary measures, including clearing dry vegetation in uninhabited areas and ensuring proper installation of basic fire safety equipment at workplaces. The public was also asked to report even small fires early, rather than trying to tackle them without professional help.