Diwali fire safety comes down to three habits: keep every flame at least 30 cm (12 inches) from anything that can burn, light crackers only in open ground, and keep water and a checked fire extinguisher within reach before the first diya is lit. Most festival fires start small, from a diya beside a curtain, a rocket landing on a balcony, or fairy lights on an overloaded socket. These Diwali fire safety tips cover each risk, the 2026 cracker rules, a quick extinguisher check and what to do in the first minute of a fire.
This guide is for homes and families. If you manage a building, read our RWA checklist for housing societies.
How Common Are Diwali Fires in India?
Diwali night is one of the busiest nights of the year for fire services. In Delhi, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received 399 calls between evening and 6 am on Diwali night in 2025, and 358 of them were fire-related (The Tribune). Of the 269 calls received by midnight, 122 were linked to firecrackers (The Pioneer).
In 2024, DFS received 318 calls on Diwali night, its highest Diwali count since 2011. Most calls were minor blazes from crackers and diyas, which is why basic Diwali fire safety at home matters.
Diya and Candle Safety
Keep every diya and candle at least 30 cm (12 inches) from anything that can burn. The US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that over half of candle fires start when something flammable is too close (NFPA guidance).
- Place diyas on a steel plate, brass thali or tiled floor, never on cloth, paper or a wooden shelf.
- Keep a 30 cm gap from curtains, garlands, rangoli fabric and paper lanterns.
- Avoid stair edges, window ledges and doorways, where loose sleeves and dupattas brush past.
- Put out every flame before sleeping or leaving home. Use LED diyas in bedrooms and near curtains.
Cracker Safety Tips and the 2026 Rules
Are crackers allowed in Delhi-NCR for Diwali 2026?
The final order is still pending. On 30 September 2026, the Supreme Court ruled out a total ban on firecrackers but said round-the-clock bursting will not be allowed. It is waiting for a CPCB report on barium-based crackers, due on 15 October, before fixing which crackers and hours are permitted (News On AIR).
In 2025, the court allowed only certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR from 18 to 21 October, in two slots: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm, with no online sales (The Week). Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. Outside Delhi-NCR, rules differ by state and district, so check your local order before you buy.
Cracker safety checklist
- Buy only from licensed shops. In Delhi-NCR, buy certified green crackers with a QR code.
- Light crackers in open ground, away from buildings, parked vehicles, dry leaves and overhead wires. Never light them indoors, on a balcony or in a stairwell.
- Keep two buckets of water ready: one for emergencies, one to soak used crackers.
- Light one cracker at a time with a long agarbatti, at arm’s length, then step back.
- Never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then drop it in water.
- Wear cotton clothes and closed footwear. Silk, synthetic fabric and loose dupattas catch fire fast.
- Let children light crackers only under adult supervision, and never carry crackers in a pocket.
- Keep windows and balcony doors shut, and the LPG regulator off, while crackers are being burst nearby.
Electrical Safety for Lights and Decorations
Lights left on for hours on one multi-plug overheat cables, a common Diwali fire safety risk.
- Buy lights and extension boards that carry a BIS certification mark.
- Plug one light string into one socket where possible, and never chain multi-plugs together.
- Check wires for cuts before putting them up.
- Switch decorative lights off at night and whenever you go out.
Get Your Fire Extinguisher Ready Before Diwali
Keep a working fire extinguisher, a bucket of water and a cotton blanket at home before the festival. Most Diwali fires burn paper, cloth and wood, and an ABC fire extinguisher is rated for these. Not sure which type suits your home? Browse our fire extinguishers or call +91 11 4987 2937 and our team will help you choose.
5-minute pre-Diwali extinguisher check
- Gauge: the needle sits in the green zone.
- Pin and seal: the safety pin and tamper seal are intact.
- Hose and nozzle: no cracks, dust or blockage.
- Body: no rust, dents or bulges on the cylinder.
- Service date: the refill or service date on the label is still valid.
Then make sure everyone at home knows PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Refill or replace any unit that fails a check.
What to Do If a Fire Starts on Diwali
- Get everyone out first, and stay out.
- Call 101 for the fire service, or 112 for any emergency.
- Fight the fire only if it is smaller than a waste bin, your exit is behind you, and you have a working extinguisher.
- If clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Don’t run.
- Cool burns under running tap water for 20 minutes. Don’t use ice, butter or toothpaste.
- Get medical help for large burns, burns on the face or hands, and any eye injury. Don’t rub the eye.
The Verdict: What Matters Most for Diwali Fire Safety?
Distance, supervision and readiness. Keep every flame at least 30 cm from anything that burns, light crackers only in the open during permitted hours, and keep water, a blanket and a checked fire extinguisher within reach.
Stocking up before the festival? Manx Impex, an ISO 9001:2015 certified fire safety equipment supplier in New Delhi since 2015, can help you choose the right extinguisher for your home. Call +91 11 4987 2937 or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important Diwali fire safety rules?
Keep diyas and candles at least 30 cm from anything that can burn, burst crackers only in open ground during permitted hours, and keep water and a checked fire extinguisher nearby.
Is it safe to burst crackers on a balcony?
No. Balconies trap sparks near curtains, clothes lines and windows. Light crackers in open ground instead.
How far should diyas be from curtains?
At least 30 cm (12 inches), on a stable metal or tiled surface. This follows NFPA candle safety guidance, which applies equally to diyas.
Should I check my fire extinguisher before Diwali?
Yes. Check that the gauge needle is in the green zone, the pin and seal are intact and the service date is valid. Refill or replace any unit that fails.
Are firecrackers allowed in Delhi for Diwali 2026?
As of 14 October 2026, the Supreme Court has ruled out a total ban but has not issued its final order on permitted crackers and hours. In 2025, only certified green crackers were allowed, from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
What should I do if my clothes catch fire?
Don’t run. Stop, drop to the ground and roll to smother the flames, then cool any burn under running water for 20 minutes.
Which number should I call for a fire in India?
Dial 101 for the fire service or 112 for any emergency. If someone is injured, also call an ambulance on 102 or 108.
