Itanagar: Fire-related incidents continue to be the most frequent hazard in Arunachal Pradesh, causing significant damage to life and property, according to recent data shared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Over the past four years, the state has reported fire incidents involving property worth over ₹602 crore, with losses pegged at nearly ₹131 crore. While firefighters managed to save assets valued at ₹212 crore, 12 lives — including seven men and five women — were lost in the same period.
Four-month snapshot: Itanagar tops with 12 cases
From January to April 2025, the state witnessed 111 fire incidents involving property worth ₹16.9 crore. Out of this, property worth ₹8.3 crore was saved while losses amounted to ₹9.9 crore. Three fatalities — two men and one woman — were reported in this period.
Electric fires emerged as the most common cause, with Itanagar recording seven cases followed by Khonsa (6). Overall, Itanagar topped the list with 12 fire incidents in the last four months, trailed by Aalo (10) and Tezu (9).
Electric sparks behind most fires across years
Between 2020 and 2024, the state logged 1,048 fire calls. Itanagar reported the highest number (141), followed by Naharlagun (134) and Bomdila (98). The cases of Bomdila and Dirang are counted together as the latter still lacks a fire station. Nyapin had the fewest incidents with just two reported.
Of the total, 396 were caused by electrical faults — with Naharlagun (76) and Itanagar (66) leading, followed by Pasighat (41).
Forest fires see alarming rise
Forest fires accounted for 84 incidents in the last four years, with Bomdila and Dirang alone logging 42 cases. Recent data also shows a spike in Ziro and Tezu — reporting 3 and 2 forest fires respectively in the past four months. Ten forest fire incidents were recorded state-wide during this period.
SP (Fire & Emergency Services) John Pada attributed most forest fires to dry weather, jhum cultivation, and human negligence like discarded cigarette butts. “The terrain makes it difficult for fire tenders to reach remote locations. We’re increasingly relying on portable extinguishers and fire beaters,” he said.
Unknown causes a worrying trend
Cases with undetermined causes continue to rise. From 2020 to 2024, 343 fire incidents were classified as “Unknown” and 130 as “Others”. In just four months of 2025, another 49 cases fell into these two ambiguous categories.
SP Pada explained that these classifications are used when no specific fault is found after investigation. Sources within the department hint that incidents involving arson or negligence often go unrecorded due to lack of proof or victim non-disclosure.
Infrastructure gaps hindering firefighting
Arunachal currently has 79 fire tenders across regions, adjusted for terrain — 4,000–6,000 litre tanks in plains and 1,500–3,000 litre units in hills. However, the lack of fire hydrants and water refilling points has hampered firefighting efforts.
Only two fire hydrants are currently functional — both in Naharlagun. Officials say even stations with overhead tanks struggle during large-scale incidents.
SP Pada said the Smart City project will install new hydrants in Itanagar, Naharlagun, and Pasighat. Plans are also underway with PHED to construct permanent refilling points.
24 fire stations active, 28 more coming
The state presently has 24 operational fire stations, with 28 more sanctioned for various subdivisions and circles. Notable among them are Menchuka, Jang, Raga, Boleng, Seijosa, Dambuk, and Palin, which will become functional in 2025.
The 2025-26 budget has cleared stations at Wakro, Miao, Deomali, Kimin, and others. Dirang, though sanctioned, is currently under upgradation and non-functional.
Despite these expansions, vast rural and interior areas remain without basic firefighting infrastructure.
Manpower crisis looms large
The department is struggling with a staff shortfall. Against 545 sanctioned posts, only 405 are filled. Vacancies include 54 drivers, 56 firemen, and several technical staff.
While APSSB recently recruited 42 drivers, only eight joined. The shortage is critical with nine new fire stations expected to become operational this year.
SP Pada stressed the need for emergency recruitment and raised concerns about overqualified candidates applying for Grade-C and D roles, possibly sidelining more suited applicants.
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