Officials classified 3,714 incidents as minor fires, 112 as medium, 27 as serious, and 15 as major.

Careless smoking alone caused 2,059 cases, making it the single largest contributor. Electrical faults triggered 941 fires, ranking as the second major cause. Officials attributed the remaining incidents to unknown and miscellaneous reasons, as reported by TOI.

Khammam police crack Boggula Srinivas murder

Losses, Casualties and Rescues

The fires caused property losses estimated at ₹285.2 crore. However, timely intervention by fire personnel helped save assets worth ₹557 crore.

The incidents claimed 14 lives, while fire teams rescued 73 people.

Commercial Spaces Most Affected

Commercial establishments reported the highest number of incidents. Shops and office complexes recorded 144 cases, followed by residential buildings with 118 incidents. Storage warehouses accounted for 83 cases.

A senior fire department official said most incidents are preventable. "Public awareness and basic precautions can significantly reduce such cases. People should avoid risky practices such as smoking near flammable materials," the official said.

Focus on Prevention and Safety Checks

The department has intensified awareness drives and is urging regular electrical audits in homes and industries, especially in high-risk zones.

"We are enforcing strict fire safety norms in buildings, warehouses, and factories. We are also speeding up awareness campaigns on the safe handling of fire, gas, and electrical appliances," the official said.

Nampally Fire Raises Safety Concerns

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in January 2026 at Nampally, where a fire in a furniture shop building killed at least five people, including two children and an elderly woman.

Officials said the victims died of asphyxiation after they got trapped in a basement filled with flammable materials. The incident raised concerns over illegal storage and the lack of safety exits.

Push for Stronger Regulations

Officials have emphasised the need to install fire detection systems in both commercial and residential complexes.

"We will soon submit proposals to identify vulnerable areas with voltage fluctuations and conduct inspections," an official said.

Authorities have also flagged shops, warehouses, and mixed-use buildings as high-risk zones, particularly where plastic, plywood, and chemicals are stored without proper safeguards.

"In many fatal cases, people ignore early warning signs or delay alerting emergency services. Quick reporting and basic safety compliance can save lives," a divisional fire officer said.

Fire Safety Law Set for Update

The fire department is planning to update the Telangana Fire Services Act, 1999. The proposed changes aim to improve building safety standards and bring structures below the 15-metre height limit under proper regulation.