Fire Incidents Surge Nationwide as Dry Season Begins

With the end of the monsoon and the onset of the dry season, Nepal has seen a sharp rise in fire incidents across the country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged the public to remain alert and adopt precautionary measures to minimize fire-related risks.

According to the NDRRMA, 14 fire incidents occurred across Nepal in a single day on Friday, October 24. The fires were reported in Panchthar, Sunsari, Saptari, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Dolakha, Lalitpur, Nawalpur East, Rolpa, Gulmi, Rukum West, Kanchanpur, and Darchula districts. Most of the incidents were attributed to negligence and lack of fire safety awareness.

The NDRRMA said 13 fire incidents were reported on October 23 (Thursday) in districts including Jhapa, Ilam, Sunsari, Sankhuwasabha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Kailali, Kalikot, and Parsa, while three were reported in Palpa. Similarly, 17 fire incidents occurred on October 22 (Wednesday). According to NDRRMA’s three-day data, fire has emerged as the most common disaster in the country during this period.

The number of fire incidents has been increasing nationwide as the dry season began and humidity dropped following the retreat of the monsoon. The NDRRMA called on individuals and communities to handle fire sources carefully and take preventive measures to reduce risks.

On October 24 alone, the country recorded 18 disaster events, including fires, snakebites, landslides, lightning strikes, and animal attacks. These incidents injured six people and caused an estimated Rs 7.79 million in property damage. -- RSS