Paras Fireworks store in Abids that caught fire lacked safety measures

Hyderabad: A fire broke out at a fireworks shop at Hanuman Tekdi in Bogulakunta, Abids, on Sunday night. Although there were no reported injuries or casualties, the blaze caused significant alarm and affected a nearby restaurant.

Many in the Abids area at the time of the incident were scared about the fire spreading throughout the lane. However, a swift response from the Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department controlled the spread of the flames.

Cause and spread of the fire

The fire started within the shop named Paras Fireworks, located in a structure with a mezzanine floor covered by a tin shed. According to fire officials, the flames quickly spread to the adjacent Taza Hotel, causing panic and minor disruptions before being contained.

Fire emergency response

The fire department received an emergency call at 9:18 pm and immediately dispatched a fire vehicle from Gowliguda to the scene.

Assessing the fire’s intensity, additional reinforcements were called in, including multi-purpose fire tenders from Yakutpura, Musheerabad and Telangana State Assembly, along with a water bowser from Gandhi OP. Five fire tenders were engaged and the blaze was quickly brought under control.

Shop only had permission to sell in open area

Officials said Paras Corporation obtained a temporary firecracker sales license on October 23 but was permitted to sell firecrackers only in an open space.

The shop’s operation in an enclosed area, without any fire safety measures or fire protection systems in place, violated the terms of the license. The department noted that Paras Fireworks was selling firecrackers without the proper safety precautions, contributing to the fire outbreak.

Legal action against Paras Corporation

Due to alleged negligence and non-compliance with fire safety regulations, Paras Corporation, the company managing the fireworks shop, faces prosecution under sections 31 and 32 of the Telangana Fire Service Act, 1999. The Fire Department has cancelled the temporary license granted to the shop and announced its intent to pursue legal action, citing the endangerment of lives and property in the area.

Importance of firecracker shop safety

The incident has highlighted the need for strict enforcement of safety protocols in firecracker shops, especially during peak festival seasons when sales increase.

Authorities stressed that shops must adhere to designated open spaces and fireproof materials and maintain adequate fire safety equipment, including extinguishers and alarms, to reduce risks. The Fire Department has urged all temporary license holders to follow safety guidelines strictly, warning that similar violations could lead to severe penalties and license revocations to protect public safety.

Further investigations are expected to determine additional safety lapses and reinforce regulations on firecracker sales during peak seasons.