A series of recent fires at a private jetty, a village shop, and a recurring scrapyard site has prompted Goa’s fire authorities to issue a State-wide alert. Citing nearly 3,000 incidents in 2025, officials are now mandating annual electrical audits and stricter licensing to curb a rising tide of preventable tragedies. In the first incident, an old fishing boat parked at a private jetty in Mobor was completely gutted after a fire broke out under unclear circumstances. Firefighters from Cuncolim rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control, though the cause of the fire remains unknown. In another case at Cumbarjua, a shop was destroyed in a fire reportedly triggered by an electrical short circuit. The shop owner, Krishna Naik, and his wife sustained injuries in the incident, while their daughter escaped unharmed. The wife was admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim and Naik is undergoing treatment at the Betki Health Centre. Tragically, two pet dogs died in the fire. In the third case, a major blaze at a scrapyard in Zuarinagar raised fresh alarm. Fire tenders were deployed to control the flames, and sources indicated that this is the third major scrapyard fire reported in the area in the past six months. These incidents come against the backdrop of a sharp rise in fire-related emergencies across the State. Data from the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) shows that 2,956 fire incidents were recorded between January 1 and December 31, 2025, across North, Central, and South zones. Among these, dry grass and field fires accounted for the highest number at 1,477 cases, reflecting seasonal risks and unmanaged vegetation, particularly in areas such as Mapusa, Ponda and Margao. Residential fires were also significant, with 161 incidents, many reported from urban centres like Vasco and Porvorim, raising concerns over electrical safety and preparedness in homes. In addition, commercial and public building fires totalled 117 cases, while electrical-related fires (133 incidents) and garbage or scrap fires (211 incidents) pointed to lapses in maintenance and waste handling systems. Industrial and hazardous fires, though fewer (16 incidents), were flagged as particularly dangerous, especially in industrial hubs such as Verna and Curchorem. The data further recorded 140 transport-related fire incidents and 59 cases involving inflammable or toxic substances, highlighting risks in the logistics and fuel sectors. In response to the rising incidents, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services had issued a comprehensive circular on December 16, 2025, mandating stricter fire and life safety measures across all occupancies. The move followed a tragic fire incident Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Arpora that reportedly claimed 25 lives. The circular makes it compulsory for all establishments to obtain and maintain a valid Fire NOC under the Goa Fire Force Act 1986. It also stresses that fire safety compliance is mandatory and any structural or operational changes must receive prior approval. Detailed guidelines call for unobstructed escape routes, use of fire-retardant materials, and proper waste management to reduce fire hazards. Electrical systems must meet safety standards, and annual electrical audits have been made mandatory for fire-prone establishments. The circular further mandates installation of fire detection and protection systems, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems in high-risk buildings. It also calls for proper fire infrastructure such as water storage tanks, pumps, and accessible fire service connections. Authorities have warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, cancellation of licenses, or closure of establishments. Emphasising shared responsibility, the department stated that fire safety requires continuous vigilance. “All establishments are urged to treat these guidelines as a continuing obligation rather than a one-time requirement,” the circular noted, adding that coordinated efforts between authorities and the public are essential to building a safer and more resilient Goa. A senior official from the Fire and Emergency Services said that while the exact causes of many fires are still under investigation, a worrying trend has emerged in scrapyard fires, particularly in areas like Sancoale and Ponda. “Several of these establishments operate without mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the fire department. Many fall under local panchayat jurisdictions, where permissions and compliance checks are often inadequate,” the official said. The official also flagged similar concerns in beach shacks and temporary structures, where enforcement of fire safety norms has historically been inconsistent. Licensing authorities, including the tourism department and local bodies, have been urged to ensure strict compliance before granting approvals. Fire officials warned that coastal areas remain especially vulnerable due to strong winds that can rapidly spread fires. Inadequate access routes in some locations further delay firefighting efforts. “Basic precautions are often overlooked. Even fire extinguishers, when present, may not be sufficient to control fast-spreading fires,” the official added.
3,000 FIRES A YEAR: GOA’S WAKE-UP CALL
