Careless smoking leads fire accident causes in Telangana, says data

Careless smoking has emerged as the leading cause of fire accidents in Telangana, accounting for 1,915 cases in 2026, according to fire department data. The State recorded 3,858 incidents, with Hyderabad reporting the highest number of fire calls.

Hyderabad: Careless smoking and carelessly discarded cigarette butts have emerged as the single largest cause of fire accidents in Telangana, accounting for a staggering 1,915 cases so far in 2026.

According to data from the Fire Disaster Response Emergency Services Department, overall, the department has responded to 3,858 incidents across the state till April 28. Of these, 3,447 were small fires, 106 medium, 27 serious, and 14 major incidents. Fire personnel also attended 228 rescue operations and 36 other emergency calls.
Apart from careless smoking, electrical faults caused 871 fires, while 375 incidents were attributed to unknown reasons and 307 to other miscellaneous causes.

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Additional triggers included 60 incidents of arson, 21 incidents of burning of waste, 69 incidents of gas related issues, 89 mechanical sparks, and 35 spontaneous combustion incidents.
Fire mishaps have led to an estimated property loss of Rs 276.887 crore, while swift firefighting efforts helped save assets worth Rs 535.460 crore.

In terms of casualties, 14 people lost their lives and 67 were rescued in fire related incidents. In non-fire emergencies, 161 lives were lost, while 49 persons were saved.
Residential premises accounted for the highest number of fire accidents at 987 cases, followed by miscellaneous categories of 539 incidents, 534 farm lands, and 400 households’ incidents. Fires were also reported in 207 rail and road vehicles, shops, offices, educational institutions, and industrial establishments.

Fire officials said that a majority of these incidents were the outcome of avoidable human negligence, with careless smoking and electrical issues continuing to pose serious risks.

Where fires occurred?

• A large number of fire accidents were reported in:
• Residential buildings – 987 cases
• Miscellaneous categories – 539 cases
• Farm lands – 534 cases
• Households – 400 cases
• Rail and road vehicles – 207 cases
• Other affected locations include shops, offices, educational institutions, and industrial units.

Major causes of fires:

• Careless smoking is the leading cause, responsible for 1,915 incidents.
• Electrical faults – 871 cases
• Unknown causes – 375 cases
• Other miscellaneous reasons – 307 cases

No.of fie calls – 3,858

• Highest calls – Hyderabad (573).
• Lowest calls – Kumaram Bheem Asifabad (22).