Telangana recorded 8,861 fire incidents in 2025, 163 deaths and ₹879 crore in losses: Minister

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday, January 6, informed the State Legislative Assembly that the state witnessed 8,861 fire incidents in 2025, resulting in 163 fatalities and property damage worth ₹879 crore.

The figures were presented during a discussion on the Fire Services Department in the Winter Session of the Assembly, as the government outlined steps to strengthen fire safety infrastructure.

Deadliest incidents of the year

The minister highlighted two of the year’s most devastating tragedies:
• The Sigachi Industry blast near Sangareddy, and
• The Charminar fire in Hyderabad, where 17 people died in a single house.

“These incidents underscore the need for stronger prevention and faster response,” Prabhakar told legislators.

Fire services capacity across the state

Prabhakar said the state currently operates 138 fire station centres, supported by nine outposts in each district. The department has a fleet of 544 fire service vehicles, aimed at improving response times in both urban and rural areas.

To further expand coverage, 58 new fire stations have been set up in recent years. Locations include Cherial, Devarakadra, Kallur, Gundala, Both, Konkacherla, Rudrangi, Jayanath Mandal Headquarters, Bayyaram, Toopran, Pashamylaram, Jinnaram, Bibinagar, Uppal Bhagayath, Bachupally, Ghatkesar, among others.

In addition, existing facilities at Gowliguda, Secunderabad, Old Marepalle, Khairtabad, and Miyapur have been upgraded.

Focus on prevention and awareness

The minister said the government has also prioritised public education. During the year, 13,658 fire safety awareness programmes were conducted across gated communities, hospitals, industries, and schools, training citizens in prevention, evacuation, and basic protection measures.

Why this matters

With rapid urbanisation and industrial growth, Telangana faces rising risks from electrical faults, industrial accidents, and high-density housing. The data presented in the Assembly shows the human and economic cost of fire incidents, while the government’s expansion plans aim to reduce casualties through better infrastructure, faster response, and public preparedness.

What to watch next

• Whether the state announces additional funding or recruitment for fire services.
• Implementation timelines for new stations and equipment upgrades.
• Any proposed stricter fire safety norms for industries, high-rises, and commercial buildings.