Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, South Goa, has issued a public advisory directing all shopkeepers, vendors and persons involved in the sale and storage of firecrackers to strictly follow fire safety precautions ahead of the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
The advisory, dated November 3, 2026, has been issued by Collector and District Magistrate Egna Cleetus, IAS, with the objective of preventing fire incidents and ensuring public safety during the festive season.
As per the advisory, firecrackers must be stored in cool, dry and well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and potential sources of ignition. Vendors have also been instructed not to store firecrackers near inflammable materials, LPG cylinders, cooking areas, electrical installations or open flames.
The Collector has emphasised that adequate and functional fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment must be readily available at all premises dealing with firecrackers.
Smoking, lighting matches and using open flames have been strictly prohibited in and around locations where firecrackers are stored or sold.
The advisory further warns against accumulating excessive quantities of firecrackers at a single location. Vendors have been asked to maintain safe separation between firecrackers and other goods and ensure that electrical wiring and installations are properly maintained to prevent short circuits, sparks and accidental ignition.
Shopkeepers have also been directed to ensure that firecrackers do not obstruct public passages, emergency exits or access routes for fire tenders.
Highlighting the importance of safe handling, the advisory states that children should not be allowed to access or handle stored firecrackers. Vendors have also been urged to familiarise themselves with basic fire safety procedures and keep firefighting equipment easily accessible in case of emergencies.
The Collector has cautioned that negligence in the storage and handling of firecrackers could lead to serious fire incidents, endangering human lives and causing extensive damage to property.
The South Goa District Administration has appealed to all shopkeepers, vendors and members of the public to cooperate and strictly adhere to the prescribed safety precautions to ensure a safe and incident-free Diwali celebration.
