Delhi hotel fire and Noida blazes: Why fire accidents increase during summer in India

Following a deadly fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar that claimed around 21 lives, India woke up to two fresh fire incidents on June 5: a major blaze broke out on the 12th floor of a high-rise society in Noida's Sector 74, reportedly due to a suspected electrical fault. In another incident, a fire erupted at Sharma Market in Sector 52, believed to have been triggered by a refrigerator compressor explosion inside a shop.

With these incidents, a pressing question has emerged: why do fire cases rise specifically during the hottest months of the year?

Experts suggest this is no coincidence. A mix of extreme temperatures, increased electricity demand, ageing infrastructure and environmental conditions creates an environment where fires are more likely to start and spread quickly.

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Summer and fire risk: What the data shows

Recent national data highlights the scale of the problem.

According to fire accident records analysed from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, India recorded more than 3,43,000 fire accidents between 2005 and 2024.

Electrical short circuits and cooking gas-related incidents continue to be among the leading causes of fires nationwide. In 2024 alone, electrical short circuits accounted for a significant share of reported fire accidents.

Fire departments across several cities have also observed a recurring seasonal pattern, with emergency calls rising sharply during the summer months. Officials attribute much of this increase to heat-induced electrical failures and combustible materials becoming more vulnerable to ignition.

Extreme heat creates ideal conditions for fires

One of the most important reasons behind the seasonal surge is temperature itself.

When ambient temperatures cross 40°C and, in some regions, approach 45-50°C, materials require less additional heat to reach their ignition point.

As a result, even a minor spark can trigger a fire that spreads rapidly. Fire officials note that high temperatures reduce the time available to detect and contain a blaze before it escalates.

The problem is compounded by prolonged heatwaves, which dry out vegetation, garbage, paper, wood and other combustible materials. Dry waste and foliage can catch fire easily and, once ignited, flames can spread to nearby structures and vehicles.

Increased use of cooling appliances overloads electrical systems

Summer is also the season of peak electricity demand.

Air conditioners, coolers, refrigerators, fans and other cooling appliances run for extended hours, placing enormous stress on residential and commercial electrical systems.

In many older buildings, wiring infrastructure was not designed to handle such sustained loads. As demand rises, circuits can overheat, leading to sparking and short circuits.

According to power department officials and fire experts, excessive electricity consumption during heatwaves frequently overloads circuits, meters and electrical equipment. Where maintenance is poor or infrastructure is outdated, the likelihood of electrical fires rises significantly.

Air conditioners can become fire hazards

Several cases of air conditioners blasting have been reported.

Continuous operation during extreme heat can cause overheating of components, while faulty wiring, refrigerant leaks, voltage fluctuations and clogged filters can further increase the danger.

Several recent fire investigations have linked blazes to suspected air-conditioner malfunctions, highlighting the need for regular servicing and maintenance.

As temperatures rise, air conditioners often operate almost continuously, accelerating wear and tear on electrical components and increasing the chances of equipment failure.

Dry conditions accelerate the spread of flames

Summer fires are not limited to buildings.

Open grounds, forests, grasslands, dumping sites and vacant plots become highly susceptible to fire during dry weather. Dead grass, leaves and accumulated waste act as fuel, allowing fires to spread quickly over large areas.

Fire departments across several states routinely report an increase in grass and garbage fires during the hottest months.

In urban areas, fires that begin in waste heaps or dry vegetation can spread to nearby residential and commercial properties, creating larger emergencies.

Ageing infrastructure adds to the danger

Many Indian cities continue to grapple with ageing electrical infrastructure, unauthorised constructions and poorly maintained wiring networks.

Experts say older cables, overloaded distribution systems and makeshift electrical connections become particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Elevated temperatures place additional stress on electrical equipment, increasing the chances of malfunction and ignition.

The risk is especially pronounced in densely populated urban neighbourhoods where buildings often exceed their originally intended electrical load.

Climate change may be intensifying the problem

Scientists have repeatedly warned that India is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves as global temperatures rise.

Longer periods of extreme heat not only increase electricity demand but also create environmental conditions that favour fire outbreaks.