Patna: Ahead of the vibrant festival of Holi, the Bihar Fire Service, under the Home Department (Police Branch), has issued a comprehensive fire safety advisory to prevent untoward incidents during Holika Dahan. The Patna District Administration has made a strong public appeal urging citizens to strictly adhere to these safety protocols in the interest of public safety.
To ensure a safe and accident-free celebration, authorities have released a detailed list of Do’s and Don’ts regarding the placement, execution, and conclusion of the traditional Holika bonfire.
Key Guidelines for a Safe Holika Dahan:
- Location and Placement: Authorities have mandated that Holika Dahan must only be performed in open and safe spaces to prevent flying sparks from igniting nearby houses or buildings. The bonfire should strictly be avoided in densely populated areas, near slums, wheat fields, or threshing floors (khalihan).
- Hazards to Avoid: Citizens are warned against setting up the bonfire under overhead electric wires or near electrical transformers. Additionally, lighting fires near highly flammable zones such as petrol pumps, gas godowns, and kerosene depots is strictly prohibited.
- Size Restrictions: To maintain control over the flames, the height of the Holika Dahan bonfire must not exceed 10 feet.
- Banned Materials: The use of firecrackers, fireworks, or any highly flammable liquids to ignite or fuel the bonfire is strictly banned. Furthermore, the practice of throwing burning torches or sticks near waste materials, vegetation, forest areas, or main roads is heavily discouraged.
- Personal Safety: Participants are advised to wear well-fitting, cotton clothes rather than loose or synthetic garments, which catch fire easily. Children must either be kept away from the site entirely or maintained at a very safe distance.
- Fire Preparedness: Organizers are required to keep at least two drums (amounting to 1,000 liters) of water nearby. In rural areas, the advisory specifically recommends keeping water pump sets ready near the site to swiftly tackle any accidental fires.
- Post-Bonfire Disposal: The advisory strictly warns against carelessly discarding the burnt remains or ashes. Citizens must ensure the fire is completely extinguished by pouring water over the embers before leaving the site.
24/7 Emergency Response Activated
The local administration has urged the public to consult with their local fire stations for any safety advice prior to the event. In case of any emergency or fire outbreak, citizens are instructed to immediately notify local fire stations or the police.
The District Administration has activated a 24*7 emergency response system. In case of any requirement, the public can reach out to the following helplines:
- Fire and Emergency Services: Dial 112 or 101
- District Control Room: 0612-2219810 / 0612-2219234
- District Emergency Operation Centre: 0612-2210118
