Thane bans rocket and aerial firecrackers after Wagle Estate high-rise fire

The Thane district administration has banned rockets and other aerial firecrackers across the district from 10 November, after a fire in a high-rise during Diwali. Collector Shrikrushna Panchal announced the order, which covers selling, storing and setting off such fireworks.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called for the ban the day before, after visiting the scene, according to reports.

The fire

The fire broke out at about 8.30 p.m. on 8 November in a 17-storey building in the Raheja Gardens complex at Wagle Estate in Thane. Firefighters and residents brought about 50 people out of the building. No one was killed or injured. Reports differ on how far the fire spread: one said it began in a flat on the eighth floor, another that the eighth to 10th floors were affected.

The district order cites recent fires that are alleged to have been started by rockets during the festival. The cause of the Raheja Gardens fire has not been officially confirmed.

How the ban will work

The Thane Municipal Commissioner has told ward officers to inform housing societies, shops, markets and firecracker sellers. Officials are to inspect shops, act on complaints, and keep fire stations on alert.

Reports differ on how long the ban will last. One said Mr. Shinde ordered it for three months; another said the prohibitory order runs until January 2027. The full text of the order had not been published when this story was written.

Why it matters

Rockets can fly into open windows and balconies of tall buildings, which are common in Thane and the rest of the Mumbai region.