The Patna district administration and Bihar fire services have issued a comprehensive fire safety advisory to ensure public safety during the upcoming Holika Dahan (Monday) and Holi celebrations. Officials have emphasised that residents must seek formal guidance and suggestions from local fire stations before organising ritual bonfires. To prevent hazardous incidents, it is mandatory to conduct Holika Dahan in open and safe areas away from congested neighbourhoods, overhead electrical wires and transformers. The advisory strictly prohibits lighting fires near highly flammable locations such as petrol pumps, gas godowns and kerosene depots, or sensitive areas including slums, wheat fields and barns.
Safety protocols mandate that the height of the Holika pyre must not exceed 10 feet, and the use of fireworks or highly flammable liquid accelerants is strictly forbidden.
Organisers are required to keep at least 2 drums containing 1,000 litres of water at the site, while in rural regions, pump sets should remain on standby in a ready state to handle potential emergencies. Participants are urged to wear cotton clothing instead of synthetic fabrics and to ensure that children maintain a safe distance from the fire.
Furthermore, the public has been cautioned against throwing burning embers near vegetation, forest areas or main roads, and must ensure that all ashes are completely extinguished with water before disposal. Emergency assistance is available 24/7 by dialling 101 or 112, or by contacting the Patna district control room.
