UP govt issues fire safety advisory for Maha Kumbh Mela camps

The Uttar Pradesh government issued a fire safety advisory to camps at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

It instructs attendees to notify the Mela control, local police, or fire stations via 112, 1920, 1090, or ICCC's specified numbers in case of fire emergencies. People are encouraged to make noise to alert nearby tents during a fire.

The advisory urges calm actions, using nearby fire-fighting equipment safely without personal risk, and locating exit routes for evacuation. Identifying fire-fighting tools, and having water and sand prepared near tents for fire extinguishing, is advised.

Quick evacuation of children is stressed, with cutting tent ropes to prevent fire spread.

The guidance suggests extinguishing fires swiftly using available resources. For gas cylinder fires, keep cylinders upright, exit the area, and attempt to extinguish with a wet cloth or extinguishers while managing gas leaks.

Combatting fires until emergency services arrive and ensuring the safe exit of individuals is encouraged. Storing flammable items like petrol, kerosene, and open flames in tents is strictly discouraged. Non-standard or leaking gas cylinders, and using plastic or synthetic materials for tents, should be avoided.

The advisory advises against adding oil to active flames, storing highly flammable substances, and cooking outdoors in strong winds. It emphasizes assisting others over video recording during incidents.

This advisory follows a recent fire, allegedly due to a cylinder blast, at a Maha Kumbh Mela camp in Prayagraj, which was subsequently controlled. Over 2 million devotees have taken a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.