Fire incidents have sharply increased in recent weeks, with at least 13 fires reported nationwide between November 19 and Monday. While there were no casualties in these cases, the damage was significant.
On November 25, a massive fire broke out in the Korail slum of Mohakhali, burning around 1,500 houses and leaving many slum dwellers homeless. The next day, 26 November, a fire erupted on the fourth floor of a block at PG Hospital in Shahbagh, which was quickly controlled by the Fire Service. On November 27, separate fires occurred at an eight-storey residential building in Mogbazar and a hut in the Karwan Bazar rail gate area, both promptly contained.
On November 30, a fire triggered by an electrical short circuit broke out on the ninth floor of the new 20-storey Secretariat Building-1. Monday afternoon saw two more fires in the capital: one at a six-storey building in Zahuri Mohalla, Mohammadpur, and another at two buildings in Rahmatganj, Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka. The three- and two-storey buildings in Rahmatganj suffered heavy damage.
Fire Service officials note that fire incidents rise in winter due to dry weather and low humidity. Flammable materials dry out and ignite easily, while loose connections in switchboards, AC units, and improper use of multi-plugs also contribute.
According to Fire Service data, from January to October 2025, 21,727 fire incidents were reported nationwide, with 12,259 occurring in the first four months. In 2024, 26,659 fires were reported from January to November, with December to March seeing the highest frequency. Historical data shows a consistent increase in winter fire incidents: 27,624 in 2023, 24,102 in 2022, and 21,601 in 2021. Monthly statistics from 2024 show fires peaking from December to May, and dropping sharply between June and November.
Fire Service officials emphasize that just four months of increased vigilance—from December to March—could halve winter fire accidents. Activities such as burning stoves, using mosquito coils, heating with wood, and smoking are major contributors during winter.
Mohammad Shahjahan Sikder, acting officer of the Fire Service media cell, told Dhaka Tribune: “All flammable materials dry out in winter, creating a natural environment for fire. Public awareness, automatic detection systems in factories and large buildings, and trained security personnel can significantly reduce incidents. At the start of winter, the Fire Service intensifies outreach, drills, surveys, inspections, and sends precautionary messages to all mobile users nationwide.”
Recent incidents underscore the risk: on November 24, a fire broke out in the tin-shed kitchen of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, Dhaka University; on November 22, a fire erupted on the ninth floor of a 10-storey commercial building in Segunbagicha, Purana Paltan; and on November 19, a fire hit a market near Hotel Ramna in Gulistan. The same day, a chemical factory in Bagher Bazar, Rajendrapur, Gazipur, caught fire. In each case, the Fire Service brought the fires under control.
