Series of fires across Hyderabad in 2026 renew questions on safety

Government and commercial buildings were hit by fires in early 2026, causing heavy property damage across Hyderabad.

Hyderabad: The city has witnessed a string of fire-related accidents in early 2026, including incidents at government facilities, commercial buildings, and retail outlets.

Fire and emergency responders have largely prevented casualties except in the Nampally furniture godown fire accident (claimed five lives), but these incidents highlight ongoing concerns about fire safety compliance and urban risk management.

Several establishments — including a government laboratory, commercial complexes and retail shops — have suffered heavy material losses.

Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory blaze

A significant fire broke out on February 7, 2026, at the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory in Nampally. The blaze damaged important case files and materials kept in the facility. Firefighters battled the fire throughout the morning, and no casualties were reported.

Kukatpally house fire

On February 16, 2026, a house fire in KPHB Colony, Kukatpally, was reportedly triggered by an oil lamp lit during Maha Shivaratri festivities. The residents were away at the time, and no injuries were reported. Local fire personnel brought the blaze under control before it spread to neighbouring homes.

Maitrivanam building complex fire

A fire erupted on 20 February 2026 at the Aditya Enclave commercial building near Maitrivanam junction in Ameerpet, where several coaching centres operate. Thick smoke forced the evacuation and prompted rescue operations; around 100 students and staff were safely brought out.

Preliminary assessment pointed to an electrical short circuit as the suspected cause.

Property damage included furniture, office infrastructure, electrical wiring and classroom equipment. While a comprehensive loss assessment is awaited, shopkeepers and institute operators reported damage to interiors and learning materials.

Kukatpally mobile shop fire

In the early hours of February 21, a blaze broke out at a mobile accessories shop located in Padmavathi Plaza Centre, Kukatpally. The fire was reported around 6:30 am, caused by suspected electrical faults in power supply lines.

Firefighters contained the flames and prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent shops; no casualties were reported.

The shop’s interiors and display units were gutted before fire personnel contained the flames. Adjacent shops were protected from major damage due to timely intervention.

Nampally furniture godown fire claims five lives

A massive fire that broke out around 1 pm on January 24 at Sai Vishwas Furniture Castle near Nampally Railway Station claimed five lives, including two children. The bodies were recovered on January 25 from the basement of the ground-plus-four-storey building, which also had two cellars densely packed with furniture material. The deceased were identified as Mohammed Imtiyaz, a store worker; Syed Habeeb, an auto trolley driver; Bibi Amma; and the store watchman’s children, Akhil (11) and Praneet (7). Imtiyaz and Habeeb had reportedly entered the building to rescue those trapped inside. Seven people, including two children, were caught in the blaze.

Firefighters battled the flames for nearly eight hours using skylifts and robotic equipment, while thick smoke hampered rescue operations. Personnel from HYDRAA, police and the fire services department continued search efforts amid hazardous conditions inside the structure.

Officials suspect a short circuit triggered the fire, which severely damaged the building and raised concerns about its structural stability.

Fire safety concerns and response

While none of the confirmed 2026 incidents have reported fatalities, the frequency of fire breakdowns at commercial and residential locations has prompted authorities to renew emphasis on fire safety compliance, electrical maintenance and rapid emergency response.