A massive fire broke out on the set of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin at Film City on Friday evening. While no casualties were reported, the entire set was gutted. The fire also affected the sets of two other shows, which were next to it. The incident has put the focus on how safe TV sets are where shoots take place day and night, and what precautionary measures need to be taken, especially during fire sequences.

Producer J D Majethia, who is the Chairman of Indian Film and Television Producers Council, says, “There are guidelines regarding licences and approvals before starting to shoot on a set. These norms are adhered to by producers. We have to keep fire extinguishers on the sets and also ensure that they are renewed every year.”

The problem, makers say, is that the sets are largely made of wood and other such materials, which catch fire quickly and spread rapidly. “Sometimes it’s human error or it could be that an open wire may have caught fire due to a short circuit. It gets difficult then to find out what really went wrong,” he adds. 

The need of the hour is to upgrade equipment on the sets. “We need to get lights that do not require too many wires because open wires are risky. As an industry, we must look at options, which can make our sets safer. This has to be a collective responsibility, from the producer to every unit member because a single error can put everyone in danger,” shares J D.

The recent fire has become a cause for concern. Says an actor, who was shooting on a set close to the Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin set, “It was very scary. If we panicked seeing the fire, we can imagine what the people on the set of Ghum Hai. . . felt. We need a safe workplace. Yes, all sets are insured and the makers may recover a lot of their monetary losses, but an incident like this can be very stressful.” 

Kishori Shahane, who is a part of Ghum Hai. . . , says, “There is no disaster management at Film City. They should be far more responsible because many film and TV shoots take place here. They need to be better prepared during unforeseen situations like a short circuit, gas leak or fire. ”

Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President Birendra Nath Tiwari, says, “We have mentioned this on numerous occasions and written to Film City authorities, bringing to their notice that the sets erected are old with no proper exits and covered on all sides. Also, fire audits should be conducted regularly by the concerned authorities. We can’t put people’s lives at risk and this applies not just to television shows, but all shoots that take place. I am also reiterating that an ambulance should be parked at Film City to tackle any unfortunate incident.”

— Neha Maheshwri

Around 2015, there were several fire incidents on TV sets. They have reduced in recent times, but the fire on the set of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has brought the issue to the fore once again. Here’s taking a look at fire incidents over the past 10 years...

- Pandya Store, February 2021

- Kumkum Bhagya, July 2020

- Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, October 2015

- Jamai Raja, December 2015

- Tu Mera Hero, September 2015

- Satrangi Sasural, June 2015

- India Poochega Sabse Shana Kaun, February 2015

- Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, October 2014

- F.I.R., December 2013

- Comedy Nights With Kapil, September 2013