Goa stops all indoor fireworks after fire caused by electric firecrackers at Arpora nightclub

Days after 25 people died in a fire at a nightclub in North Goa, the district administration has issued an order banning the use of fireworks, sparklers and pyrotechnic materials inside tourist establishments.

The North Goa district administration issued the order on Wednesday evening as a precautionary measure following the tragic fire incident that broke out at a night club in Arpora around midnight on December 6.

“The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code, 2023, which bans the use, bursting, burning or operation of fireworks, sparklers, pyrotechnic effects, flame thrower-type devices, smoke generators and similar fire/smoke generating devices inside tourist establishments,” a senior district administration official said.

According to the order, the prohibition applies to all night clubs, bars and restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, resorts, beach shacks, temporary structures, event venues and entertainment establishments in North Goa.

Officials had earlier said that preliminary investigation into the devastating fire at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora has revealed that “electric firecrackers” were lit inside the premises, leading to the fire that claimed the lives of 25 people.