Fire Services teams deployed at hot air balloon take-off and landing points in Hyderabad

As Sankranti celebrations gather pace across Hyderabad, the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department has put in place a comprehensive safety and emergency response plan for the city’s first Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026, to be held at multiple locations.

Senior Fire Department officials said fire tenders, quick response teams and specialised personnel were deployed at the designated take-off and landing points following a coordination meeting involving organisers, officials from the Telangana Tourism Department and police commissionerates. The arrangements are aimed at ensuring swift response to any emergency during the festival.

Hyderabad District Fire Officer–2, Ajmeera Sreedas, said special precautions had been taken at Parade Ground in Secunderabad, where flying activity will be restricted due to airspace regulations. “At Parade Ground, there will be no free flying. The balloons will be lifted up to a height of about 60 feet and then brought down at the same location as it is a no-flying zone. This significantly reduces the risk,” he said.

Despite the limited flight activity, the department has deployed two fire tenders, two quick response vehicles and two fire bikes, specialised for narrow lanes and congested spaces, at the venue. Around 15 fire personnel will remain on standby at Parade Ground throughout the festival.

In Rangareddy district, Fire Officer–1, Shaik Khaja Karimulla, said similar arrangements had been made at the take-off and landing locations at Qutb Shahi Tombs and Jalamandali Park in Gandipet. “One fire tender with an extinguisher party constituting six personnel, along with quick response vehicles, are deployed at these locations,” he said.

Officials said the Department would remain on high alert and coordinate with organisers and local police to ensure safety during the festival. A senior officer from the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate said the presence of temporary structures and flammable materials at the venues increased fire risk, prompting heightened vigilance. Organisers were advised to follow safety protocols and obtain necessary permissions for flying activities.