Mumbai Fire Brigade Cracks Down on Illegal LPG Cylinders in Restaurants

The Mumbai Fire Brigade rolled out an unexpected inspection drive last week, swooping into restaurants across the city to check on their handling of LPG cylinders. What they found was a mixed bag – some kitchens were spotless, while others were hoarding cylinders in cramped, unventilated corners, clearly flouting safety norms.

Senior fire officer Inspector Arvind Rao told reporters that the team had inspected over 200 outlets in just three days. “We’re not looking to shut anyone down for the sake of it,” he said, “but when you see cylinders stacked near open flames or stored without proper brackets, it’s a recipe for disaster.”

In a few cases, the brigade discovered more than the legally permitted number of cylinders jammed together, sometimes with rusted valves or dented bodies – the very signs that could trigger a leak or, worse, an explosion. One restaurateur, who asked to remain anonymous, confessed that he kept extra cylinders “just in case” demand spiked, not realizing the risk.

Consequences ranged from written warnings to hefty fines, and in two egregious instances the brigade seized the cylinders outright. The fire department also handed out pamphlets, reminding owners that the law caps the number of cylinders at two per establishment and mandates that they be stored in a ventilated, fire‑proof locker.

Local authorities are now urging all food‑service businesses to audit their gas storage practices immediately. “It’s not just about ticking a box,” Rao emphasized, “it’s about protecting lives – yours, your staff’s, and the patrons who walk through your doors.”

While the drive has rattled a few owners, many see it as a wake‑up call. As one chef put it, “We’ll double‑check everything tomorrow. Better safe than sorry, right?” The fire brigade plans to continue random checks over the next month, hoping to nip any future hazards in the bud.