Two homes in Edmonton, Canada, caught fire on Monday night after fireworks from a Diwali celebration ignited nearby properties, police confirmed. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said three men had been charged with arson, urging residents to celebrate responsibly, Times of India reported.
In an official statement, police said, “Light up your home, not your neighbour’s roof.” They confirmed that the blaze originated from fireworks set off in a backyard during the festival, spreading quickly to adjacent houses.
The incident sparked widespread discussion in the Mill Woods community on Facebook, with many members of the Indian diaspora expressing shock and disappointment.
Teena Andrews, an Indian resident whose house was among the two damaged, shared her experience publicly, describing the event as deeply traumatic. “My husband and I haven’t slept since. We’re traumatised and still in shock,” she wrote.
Andrews explained that most homes in the area were made of wood and said it was unsafe to use fireworks in such surroundings. “And yes, I’m Indian, but today I’m totally ashamed to say so. This is not culture; this is pure carelessness and stupidity,” she added.
She further questioned the purpose of such celebrations, writing, “What’s the point of celebrating Diwali if your fireworks end up burning someone else’s home? Where’s the joy and light in that?” She urged the community to refrain from celebrations if they could not be conducted responsibly. “If you can’t celebrate responsibly, then don’t celebrate at all,” she said.
Police said the situation could have been far more serious had emergency services not arrived promptly. They reminded Edmonton residents that fireworks are prohibited within city limits without an official permit.
The release reiterated, “No permit. No fireworks. Light up your home, not your neighbour’s roof.”
Authorities have not released the names of the three men charged in connection with the incident.
The event triggered a broader debate on cultural practices and safety among the Indian community in Edmonton. Mohit Vig, another Indian resident, commented in the community forum, emphasising that fireworks were not central to the essence of Diwali.
“I am an Indian and proud to belong to a Sanatan religion. Diwali is our most important festival. But please allow me to make it clear that fireworks have nothing to do with Diwali celebration,” Vig wrote.
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