A total of 258 fire incidents have been reported in Colombo and its suburbs since January, the Colombo Fire Service Department says.
Seventeen rescue operations were carried out in connection with those incidents over the period.
For comparison, 382 fire incidents were reported within the Colombo District across the whole of last year, alongside 46 rescue operations. Officials said the number recorded in the opening months of this year has raised concern given the pace relative to the previous year.
The department has also received 13 emergency calls so far this year for incidents including road obstructions, fallen trees and rescue operations following road accidents.
Authorities identified several recurring causes behind the fires: the absence of proper fire safety measures at workplaces, a lack of emergency response arrangements, unsafe electrical practices in homes and workplaces, and dry weather conditions.
The dry weather factor is likely to persist. Sri Lanka is currently under El Niño-driven dry conditions that have already reduced hydropower output, and prolonged dry spells raise fire risk in both built-up and vegetated areas.
