Several incidents of fire accidents were reported in the US and Canada after crackers were lit to celebrate Diwali, along with complaints of noise as well as land pollution.
Published Oct 24, 2025 | 11:16 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2025 | 11:27 AM
Uncleared parking lot after Diwali celebration; The house that caught fire in Edmonton, Canada. (X)
Synopsis: Social media witnessed massive outrage in the US and Canada over the behaviour of Indians during Diwali. Several incidents of fire accidents were reported in the US and Canada after crackers were lit to celebrate Diwali, along with complaints of noise as well as land pollution.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. The festival is usually celebrated by lighting diyas and crackers and distributing sweet treats.
Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The most common story associated with the celebration of Lord Ram’s victory over King Ravana.
While Diwali is celebrated in almost all Indian states, the diaspora settled in various countries also celebrate it. However, this year, adding to the concerns of poor air quality in India, social media witnessed massive outrage in the US and Canada over the behaviour of Indians during Diwali.
Several incidents of fire accidents were reported in the US and Canada after crackers were lit to celebrate Diwali, along with complaints of noise as well as land pollution.
In Edmonton, Canada, three men have been charged with arson after a fire in southeast Edmonton damaged two homes on 20 October. Local police said the fire was the result of nearby fireworks that were set off by the accused.
“Three adult males were charged with arson — a serious criminal offence — for recklessly causing damage by fire or explosion. Our top priority is preventing anyone from being seriously injured, or worse, because of unsafe or careless behaviour,” the police said.
The fire could have been much worse, police said. They ask Edmontonians to avoid setting off fireworks inside city limits without a permit. “No permit. No fireworks,” the release said. “Light up your home, not your neighbour’s roof.”
Similarly, a fire tore through two homes in Queens in the US on 22 October, and New York City Fire Department (FDNY) officials confirmed it started because of Diwali fireworks. The accident injured two.
FDNY confirmed the fire was sparked by fireworks and reminded New Yorkers that fireworks are illegal in New York City. Reports noted that there was a disaster in Edison, New Jersey, as well, where officials had 40 calls during Diwali about fires.
Meanwhile, words of condemnation flooded social media following the poor civic responsibility display of those who celebrated Diwali by lighting illegal firecrackers.
“Canadians opened our borders and our homes to Indian immigrants. They repay us by lighting off fireworks in public parking lots, keeping people up at night, and refusing to clean the mess. Do you think this is acceptable behaviour?” asked Canadian journalist Mark Slapinski on X.
“Exactly as we Indians in India leave our Diwali firecracker litter around and leave without cleaning it up, some Indian-origin folks in Canada did the same. A very bad idea. Supreme confidence, zero empathy,” wrote an Indian Sandeep Manudhane, in response to the post.
Exactly as we Indians in India leave our Diwali firecracker litter around and leave without cleaning it up, some Indian-origin folks in Canada did the same. A very bad idea.
Supreme confidence, zero empathy. https://t.co/OkHBQZqNXF
— Sandeep Manudhane (@sandeep_PT) October 23, 2025
“Why is your insurance going up, you ask? Because we mass immigrated idiots,” wrote an X user in response to the Edmonton fire.
“It’s the most foolish idea to indulge in fireworks in residential areas in the US and Canada as most homes are made of timber and can catch fire easily,” noted an X user.
It’s the most foolish idea to indulge in fireworks in residential areas in the US and Canada as most homes are made of timber and can catch fire easily. https://t.co/N8IylNTRGz
— Broufus (@Broufus) October 23, 2025
“This is how people start to resent you. Civic disregard now being exported to the world. Feel ashamed. I celebrated Diwali for years in Boston and NYC. Never ever would you find us doing this. Small pollution free quiet phuljhadis in the yard. The whole block would come and eat, light diyas, play cards. Before this becomes a habit just ban firecrackers,” wrote actor Tara Deshpande in response to a post showing illegal fireworks in Brampton, Canada.
