A devastating fire in a multi-storey building in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, claimed the lives of 21 individuals, many of whom were foreign nationals. The incident, which occurred on June 3, revealed critical deficiencies in the Delhi Fire Service, particularly in staffing and resources. Locals reported that the fire brigade arrived approximately 45 minutes late, raising concerns about response times. Official data indicates that Delhi needs 108 fire stations to adequately serve its growing population, yet only 71 are currently operational. This shortage has persisted despite the city's expansion, leading to stretched resources and inadequate emergency coverage. The staffing crisis within the fire service is alarming, with nearly 80% of fire station officer positions vacant and a total personnel requirement of 9,123 against an actual strength of around 2,500. The situation is compounded by unfilled posts across various ranks, including firemen and drivers. Without addressing these fundamental issues, the risk of future tragedies remains high as the city continues to grow.