Beach shacks offer a carefree coastal charm, but combustible structures, faulty wiring, and difficult access leave them vulnerable to devastating fires
Panaji: Goa’s beach shacks may be synonymous with its relaxed seaside culture, but their temporary structures, combustible interiors and difficult access can turn them into fire traps, raising concerns over the safety of workers and tourists.Built largely with bamboo, timber, thatch, plywood and other temporary materials, many shacks have dense interiors filled with plastic furnishings, fabrics, wooden panels and decorative materials. Strong coastal winds can further accelerate the spread of flames, particularly where shacks are packed close together.
Fire services officials suspect a short circuit caused the fire at Arambol
The risk is compounded by electrical extensions, loose connections, overloaded circuits and kitchen appliances operating in temporary premises. LPG cylinders, cooking oil and other flammable materials add to the fuel load, while narrow beach approaches, soft sand and the lack of clear access routes can hamper fire tenders.“Shacks are open and people can run to safety. Some shacks follow safety norms, some don’t follow. No matter how often you tell them, some shack owners don’t want to change,” said a shack operator and office bearer of the Shack Owners Welfare Society.Recent fires have underlined the risks. In April, six shacks at Arambol were gutted in a late-night blaze. Directorate of fire and emergency services officials suspected a short circuit, while local authorities said poor road access delayed fire tenders, with one vehicle getting stuck in the sand.A technical assessment identified wooden panels, partitions, decor, furnishings and plastics as materials that can allow flames to spread rapidly from an initial fire to a fully developed blaze. Fire officials also found that a private beach resort at Ashvem, which was gutted in a fire, did not have a valid fire department no objection certificate (NOC).In Dec 2025, the ‘Jamming Goat’ beachside restaurant at Utorda was gutted in the early hours, causing losses estimated at Rs 10 lakh. No one was injured as the shack was closed, but officials suspected an electrical fault. Sources said it lacked a fire NOC and proper firefighting arrangements.
In April, six shacks at Arambol were destroyed in a fire
The Dec 2025 Arpora nightclub fire, which killed 25 people, including tourists and staff, has further heightened scrutiny of fire safety at coastal establishments. “The fire department keeps coming for inspection. They have made it strict,” said Cruz Cardozo, president of the Shack Owners Welfare Society.Authorities subsequently sealed ‘Cape Goa’ at Cabo de Rama after finding a single narrow entry-exit, dangerous wiring, an unsafe kitchen, no extinguishers and 29 LPG cylinders obstructing the exit.Fire safety rules require every beach shack and coastal establishment to obtain and prominently display a valid fire NOC, undergo electrical and LPG-safety inspections, and maintain serviced extinguishers and other firefighting equipment. LPG cylinders must be stored upright in ventilated, protected areas away from exits and heat sources.
In Dec 2025, the ‘Jamming Goat’ beachside restaurant at Utorda was gutted
Operators say they are taking precautions.“We tell our staff how to operate the fire extinguishers,” said Cardozo. “I put a water pump and I have the fire extinguisher balloon (also known as an AFO Fire Ball) so that in case there is a fire, the balloon will douse the fire.”Stakeholders said regular night inspections, particularly during the tourist season, are essential and should be carried out as a preventive measure rather than only after a tragedy.
