Patna: The fire services department has served notices to more than 4,000 sellers across state, including up to 750 in Patna, for allegedly storing or selling firecrackers without mandatory permissions ahead of Diwali, according to state fire officer and DIG Manoj Kumar Nat.Stalls selling firecrackers were found operating in New Market near Patna Junction, Boring Road Crossing, Mithapur vegetable market, areas around Buddha Murti, Sabzi Bagh, Digha vegetable market, Raja Bazaar, Patna City Chowk, Alamganj and Malsalami. At New Market, traders were openly advertising discounts of up to 50%-60% to attract customers.Nat said the department had issued notices to more than 4,000 establishments across Bihar, including around 700-750 in Patna, for operating without a no-objection certificate (NOC). “No establishment has been granted a licence for storing or selling firecrackers anywhere in the state this year. Storing and selling firecrackers without a licence is completely illegal,” Nat said.According to fire department officials, inspections have been carried out across markets ahead of Diwali and Chhath. A team from the Lodipur fire station inspected New Market on Tuesday and warned traders against selling fireworks without permission. However, stalls continued to operate on Wednesday.Nat said local grocery, gift and stationery shops often begin selling firecrackers from temporary stalls during the festive season and would also face action if found operating without permission.To strengthen preparedness during Diwali and Chhath, Patna has been divided into four zones and eight sub-zones for fire-safety monitoring. The department has identified sensitive locations and plans to deploy 350 fire tenders at crowded areas for quick emergency response.In addition, 89 firefighting vehicles, including specialised motorbikes, will be stationed in narrow lanes, congested markets and densely populated neighbourhoods where large fire engines cannot easily reach. Water bowsers are also being deployed, particularly in slum areas.The department has appealed to residents to avoid conventional firecrackers and use green crackers to reduce fire hazards and air pollution during the festive season.