The electricity department in Ghaziabad has officially ruled out a short circuit as the cause of the devastating fire at Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram on Wednesday, which destroyed eight flats across five floors. Officials explained that in the event of a short circuit, the miniature circuit breaker (MCB) typically trips immediately, but this did not occur, leading investigators to explore other possibilities.
Investigation Progress
A multi-department team formed by the district magistrate visited the site on Saturday to probe the challenges faced during firefighting operations. The team recorded statements from over 15 individuals as part of the inquiry.
Timeline of Events
The blaze began around 8:15 am, but the first call to the fire department was made at 8:48 am by a commuter named Anil, not a resident. Investigators are now looking into why residents or the Apartment Owners Association (AOA) delayed alerting authorities, which could have helped contain the fire earlier.
The probe committee, comprising the GDA secretary, ADM (finance and revenue), chief fire officer, and assistant director of electrical safety, is expected to submit its report to the DM within three days.
Origin and Spread of Fire
The fire originated in a four-bedroom hall kitchen flat on the ninth floor of Tower D at Gaur Green Avenue and spread across five floors before being brought under control. The flat, owned by Kamal Paliwal, who resides in another unit in the same building, had been under renovation for five years.
Residents suggested that Paliwal would light a diya in the flat daily, which might have been the source of the fire, though officials stated the cause remains under investigation.
Role of PVC Sheets
The fire department noted that PVC sheet awnings on balconies could have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire from the ninth to the 13th floor. PVC sheets can act as fuel, melting, dripping, and releasing toxic fumes. Investigators will check whether residents had AOA permission for these covers.
Obstacles in Firefighting
A swimming pool blocked fire tenders from reaching the affected tower, hampering rescue efforts. Additionally, an official expressed surprise that residents were busy recording the fire and posting visuals on social media instead of informing the fire department. It was Anil, traveling on the DME, who alerted authorities, leading to five fire tenders being rushed to the spot. However, the AOA claimed that residents made a call to 112 around 8:40 am.
Next Steps
Saurabh Bhatt, ADM (F&R), said the team will soon complete the investigation and submit it to the DM.
Community Response
Kunjesh Singh Parihar, AOA president, stated that a general body meeting was held with residents, where several decisions were taken. The fire caused losses exceeding Rs 40 crore, and the society is still recovering. The AOA will conduct a structural audit of Block-D, where eight flats were gutted.
“We will spend money to strengthen the structural, common area, and other exterior parts of the block. The renovation of the flat will be done by donation, and residents of the society have already shown interest in this,” Parihar said, adding that action against Paliwal is also being considered.
Previous Complaints
Vikash Kumar, the society’s maintenance head, revealed that they had complained to GDA officials about encroachment on the balcony of Paliwal’s flat. In 2023, GDA officials inspected the flat, but no action was taken.
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