Major Fire Erupts in Commercial Building in Navi Mumbai's Turbhe Area
A significant fire incident occurred on Sunday evening in a G+3 storeyed commercial building located in the bylane of sector 23, Turbhe, near the flyover opposite the NMMT bus depot in Navi Mumbai. The blaze resulted in the complete gutting of three shops, including a hardware store, an electronic shop, and a ceramic shop, as confirmed by Rohan Kokate, fire officer of the Vashi fire station.
Fire Spreads to Adjacent Building, Prompt Evacuation Prevents Casualties
According to Kokate, the fire extended to an apartment in the corner of a neighboring building where a family resided. Fortunately, the occupants evacuated immediately, ensuring no injuries. Purushottam Jadhav, Vashi Divisional Fire Officer, provided detailed insights into the emergency response. The Vashi fire station received the emergency call at 5:33 pm, and a rescue team with five fire engines was dispatched promptly to the site.
Investigation Points to Short-Circuit as Probable Cause
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated on the first floor in the electronic store, likely due to a short-circuit in an air conditioning unit. From there, it rapidly spread to the adjacent hardware store and ceramic shop. Employees at these shops had already evacuated to safety before the fire intensified, which contributed to the absence of casualties. During the firefighting operation, firefighters used ladders to access the upper floors and conducted thorough searches to confirm no one was trapped.
Intense Firefighting Efforts Involving Multiple Stations
Jadhav noted that the fire also partially damaged a closed shop on the ground floor. The blaze was exacerbated by paint thinner stocked for sale at the hardware store, which acted as fuel. To prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential and commercial structures, additional resources were mobilized. A total of 10 fire engines from Koparkhairane, Airoli, Nerul, CBD-Belapur, and Vashi, along with eight water tankers, were deployed in the operation.
Fire Extinguished After Two Hours, Cooling Operations Follow
The firefighting efforts lasted approximately two hours, with the blaze being fully extinguished by around 7:30 pm. Following this, a cooling operation was conducted by continuously spraying water jets to ensure no residual flames remained. This coordinated response highlights the efficiency of the fire department in managing such emergencies in urban areas.
Key Takeaways from the Incident:
- The fire caused significant damage to three commercial establishments but resulted in no human casualties.
- Quick evacuation by shop employees and residents played a crucial role in ensuring safety.
- The use of multiple fire engines and water tankers from various stations was essential in controlling the spread.
- Authorities emphasize the importance of regular electrical maintenance to prevent such incidents in the future.
