Pimpri Chinchwad: Massive Fire At Unauthorized Scrap Shops in Chikhali Area, No Casualties Reported
Chikhali, 6th April 2024: In the wee hours of Saturday, a devastating fire ravaged unauthorized scrap shops located in the vicinity of Chikhali, Kudalwadi, and Jadhavwadi. The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m., engulfing the densely packed shops and spreading rapidly due to the combustible materials stored within.
Firefighters from various departments, including the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire brigade, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Chakan Municipal Council, and Chakan and Chinchwad MIDC, rushed to the spot upon receiving the information. A total of 12 fire brigade vehicles and numerous tankers were deployed to combat the inferno, which posed a significant challenge due to the proximity of the shops and the presence of highly flammable items such as plastic, rubber, glass, and paper.
Balasaheb Vaidya, deputy fire officer of the PCMC fire brigade, said that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Despite the tireless efforts of approximately 70 to 80 firefighters, it took five to six hours to bring the blaze under control. The cooling operations are still ongoing.
No casualties have been reported in the incident. However, the fire has inflicted substantial damage, gutting more than 100 shops and affecting an area spanning seven to eight acres. The intensity of the fire prompted a sizable crowd of citizens to gather at the site, hindering firefighting efforts. Police intervention was necessary to manage the crowd and facilitate the extinguishing operations effectively.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures in such establishments. Despite repeated warnings and notices from the authorities, a significant portion of the warehouses in the Chikhli-Kudalwadi and Jadhavwadi areas operate without proper authorization or adherence to safety protocols. This poses a grave risk not only to the traders but also to the neighbouring schools and residential areas.
