Pune: Why Are Fire Incidents on the Rise in Pimpri Chinchwad Area?

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th December 2024: In recent days, the Pimpri Chinchwad area of Pune District has been grappling with frequent fire incidents, particularly in the Chikhali-Kudalwadi region. These incidents show no signs of decreasing, and many are severe. Key reasons identified include establishments failing to comply with mandates issued by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Fire Brigade, delays caused by black spots affecting Fire Brigade access, and a shortage of personnel in the Fire Brigade.

As an industrial hub, Pimpri Chinchwad is home to numerous godowns and warehouses where safety precautions are often neglected, increasing the risk of fire. Following a fatal incident in Talawade last year, PCMC mandated fire audits for all establishments. These audits include guidelines for proper installation and maintenance of fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems; regular electrical inspections; avoiding circuit overloads; safe storage of flammable materials; conducting fire drills; training staff in emergency procedures; ensuring clear, accessible exits; and adhering to fire safety regulations. Despite these instructions, compliance remains alarmingly low.

Adding to the problem, many scrap godowns and other establishments in the Chikhali-Kudalwadi area, where most fire incidents occur, are operating illegally. These unauthorised establishments present a significant challenge for PCMC in addressing fire safety effectively.

Another major issue is the black spots that prevent Fire Brigade personnel from reaching fire incidents on time, often due to traffic or narrow lanes. These black spots are particularly prevalent in slum or underdeveloped areas, where narrow roads and smaller lanes hinder fire vehicles’ access to fire locations. Additionally, undisciplined drivers frequently fail to yield to the fire brigade, sometimes causing collisions that further delay response times.

The lack of personnel is another significant issue within the PCMC Fire Brigade. Often, when one incident occurs, the entire manpower of the area is committed to it. If another incident happens simultaneously, the personnel available may not be enough to respond adequately. Additionally, the physical tests for 150 fire brigade personnel are pending. While the written tests have been completed, the physical tests remain to be conducted due to the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct during the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections.

Manoj Lonkar, Deputy Commissioner in charge of the PCMC Fire Brigade, told Punekar News that surveys and studies to prevent fire incidents are ongoing. “We are making it mandatory for every establishment to have a fire safety system, and action is being taken against those who fail to comply. Our drive to prevent fire incidents is continuing. Additionally, the issue of black spots persists. Fire vehicles, being large, find it difficult to access slums and underdeveloped areas. We are working hard to resolve this issue.”

Chikhali Kudalwadi: A Hotspot for Fire Incidents?

In the last five years, the Chikhali Kudalwadi area under PCMC has witnessed a staggering 217 fire incidents. Many of these fires have been caused by establishments storing plastic, scrap, and other flammable materials without proper precautions, leading to significant damage. The number of incidents each year is as follows: 30 in 2020, 41 in 2021, 44 in 2022, 58 in 2023, and 44 as of the end of October 2024.