Market Yard, Pune: A devastating fire erupted on Sunday morning near Kakade Vasti on Gangadham Shatrunjay Mandir road, engulfing twenty-two warehouses and causing extensive damage to various materials stored within.
The fire broke out at approximately 9 am and required a challenging firefighting effort by over 100 personnel from the PMRDA and Pune municipal fire brigade. The tireless battle against the blaze involved the deployment of twenty-two fire engines, ten tankers, and three JCB machines.
The affected warehouses housed a diverse range of goods, including paint, chemicals, furniture, decorative items, glass, spare parts, biscuits, cement, moulding, and transport materials. Miraculously, the fire did not spread to the nearby settlement, and the swift response by firefighters prevented the destruction of twenty-five transport trucks parked in close proximity.
The intensity of the inferno generated thick smoke, which could be seen from areas such as Bibvewadi, Kondhwa, and Market Yard, drawing a sizable crowd of onlookers. Consequently, traffic congestion ensued from Gangadham Chowk to Shatrunjay Mandir road, leading the traffic police to close one side of the road as a precautionary measure.
Devendra Potphode, the Fire Brigade Chief of Pune, expressed gratitude that no injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident. However, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
Vikram Kshirsagar, Junior Engineer from the PMC’s Building Development Department, affirmed that appropriate action would be taken against unauthorized godowns once their authorization status is confirmed. The affected area falls under the jurisdiction of Bibvewadi, Kondhwa Yevlewadi, and Wanwadi zonal offices, where numerous unauthorized godowns have been erected on hill slopes.
Despite repeated efforts by the Municipal Corporation to demolish these unauthorized structures, they continue to reappear, resulting in frequent traffic congestion and accidents. This recent incident marks the fourth major fire in the area within the past three years, raising serious concerns about safety protocols and enforcement.
Authorities are now stressing the urgent need for stricter regulations and enhanced enforcement measures to prevent the recurrence of such devastating incidents. Ensuring the safety of the local community and mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized structures have become paramount objectives for the concerned authorities.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, collaborative efforts between government bodies, fire departments, and local communities are imperative to address these safety challenges effectively. By promoting awareness and enforcing robust safety measures, the aim is to create a secure environment that safeguards both lives and property within Market Yard and its surrounding areas.
