Major Fire Engulfs UCO Bank Branch in Bharuch, Documents Destroyed
A severe fire broke out at a UCO Bank branch located in the Shalimar Complex on Station Road in Bharuch town on Sunday morning, resulting in the destruction of critical documents, furniture, and office infrastructure. Fortunately, firefighters managed to save the bank's lockers containing valuable items, preventing a more substantial loss.
Swift Response and Challenging Conditions
The blaze was reported around 11 am by an employee from a nearby mall who observed smoke emanating from the closed premises. This prompt alert triggered an immediate response from the Bharuch Municipality fire team. However, officials noted that poor ventilation inside the first-floor branch significantly complicated firefighting operations, making it difficult to access and control the flames.
District Fire Officer Chirag Gadhvi detailed the efforts, stating that multiple fire tenders were deployed to combat the dense smoke and reach the fire's source. "We had to break open the doors and use heavy exhaust fans to clear the smoke. Once visibility improved, we concentrated on the active fire zones, which helped prevent further damage and protect key assets," he explained.
Extensive Damage and Successful Asset Protection
Approximately 15 firefighters worked tirelessly for nearly two hours to bring the situation under control. The branch, which occupies three to four merged shops on the first floor, suffered extensive damage to records, electrical fittings, and furnishings. Despite this destruction, the locker section—situated away from the fire's origin—remained completely untouched. Officials confirmed that all valuables stored in the lockers, along with cash reserves, were secure and unharmed.
Preliminary Cause and Investigation
Initial findings indicate that a short circuit may have sparked the fire. Authorities suspect that concealed wiring within plaster of Paris (POP) structures, combined with partitioned office spaces and flammable stationery, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Fire officials emphasized that the proximity of the fire station was crucial in averting a larger disaster, enabling a quick response that limited the overall impact.
An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is currently underway, with further details expected as authorities analyze the scene and gather evidence.
