Chandigarh Commercial Building Rendered Unsafe After Devastating Fire
Chandigarh: The Municipal Corporation's fire and emergency services department has released a comprehensive report detailing the aftermath of a significant fire that erupted in a commercial building located in Sector 22-B on Wednesday afternoon. The report concludes that the top floor of the structure has developed substantial cracks, rendering it completely unsafe for any form of occupancy or use.
Structural Integrity Compromised by Intense Blaze
According to the findings, the two-storey commercial building suffered extensive structural and material damage due to the fire, which took nearly four hours to bring under control. Preliminary investigations indicate that a short circuit likely sparked the blaze, though this cause requires further verification. The report highlights that the intense heat generated during the incident led to major cracks on the top floor, with the damage so severe that entry or use of this level is strictly prohibited.
Officials have urgently recommended an immediate and thorough engineering assessment by a structural engineer to evaluate the building's overall stability and future usability. The fire department has advised against any entry into the building at this stage, even for debris removal, due to the high risk posed by the compromised structure.
Extensive Damage and Firefighting Efforts
The report notes that material on both the first and second floors was completely burnt or destroyed, with only the ground floor remaining safe and largely undamaged. The scale of destruction underscores the ferocity of the fire and the potential hazards created by structural weaknesses and the massive volume of water—estimated between 2 lakh and 2.25 lakh litres—used during firefighting operations.
"Since the cracks are major and a large amount of water was used to douse the flames inside the building in an almost four-hour operation, only the structural engineer can give the best advice on whether the building is sustainable for human habitation. Any use of the building will be dependent on the structural strengthening report," sources informed.
In response to the emergency, the fire and emergency services department deployed 12 vehicles, including fire tenders and hydraulic machines, with dozens of firefighters working tirelessly to contain the blaze. The operation reflected the seriousness of the incident and the challenges in accessing the upper floors, where damage was most severe.
Tenant Impact and Safety Measures
The building housed seven tenants operating various businesses, such as a photo lab and mobile phone and accessories shops. All material on the first and second floors was lost in the fire, resulting in significant financial losses. However, the report clarifies that adjacent buildings on both sides are completely safe, with no damage sustained, thanks to the timely response of fire personnel.
"It was a major task for firemen to keep adjoining buildings safe. Nothing happened to the adjoining building as operation was started on time and adjoining buildings were saved from any damage," sources added.
Official Statements and Future Precautions
Inderjeet Singh, joint MC commissioner and chief fire officer, emphasized the need for strict precautions. "Inspection of the building revealed that it developed cracks, therefore we have advised building occupiers and owners for detailed structural evaluation from the structural engineer, so that strength and related aspects of the building can be checked minutely. Till then, nobody is advised to use the building in any manner," he stated.
Singh also announced that the department will soon reissue advisories to commercial establishments in the area to ensure they are adequately equipped to handle fire-related emergencies, highlighting the importance of preparedness in preventing such incidents.
