A major fire broke out in a high-rise residential tower in Noida on Thursday afternoon, triggered by an overheated electric heater left unattended in a servant's room. The incident caused significant damage to furniture and led to the evacuation of residents before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Timeline of the Incident and Emergency Response
The fire alarm was raised at 3:25 pm on Thursday by security guards at the Parks Laureate Society in Sector 108. According to police reports, the fire originated on the fourth floor of the tower. Upon receiving the alert, the fire department swiftly dispatched four fire engines to the location to tackle the escalating situation.
Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Chaubey detailed the challenges faced by the firefighting team. As the fire was on an upper floor, personnel had to manually carry hoses up through the building's stairway to reach the affected flat. Their prompt action was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to other sections of the building.
Cause of the Fire and Extent of Damage
An initial investigation revealed the root cause of the fire. The domestic helper residing in the room had left the electric heater switched on before stepping out. The appliance subsequently overheated, igniting the fire. Fortunately, no one was present inside the flat at the time the fire started, averting a potential tragedy.
The flames, which began in the servant's quarters, quickly spread to adjoining rooms within the apartment. Firefighters arriving at the scene found that the blaze had already destroyed a considerable amount of furniture and other household items. The rapid containment efforts limited the damage primarily to the single affected unit.
Successful Evacuation and Aftermath
Ensuring the safety of residents was the top priority during the emergency. As a precautionary measure, occupants of nearby flats were evacuated from the building. Firemen actively assisted several people in exiting the structure safely, ensuring there were no injuries or casualties.
CFO Chaubey confirmed that the coordinated efforts of the fire brigade bore fruit, and the fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes of their arrival. The incident has once again highlighted the critical importance of electrical safety, especially during the winter months when the use of heating appliances rises. Authorities are likely to reiterate warnings about never leaving such devices unattended.
