A massive fire broke out on a hill in Aarey Colony on Monday evening, spreading across three to four kilometres. No casualty was reported, but the fire brigade faced challenges accessing the top of the hill.
The fire brigade was alerted of a blaze near an IT park opposite Gokuldham Society around 6.21 p.m. By 8 p.m., the blaze had been declared a Level III (major) fire. Ten fire engines, seven tankers and three quick response vehicles were deployed.
The fire had sparked fears of flames spreading through the forest, and the Disaster Management Control Room (DMCR) was asked to intimate surrounding police stations to evacuate Adivasis from the area.
Doused with beaters
Chief fire officer P.S. Rahangdale said, “All visible flames have been put out using fire beaters (branches used to create a break), but splinters of big trees on fire are still smouldering. Four fire appliances and a jumbo tanker will be on standby till morning.” Fire beaters were used since access was difficult for firefighting equipment. In such forest fires, uphill wind causes flames to spread rapidly, he said.
Earlier in the evening, firefighters found it difficult to carry out operations. Divisional fire officer A. Ambulgekar said, “We went as far as we could, beyond which there are no roads. Vehicles cannot go inside. As of now, there are no reports of any human settlement inside.”
The fire brigade also took help of forest security and volunteers with 100 beaters through the DMCR.
Rajaram Vhanmane, senior inspector, Dindoshi police station, said, “This area is at the east of Kurar, Dindoshi and Aarey police station. As far as we know, there is no habitation inside, but if there is any tribe living there, it will only be known to the Forest Department.”
Aarey CEO Nathu Rathod said the site was not on their land. “We will have to ascertain who it belongs to.”
