Pune l
A devastating fire broke out early this morning in Mhalunge, a settlement that houses many laborers, completely destroying 18 homes. Thankfully, there were no casualties, and all the residents managed to escape without injuries.
What Happened:
The fire started around 3:00 AM, spreading quickly through the area and destroying the homes made mostly of easily flammable materials. When the flames erupted, the laborers were fast to react, evacuating the area just in time. Firefighters from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) arrived promptly and managed to bring the fire under control within a few hours, preventing it from spreading further.
The Aftermath:
While no lives were lost, the affected families have lost their homes and belongings. Local authorities, along with several NGOs, have stepped in to help, providing the laborers with temporary shelters, food, and medical assistance. The fire has brought attention to the need for better housing and fire safety measures in such areas, where families often live in conditions that make them more vulnerable to such disasters.
A Growing Concern:
This is not the first time Pune has seen such incidents. A few weeks ago, a similar fire broke out on NIBM Road in a multi-story building when a two-wheeler caught fire. Thankfully, no one was injured. Earlier last year, a fire destroyed a scrap shop in Chikhali and another one in Kudalwadi. While no fatalities occurred in those incidents either, they highlighted the importance of stricter fire safety measures across the city.
What’s Being Done:
To prevent more fires like this in the future, the Pune Municipal Corporation is focusing on improving fire safety awareness and conducting inspections of high-risk areas. Residents are being urged to stay alert and report any fire hazards they notice to ensure the safety of the community.
The Mhalunge fire serves as a reminder to all Punekars of the importance of fire safety. It’s crucial that we continue to work together to ensure that everyone, especially those in vulnerable settlements, is protected from such tragedies.
