Ghaziabad: On Diwali night, the district witnessed 48 incidents of fire, both major and minor. In Sanjay Nagar, three shops caught fire, while flames broke out in slum areas and scrap material near New Hindon Vihar. Four fire engines were deployed to bring the situation under control. Additionally, a flat in Raj Nagar Extension also caught fire.
Near Lalkuan, a roadside kiosk was gutted, and firefighters rushed to Nehru Nagar after reports of a garbage heap catching fire. The most severe incident of the night occurred in Sanjay Nagar, where a fire broke out in a series of shops, including Mangalum Jewellers and Paradise Shoes, causing extensive damage.
The intensity of the blaze was such that about six two-wheelers parked in front of Mangalum Jewellers were completely burnt. Fortunately, since most shops were closed for Diwali, a major tragedy was averted. The fire at a scrap godown in New Hindon Vihar caused thick smoke to spread over a large area.
According to Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal, from 6 AM on Diwali morning to 6 AM on Tuesday, a total of 48 fire incidents were reported across the district. These included:
- 14 cases in flats and houses
- 7 in shops and showrooms
- 3 involving vehicles
- 5 in factories and warehouses
- 15 in garbage heaps
- 2 each in electricity meters, transformers, and water coolers
- 2 other miscellaneous incidents
Fire brigade vehicles were stationed at 14 strategic locations across the district to respond quickly. Reports also came in of fires at a factory in Ajanta Compound, Mohan Nagar, a plastic warehouse in Nandgram, and around six two-wheelers parked outside the Sanjay Nagar shops.
Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control, preventing further spread and potential loss of life.
