Massive fire breaks out in Balmiki Basti slums in Delhi

A massive fire broke out in a cluster of slums behind Maulana Azad Medical College in the Balmiki Basti area of Takia Kale Khan in Delhi late on Monday night. The blaze quickly spread through the residential and storage structures, prompting a large-scale emergency response from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).

According to the Delhi Fire Service, information about the outbreak of the fire was first received at approximately 11:22 pm on Monday night. Following the receipt of this information, firefighting teams were immediately dispatched and rushed to the spot to combat the spreading flames.

Initially, seven to eight fire tenders were deployed to the site. However, as the intensity of the blaze increased, additional fire tenders had to be pressed into service, taking the total number of vehicles deployed at the scene to 24.

Speaking about the incident, Mukesh Verma, Divisional Officer (DO) of the Delhi Fire Service, confirmed that the fire has been completely brought under control by the teams.

Verma explained that the affected area included both residential slums and various storage facilities, noting that they observed plywood storage at the location. The presence of a large amount of wooden material and temporary structures caused the fire to spread rapidly across the area.

"At around 11.22 PM, our fire control room received information about a fire in some slums behind Maulana Azad Medical College," Verma said. "Seven to eight vehicles were immediately dispatched. However, as the intensity of the fire increased, the number of vehicles increased and currently, 24 vehicles are present at the scene. The fire has been completely brought under control."

Verma added that based on preliminary information, there was no report of any casualties from the site.

"Based on preliminary information, we have no information about any casualties," Verma said.