A major fire broke out at a warehouse and later engulfed several adjacent godowns in Bhiwandi in the early hours of Monday. Fire officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in connection with the incident.
The fire occurred at the Richland Compound in Vadpe village, Bhiwandi, around 3 AM on Monday.
Officials from the Bhiwandi Fire Station said they received information about the fire and dispatched two fire engines to the spot. Additionally, two fire tenders from Kalyan were deployed to help extinguish the flames. "The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The fire was brought under control within eight hours, and cooling operations are still ongoing," a fire official stated.
According to the fire department and Bhiwandi Taluka Police, the fire initially broke out in one of the warehouses. A total of five to six warehouses, including KK India Pvt Ltd and a godown storing event management items, were affected.
Chemicals, printing machines, electronic gadgets, protein products, clothes, cosmetic items, and shoes stored in the various godowns were completely destroyed in the fire.
Police Sub-Inspector Murbad of Bhiwandi Taluka said he was on duty in the Vadpe beat when he learned about the warehouse fire. He promptly alerted fire officials.
Fire officials mentioned that multiple godowns were housed within the compound. “After the cooling operation is completed, a panchnama will be conducted, following which the cause of the fire will be determined,” an official said.
Local activists estimate that goods worth several crores were destroyed in the blaze.
One activist pointed out the need for a dedicated fire station in the warehouse zone to ensure a quicker response during such emergencies. "Due to the delay in the arrival of fire engines, the fire spread across the entire warehouse. Moreover, a water tanker had to be called in due to a shortage of water at the site," he added.
