Major fire at company on Lohegaon-Wagholi road; no loss of life

Pune: A major fire broke out at a company in the Trimurti Lawns area on Lohegaon-Wagholi road around 1pm on Wednesday. There was no loss of life, as employees of the company and others nearby were shifted to safety after the flames erupted, said a statement issued by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
The fire brigade department of PMRDA brought the fire under control with the help of seven fire engines. A large amount of oil, grease and other flammable materials were stored on the company premises, due to which the intensity of the fire increased and damaged the neighbouring furniture mall. The flames further spread to the furniture and two gas cylinders in the mall, increasing the risk in the vicinity. "Our team immediately rushed to the spot as soon as we received information about the fire. The blaze was spreading rapidly due to oil and flammable materials; however, timely intervention saved the neighbouring settlements and averted major damage," said Devendra Potphode, chief fire officer, PMRDA. Initially, two engines from Wagholi fire station reached the spot within a few minutes. Considering the severity of the fire, five additional engines of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) were also called for help. Firefighters sprayed water and foam on the fire to extinguish it. As of Wednesday night, the fire department had not ascertained the exact cause of the blaze. The incident caused a huge financial loss, and an investigation by the police and fire department is underway into the incident.