Ninth-floor apartment gutted in Surat fire

Surat: A fire broke out in a locked ninth-floor apartment of a residential high-rise in Surat’s Vesu area on Friday morning, prompting the evacuation of residents from upper floors, though no injuries or fatalities were reported.

The blaze was reported at Grand Altima, a 13-storey building, when around 11 residents were present in flats on the upper floors. Many were asleep and were alerted by teams from the Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES), who went door to door to wake residents and begin evacuations.

Firefighting and rescue operations were carried out simultaneously. Some residents were moved to the terrace as a precaution, while others were guided down the stairwell to safety. Firefighters reached the ninth floor via the stairs and began efforts to contain the flames, while another SFES team secured the upper floors to prevent panic.

The fire was brought under control in about two hours. A total of 10 fire engines were pressed into service and around 25 fire personnel took part in the operation. Cooling procedures continued to ensure the fire did not spread to adjoining flats or higher floors.

Officials said the affected apartment suffered extensive damage. “The entire flat was damaged in the fire. The residents were not present and the flat was locked,” an official said.

Neighbours told fire teams that the occupants of the flat had been out of station for the past few days. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and authorities said a detailed investigation will be conducted.