Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 6: A massive fire broke out at a shop in Delhi's Gaffar Market in the Karol Bagh area during the early hours of Friday, prompting authorities to deploy 22 fire tenders to the spot.
According to fire department officials, the blaze erupted at around 1.30 am at a shop located in Puri Plaza, Block 13. Additional water bowsers, lighting equipment and other emergency resources were also rushed to the location to bring the fire under control.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The extent of the damage and details of any possible casualties were also not immediately known as emergency teams continued their operations.
The incident marks the third major fire reported in Delhi within less than 24 hours amid the ongoing festive season.
On Thursday, a fire broke out at a factory in the Narela Industrial Area at around 9.05 am. The fire department deployed 10 fire tenders to control the blaze. No casualties were reported.
Another fire was reported at an institute on Mangal Bazar Road in East Delhi's Laxmi Nagar on Thursday morning. The fire broke out at around 5.50 am and was brought under control by 6.15 am. No injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood has announced plans to strengthen the city's fire safety infrastructure following the recent incidents.
He said the government would amend the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Rules to facilitate the engagement of qualified third-party auditors. The plan also includes empanelling auditors and architects from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) panel and providing them with specialised training to improve fire safety standards.
Sood said the government aims to establish a modern, rapid and fully equipped emergency response system across the national capital.
He also highlighted measures such as installing automatic sprinklers in existing commercial buildings, addressing fire risks in residential areas with high combustible loads, upgrading power grids and conducting door-to-door fire safety awareness drives.