Fire at Ballard Pier building

“The situation was tense on account of the building’s proximity to a petrol pump. Also,there was a lot of industrial flammable material in the old building,which resulted in the blaze spreading quickly. Timely intervention helped us control the situation,” said deputy chief fire officer P S Rahangdale.

“We noticed smoke from the air conditioner of the third floor office around 11 am. It was spreading fast. We immediately called the fire brigade,” said Vijay Deshpande who works in the neighbouring Bharat Bhavan building.

A senior NCB officer said the fire,which was brought under control by around 12.30 pm,did not cause major damage to the bureau’s property. “There was no loss or damage to confiscated drugs in the maalkhana,arms and ammunition and all case files safe,” the officer said.

According to Rahangdale,people vacated the structure before the fire brigade arrived. Twelve fire engines,six water tankers and special appliances were used to bring the fire under control. “These old heritage buildings were constructed before fire safety norms came into place. Owners of such buildings can opt for installing fire safety mechanisms but we cannot prosecute them if they don’t,” he said.