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 Kandivali: A late-night fire at a residential building in Mumbai’s Kandivali East briefly unsettled residents on Wednesday, after thick smoke spread through part of a housing complex in Lokhandwala Township. The incident, reported close to midnight, prompted an emergency response from fire services and local authorities, though officials later confirmed that no one was injured.

Fire Reported Close to Midnight

According to information shared by fire officials, the alert was received at approximately 11.34 pm on January 28. The fire was traced to a closed room located on the first floor of a ground-plus-seven-storey residential structure. Residents noticed heavy smoke pouring out from one of the flats, leading to concern and confusion within the building as the smell of smoke spread rapidly through common areas.

Residents Evacuate as Smoke Spreads

Although the flames were limited to a single room, the volume of smoke created a tense environment. Several occupants chose to step out of their homes as a precautionary measure, while others gathered in open areas of the complex. Witnesses said the situation escalated quickly, with visibility in parts of the building reduced due to smoke accumulation, heightening fears of the fire spreading further.

Emergency Teams Reach the Spot

Fire brigade units rushed to the scene soon after the call was logged, accompanied by local police personnel, an ambulance from the 108 emergency service, and civic ward staff. Firefighters began operations immediately upon arrival, focusing on containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby flats. Officials stated that the fire was brought under control within roughly 20 minutes.

Blaze Fully Doused Without Casualties

By 11.57 pm, firefighters had completely extinguished the fire. Authorities confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or loss of life. While some household items inside the affected room were damaged, the rest of the building remained structurally safe. Residents were allowed to return to their homes after safety checks were completed.

Allegations Over Obstructed Access

In the aftermath, some residents raised concerns about unauthorised autorickshaw parking within the residential complex. They alleged that vehicles parked in internal lanes slowed the entry of fire engines, potentially delaying firefighting efforts. According to residents, complaints regarding illegal parking had been made earlier, but no lasting action had followed. Officials have not yet commented on whether access issues affected response time.

Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation

The exact reason behind the Kandivali fire has not yet been determined. Fire officials said an investigation would be carried out to identify the cause, including whether it resulted from an electrical fault or another source. Such inquiries are standard procedure, particularly in residential buildings, to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Chembur Camp Fire Raises Similar Concerns

The Kandivali incident follows another fire reported earlier this month in the Chembur Camp area of Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. On January 22, a fire broke out in a flat during the evening hours, triggering alarm in the densely populated locality. Fire engines were dispatched promptly after the alert was received.

Video Footage Circulates Online

A video shared widely on social media showed flames engulfing the Chembur flat as firefighters arrived and began efforts to control the blaze. The visuals added to the anxiety among nearby residents, many of whom gathered outside their homes while emergency teams worked at the site. Despite the dramatic scenes, initial reports confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded in that case either.

Focus on Safety and Preparedness

Both incidents have renewed attention on fire safety in residential areas, particularly in high-density neighbourhoods. Authorities continue to urge housing societies to keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and ensure that basic fire safety measures are in place.