Days after a fire in a Hauz Khas residence claimed the life of a former bureaucrat, another blaze was reported from New Friends Colony in southeast Delhi on Sunday. Eight people, including two men, two women and four children, were rescued.
According to officials, the Delhi Fire Service received a call about a fire at a house in New Friends Colony around 3:39 pm. After getting information, a water bowser, a quick response vehicle and a backup fire tender were rushed to the spot.
The fire had broken out on the first floor of the house. Thick smoke engulfed building, making escape difficult for occupants stranded on the upper floors.
Simultaneously, a PCR call was received at New Friends Colony police station around 3:45 pm. A police team led by Station House Officer (SHO) Ugesh Kumar reached the spot and found flames engulfing a portion of the first floor. The smoke had completely blocked the central staircase, trapping residents on the upper floors.
Recognising the danger to life, Delhi Police personnel coordinated with firefighters and launched a rescue operation. Using specialised equipment and alternative access routes, the joint team successfully evacuated eight residents, including two men, two women and four children, from the upper floors of the building.
Fire officials said the blaze was brought under control by around 4:05 pm, preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties in the densely populated neighbourhood.
While no human casualties were reported, two pet dogs suffered severe smoke inhalation. Emergency resuscitation efforts were carried out at the scene, but one of the dogs died. The other was shifted to a nearby veterinary facility for treatment.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Further investigation is on.
