September 6, 2024: The fire at the Times Tower building, Kamala Mills has raised concerns regarding the safety measures in this location. Sandeep Deshpande, a leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) highlighted that this marks the third fire incident at Kamala Mills Compound within five years, yet no fire audit report has been produced for the building.
The fire started at 6:30 AM, leading to the immediate deployment of nine fire tenders to combat the flames. A significant concern during this incident was the fire’s origin at the ACP Panel (Aluminium Composite Panel), which is not fire-retardant and begins to melt upon exposure to flames. This complicates safe and swift evacuation, as it increases smoke density, a situation that was evident during the fire at the Times Tower Building.
As per a media statement, fire officer on the spot stated, “While the fire is now under control, it posed significant risks. Fortunately, there have been no casualties, but we are assessing for any injuries. Our rescue efforts were hampered by smoke and ventilation issues, yet our personnel managed to enter the building equipped with breathing apparatus.”
Firefighters reported that the smoke density was so severe that it affected the surrounding area, creating challenges for residents in nearby buildings. Fire officials are currently investigating the fire audit.
Over the past three years, both experts and government officials have called for timely fire audits. The safety of individuals cannot be compromised, especially in high-rise buildings.
During the monsoon assembly session, Eknath Shinde, chief minister, Maharashtra revealed that Mumbai experienced approximately 13,000 fire incidents over the last three years, resulting in 65 fatalities. He underscored the urgent need for the installation of fire evacuation lifts in buildings exceeding 70 meters in height.
Deepak Monga, a fire safety and evacuation expert highlighted that it is monsoon time when rescue mission becomes more dangerous. The heavy rain and high wind velocity compromise the stability of cranes, making it increasingly difficult to ascend ladders, which in turn delays rescue efforts. The recent fire incident at the Times Tower Building underscored the urgent necessity for the implementation of rescue lifts, such as the Fire Evacuation Lift, in high-rise structures to facilitate quicker and safer evacuations. The energy department has outlined the required specifications in their circular dated July 20, 2022. They have now proposed the inclusion of explicit specifications for Fire Lifts and Fire Evacuation Lifts in the Maharashtra Lift, Escalators, and Moving Walkways Act of 2017. The establishment of this act will save numerous lives and protect significant assets.”
Presently, more than 60 fire evacuation lifts have been installed by the responsible builders in Mumbai. Furthermore, there are over 120 additional orders underway for the installation of fire evacuation lifts.
In 2024, Mumbai saw 3,197 fire incidents within seven months, resulting in eight fatalities and 112 injuries. During the rescue operations, five fire personnel sustained injuries. This marks a 2.3% increase compared to the 3,125 incidents recorded during the same timeframe last year.
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