The massive fire which broke out near the Aarey Colony forest in suburban Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday evening has been doused after a night-long operation by various agencies. The blaze which could be seen from a long distance triggered alarm bells ringing for fire department and other concerned departments as it threatened to engulf the residential area in the city's biggest green lung.
Winds coming from the hills aided the fire making the the job of firemen difficult. A total of 10 fire fighting engines, seven JTs, three Quick Response Vehicles were pressed into service. Apart from fire personnel, forest officers and Mumbai police personnel also helped in putting out the flames.
Mumbai's famous Film City occupies part of the colony, which is located off the Western Express Highway.
Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale said the Disaster Management Control Room was directed to inform all police stations surrounding the forest to prepare to evacuate tribal residents and cattle as and when the need arises.
The blaze started around 6:30 pm in an open plot near an IT Park along the General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg in the western suburb, located adjacent to the colony.
He said the fire started spreading towards residential areas such as New Mhada Colony near New Dindoshi Green Hill Society in Goregaon (East) towards night.
Aarey Colony, which is spread over 16 square km, includes 12 villages. Rahangdale said fire vehicles are unable to enter the forested area due to lack of access.
(With inputs from PTI)
Latest India News
