New Delhi, October 26 — A minor fire broke out at North Block, a historic administrative building on Raisina Hill in the national capital, on Monday morning, sending thick black smoke into the sky and triggering a rapid response from the Delhi Fire Services. The blaze was subsequently extinguished and no casualties were reported, according to official sources cited by IANS.

Source: IANS via Hi India

Delhi Fire Services officials said they received a call reporting smoke emanating from an unidentified location inside North Block, and six fire engines were dispatched to the spot to assess the situation and tackle the blaze, IANS reported. India Today, via News89, also reported the fire at the building, which houses the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.

Source: India Today via News89

Welding work was underway, police sources say

According to sources in the Delhi Police cited by IANS, welding work was underway when sparks from the operation reportedly ignited a nearby tank, triggering the fire. Officials said some internal dismantling work was also underway at the site when the incident occurred.

The incident drew attention on social media after Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora reported seeing smoke rising from behind the building while travelling to Parliament. "Noticed thick smoke rising from behind North Block while on my way to Parliament. It appears there may be a fire. Hope everyone is safe and emergency services are responding swiftly," Deora posted on X, according to IANS.

North Block, located on Raisina Hill, is one of the principal government buildings in the national capital and houses key offices of the Union government. Officials said the fire was minor and was brought under control, with no injuries reported.

Sources: IANS (via Hi India); India Today (via News89); NationPress national desk listing.