Mumbai: A major fire broke out on Sunday night at a garage in Haji Kasam Chawl on Dr Maheshwari Road in the Dongri area of Mumbai. The Mumbai Fire Brigade received the call at about 9.58 pm and the blaze, initially treated as a Level-I fire, was upgraded to a Level-II emergency by about 10.10 pm as flames spread beyond the garage.

Source: Times Now via Inshorts

The fire spread to several nearby shops and commercial units in the densely packed chawl, causing extensive damage, according to local reporting from the spot. Firefighters worked through the night to keep the flames from reaching the residential parts of the building and to prevent further damage.

Source: South Matters

Along with fire brigade crews, Mumbai Police personnel, BEST staff, ward officials and a 108 ambulance were deployed for the dousing and safety operation, The Hindu reported. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Source: The Hindu via The Indian Messenger

MLA raises delay allegation; cause not yet known

Local MLA Amin Patel, who reached the spot, raised concerns alleging a delay of about 45 to 50 minutes in the fire brigade's arrival, inadequate firefighting equipment, problems with water refilling arrangements and a delayed escalation of the fire call. These are the MLA's allegations; the fire brigade has not, in the reports available so far, given its response to them, and the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially established.

The Dongri blaze came on a night when Mumbai's fire services were already stretched by Diwali celebrations. Mumbai recorded 89 fire incidents over two days of Diwali, with 28 of them reportedly linked to firecrackers, according to a citywide round-up of the festival period.

Source: South Matters

Officials said a fuller assessment of the damage to the garage and the affected shops, and the findings on how the fire started, are awaited.