Massive Blaze Erupts at Bhiwandi Chemical Godown: 1 Fire Officer Injured in Fierce Firefight
A massive fire broke out at a chemical godown in Bhiwandi, leaving one fire officer injured during the intense firefighting operation. Emergency teams are on-site battling the blaze
A major fire broke out at a godown storing chemicals along the Mumbai-Nashik highway in Maharashtra’s Thane district, officials said on Monday.
While no casualty was reported in the blaze which erupted around 9.45 pm on Sunday, a fire officer was injured after falling into a drain during the firefighting operation, they said.
Thick smoke from the burning chemicals triggered panic in the surrounding industrial area.
Efforts were still on to douse the blaze, the officials said.
The fire originated in the chemical storage unit located near Savad Naka in Lonad village of Bhiwandi town along the highway, Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation’s disaster management cell chief Saquib Kharbe said.
Several fire engines and private water tankers were pressed into service, he said.
There was no report of any casualty in the blaze so far. However, fire officer Nitin Lad sustained injuries after slipping and falling into a drain while wearing a fire suit during the operation and was immediately provided medical assistance, the official said.
Four fire engines — two from Kalyan and one each from Bhiwandi and Ulhasnagar — were rushed to the spot. Several fire personnel were at the spot and efforts were still on to douse the flames, Thane Municipal Corporation’s disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said.
The cause of the blaze was yet to be determined, he added.
A massive fire broke out at a chemical godown in Bhiwandi late Monday evening, causing widespread panic in the area. The intense blaze engulfed the warehouse within minutes, sending thick plumes of toxic smoke into the sky and prompting a swift response from emergency services.
According to officials, the fire was reported around 7:30 PM in the Purna area of Bhiwandi, which is known for its dense industrial and storage units. Over six fire engines were rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.
During the operation, one fire officer sustained injuries and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Firefighters battled the flames for several hours as the presence of highly flammable chemicals inside the warehouse made the operation extremely dangerous. Authorities have sealed off the surrounding area to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring structures.
A senior official from the fire department stated:
“The warehouse stored industrial-grade chemicals, which led to rapid escalation of the fire. We are investigating the cause of the incident, and cooling operations are ongoing.”
Fortunately, no civilian injuries or casualties have been reported so far. Residents in the vicinity were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started due to a short circuit or chemical reaction, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
Local police and disaster response teams are on high alert, ensuring public safety and managing traffic in the affected zones. Environmental agencies are also expected to assess the air quality in the region due to the chemical smoke released during the fire.
A devastating fire broke out at a chemical godown in the industrial hub of Bhiwandi, located on the outskirts of Mumbai, on Monday evening. The blaze triggered a massive emergency response, with fire officials working tirelessly through the night to bring the situation under control.
The incident occurred in the Purna area, a zone densely populated with warehouses, logistics hubs, and chemical storage units. At least six fire tenders, two water tankers, and one rescue van were deployed at the scene.
One fire officer sustained injuries while attempting to douse the flames from close range. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before the fire intensified. The injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently recovering. His condition has been described as stable but under observation.
Local residents praised the bravery of the fire personnel, many of whom entered the hazardous site without hesitation.
Bhiwandi is home to thousands of warehouses and industrial units, many of which store flammable chemicals and materials. The godown involved in this incident reportedly stored industrial solvents, cleaning agents, and flammable liquids, which caused the fire to spread rapidly and with high intensity.
Officials have raised concerns about fire safety violations in the area. A preliminary audit of nearby godowns is already underway to check for lapses in safety protocols.
Local police cordoned off the area, and power supply to nearby buildings was temporarily shut down to prevent further danger. The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) has also been alerted.
“It was a Level-2 fire when we reached, and within minutes it escalated due to the chemical stock inside. We are using foam-based extinguishers and advanced breathing gear to tackle the smoke and toxic fumes.”
Drones were also deployed to monitor the fire from above and help firefighters navigate through the smoke-filled structure.
As of now, no civilian injuries or fatalities have been reported. Residents in surrounding buildings were evacuated swiftly, which likely prevented further harm. However, several homes experienced minor smoke damage and were inspected by emergency personnel for air quality concerns.
Environmental experts have warned that the chemical smoke could pose short-term respiratory risks to people in nearby areas, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions.
Authorities have initiated a full-scale investigation into the cause of the fire. While a short circuit is suspected, the possibility of chemical mishandling or illegal storage practices is also being explored.
The owner of the godown is being questioned, and relevant licenses and documents are under review. If negligence is proven, legal action under the Factories Act and Fire Safety Regulations may follow.
