Pune: A devastating fire broke out on Sunday evening at Lakshmi Chowk in Moshi, gutting ten shops and resulting in damages worth several lakhs of rupees. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
The fire reportedly started around 5 p.m. in one of the tin-shed shops and quickly spread to neighbouring establishments due to strong winds. The affected shops included a mattress manufacturing unit, a religious goods store, a bicycle shop, a glass outlet, a grocery shop, and a paint store. Along with property and goods, a significant amount of cash stored in one of the shops was also destroyed.
Upon being alerted, fire tenders from all eight stations under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the location. Two private water tankers also joined the firefighting efforts. It took approximately two and a half hours to douse the flames and bring the situation under control.
Timely intervention by the fire brigade prevented a larger disaster, especially after flammable chemicals in the paint store were secured before they could ignite. However, dense smoke filled the area, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The incident has raised concerns among local traders about fire safety measures in congested market areas.
