Pune: A potential fire tragedy was narrowly avoided in Dahanukar Colony on Thursday afternoon, thanks to the vigilance and quick action of sanitation workers from the local health post. A fire that erupted on a nearby hill was brought under control before it could endanger homes in the vicinity.
The incident took place near Lane No. 20 in Ward No. 12, under the jurisdiction of the Kothrud-Bavdhan Regional Office. According to reports, an elderly man from a nearby society was burning paper waste by the roadside. The flames unintentionally spread to dry grass on the adjoining hill slope, quickly escalating into a large fire.
Sanitation workers Paresh Kuchekar, Kunal Jadhav, and Pravin Kamble noticed the fire and promptly took action. They identified the source of the blaze and alerted Health Inspector Karan Kumbhar and supervisor Vaijnath Gaikwad. The matter was then reported to the Laxmi Nagar Police Chowki and the fire brigade was immediately contacted.
Thanks to their prompt response, the fire did not reach the densely populated Laxmi Nagar residential area. Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly and successfully doused the flames, preventing a potentially devastating situation.
Residents of the area expressed deep appreciation for the swift efforts of both the Pune Fire Brigade and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) staff.
As a consequence of the irresponsible burning of waste, the individual responsible was fined ₹5,000. The fine was issued under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Sandeep Kadam, Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner Avinash Sapkal, and Assistant Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nayak. The enforcement was led by Senior Health Inspector Ram Sonawane.
PMC officials have also issued a stern warning against any future incidents of open waste burning. The incident underscores the importance of community awareness and highlights the crucial role sanitation workers play in public safety.
