Delhi: Fire breaks out in slum, brought under control

A fire broke out in a slum cluster in Delhi’s Rohini area, engulfing about 20 huts and a scrap godown, early on Friday, a Delhi Fire Services official said.

There were no reports of any casualties.

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“The blaze erupted around 6:23 am and engulfed about 20 huts and a scrap godown spread across a 2,000-square yard-plot,” the official said.

Twelve water tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was brought under control by 7:25 am. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he added.

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At least 80 families were left homeless after a fire swept through shanties in Outer Delhi’s Shahbad Dairy on 6 February. Authorities received an emergency call about the blaze at 4:52 pm, prompting the deployment of 10 fire tenders and 60 firefighters.

According to the fire department, 80 shanties were destroyed, and it took nearly four hours to bring the fire under control. Officials are investigating the cause of the incident. A video from the scene captured thick black smoke billowing from the area.

Delhi Fire Services (DFS) highlighted that the materials used in JJ clusters are highly flammable, releasing toxic gases when ignited. Many residents store waste rags, chemicals, plastic, and PVC, which contribute to the rapid spread of fires. The congested layout of these settlements, combined with strong winds, often worsens the situation. Officials noted that factors such as cylinder leaks, open flames near shanties, and short circuits frequently lead to such disasters.