Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire brigade managed to control the massive blaze at the scrap warehouses in Kudalwadi, Chikhali, however, the landowner is yet to be identified. Further action against the landowner will be initiated by the civic authorities.

PCMC fire brigade, along with 20 fire engines and assistance from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), PMRDA, Tata Motors, and private tankers, brought the fire under control. However, the smoldering debris necessitated ongoing water spraying operations at the site.

The fire engulfed over four acres, reducing more than 50 warehouses to ashes. These warehouses stored various types of scrap materials, including plastic, wood, rubber, tires, fiber, and chemicals. The loss is expected to be significant, although the exact damages are yet to be assessed.

Deputy Commissioner Manoj Lonkar revealed that all the affected warehouses were unauthorized. He assured that no unauthorized structures would be allowed to come up on the burnt land in the future.

The fire department is currently investigating the ownership of the land, and necessary action will be initiated once the landowner is identified.

This incident highlights the risks posed by unregulated and unauthorized storage facilities, especially those housing flammable materials.

Fires in Chikhali are a recurring problem due to the high number of unregulated scrap warehouses. Citizens and activists have urged the Municipal Corporation to take decisive action and implement permanent solutions to prevent such incidents.