Pune: A massive fire broke out on Taljai Hill near Waghjai Temple on Saturday (8th) around 3 PM, burning approximately one hectare of grassland and damaging multiple trees. After nearly three hours of rigorous efforts, the Pune Fire Brigade Department and Forest Department personnel successfully brought the blaze under control.

Fire incidents have been occurring frequently in this area, raising concerns among residents and environmental activists. Upon receiving the alert, firefighters from Gangadham and Katraj fire stations rushed to the spot with two water tankers and two fire tenders.

The firefighting operation was led by Gangadham fire station officer Rahul Nalawade and Katraj fire station officer Sachin Shinde, along with firemen Jitendra Kumbhar, Atul Khopde, Sainath Pawar, Adinath Khedekar, Ganesh Mate, and Nilesh Kadam.

Locals reported that a young man was allegedly responsible for setting the fire. Although nearby residents attempted to apprehend him, he managed to flee the scene. Several citizens who regularly visit the hill also assisted in dousing the flames before the fire department arrived.

Following this incident, locals have urged the Forest Department to increase security on Taljai Hill to prevent such occurrences. They have also demanded strict legal action against those responsible for starting fires, either intentionally or negligently.

A case has been registered against an unidentified person, and officials are actively investigating the matter. "Necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future," said Manoj Barbole, Forest Range Officer