30 December,2025 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The fire initially started in one room, officials said. Pic/Ashish Raje
A massive fire broke out in a residential chawl at Reti Bander Road in Sewri area of Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon, officials said, adding that multiple cylinder blasts were reported and a firefighting operation was launched.
According to the officials, the incident was reported at around 3.15 pm on December 30, officials said.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire was declared a Level I incident at 3.13 pm which was upgraded to a Level II fire at 3:31 pm.
"The Mumbai Fire Brigade has dispatched eight fire engines, ten water tankers, two Assistant Divisional Fire Officers, one Divisional Fire Officer, along with fire crew," an official said, adding that the blaze was covered at 4:34 pm.
The fire initially started in one room, reportedly due to a short circuit. Later, a gas cylinder blast caused the fire to spread to four to five additional rooms in the chawl.
Officials stated that at least four cylinders exploded during the incident, which increased the intensity of the fire.
The information was shared by the Senior Police Inspector of Sewri Police Station during an update at 3.25 pm, said an official.
Firefighters worked to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
Several agencies were mobilised immediately, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, BMC ward staff, 108 ambulance services, and the BEST Electricity Distribution Company. Electricity supply in the area was managed as a safety measure.
So far no injuries have been reported in the incident and an operation to control the blaze is underway.
Further details are awaited.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued fire safety guidelines for citizens and establishments ahead of New Year 2026 celebrations.
The blaze that started at the first-floor bar Mojo Bistro in Kamala Mills at central Mumbai had claimed the lives of 14 people.
With parties, events, and programmes planned across the city, the civic officials emphasised on the importance of fire vigilance to prevent accidents and loss of life.
The BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade have advised all event organisers and establishment owners to-
- Ensure fire safety equipment like alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and risers are functional.
- Keep emergency exits unobstructed and doors unlocked.
- Install clear directional signboards for evacuation.
- Inspect gas connections and electrical systems, particularly in kitchens.
- Avoid storing excess LPG cylinders.
- Ensure premises are not overcrowded beyond permitted capacity.
- Strictly prohibit firecrackers, fireworks, fire games, smoking, and hookah.
- Use fire-retardant materials for decoration and avoid combustible materials.
- Follow all measures prescribed under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.
The BMC has also urged citizens to avoid overcrowding at event venues, the Mumbai civic body stated that the citizens must -
- Familiarise themselves with emergency exits and escape routes.
- Ensure that establishments comply with fire safety norms.
- Refrain from fireworks, decorative pyrotechnics, fire games, smoking or hookah at venues.
