Mumbai: A massive fire broke out at the Khadakpada Furniture Market in Raheja Building of Goregaon East on Saturday. The fire, reported at 11:19 am by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), engulfed a large ground-floored structure spanning approximately 2,000 square metres.

The Level-III fire spread rapidly, consuming 5-6 units (galas) filled with highly flammable materials such as wooden furniture, plastic, thermocol and plywood. Visuals of the fire have surfaced on the internet showing terrifying visuals of the inferno.

Details On The Fire Incident

The fire was initially categorised as a Level-I incident at 11:18 am but quickly escalated to Level-II by 11:24 am and further to Level-III at 11:48 am due to its intensity. Flames and thick smoke engulfed the area, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation. Teams on-site deployed advanced equipment, including high-pressure water lines and hose lines, to control the blaze. Fire engines, water tankers and even a firefighting robot were pressed into service to tackle the inferno.

As of the latest updates, no injuries or casualties have been reported, though the fire has caused extensive damage to the furniture market. The intense heat and flammable materials in the affected galas posed major challenges for the firefighters, who worked tirelessly to contain the spread and prevent further damage. Nearby areas were secured and authorities have urged residents to avoid the vicinity while operations continue.

Fire At Mahakumbh Mela Earlier Today

Meanwhile, a fire broke out early Saturday morning in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, engulfing two parked vehicles near the main road leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela.

A Maruti Suzuki Ertiga was charred completely due to the blaze, while a Hyundai Venue car was burned partially. The exact cause of fire is yet to be determined, however, the authorities alleged that the blaze erupted due to excessive heat.

New Delhi, Jan 24: At least eight people were killed and seven others injured in a massive blast at an ordnance factory in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district on Friday.

The blast occurred around 10.30 a.m. at the factory in the district, said District Collector Sanjay Kolte. Rescue and medical staff were searching for survivors while firefighters were engaged in containing the situation.

Confirming the deaths in the incident, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Preliminary reports say that eight people had been killed and seven others were injured in the blast.” He said this while addressing a press Conference organised by the Association for Industrial Development in Nagpur. Halting the media event, the Minister paid condolences and offered a minute silence in respect.

“There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance factory Bhandara today morning. The rescue & medical teams are deployed for survivors and rescue is underway,” authorities have said in a statement.

District Collector Kolte said a roof collapsed and at least 12 people were under it during the explosion.

Five of them were rescued and an excavator was being used to remove the debris.

The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. A thick smoke was seen rising from the factory in a video captured from a distance.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known. An investigation is underway

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on X in Marathi, “There are reports that 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed in an ordnance factory explosion in Bhandara district. Five of them have been safely evacuated. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene and all kinds of assistance are being provided. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams have also been called for rescue operations and they will arrive soon. The district administration is involved in rescue operations in coordination with the defence forces. Teams have also been kept ready for medical assistance.”

California, Jan 23: A fast-moving brush fire erupted in Los Angeles County, expanding to 8,096 acres (32.76 square km) with zero containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

The blaze dubbed Hughes Fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday in the area of Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake, about 80 km northwest of downtown Los Angeles, the Cal Fire reported, noting it quickly grew to the size in less than 6 hours and had crossed the county line to the neighbouring Venture County.

Fueled by heavy and dry plants and pushed by gusting Santa Ana winds, the latest wildfire in Southern California spread rapidly, the local media said, adding approximately 19,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders.

Students from middle and elementary schools in the Castaic community were evacuated on Wednesday afternoon, and the Castaic Sports Complex was also under a mandatory evacuation order, which was used by firefighters as a command post.

The Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic evacuated 476 inmates to the nearby North County Correction Facility.

Los Angeles County has been inundated with deadly blazes this month. The Palisades and Eaton fires, the largest ones in the most populous county of the United States, have killed 28 people, sparked numerous mandatory evacuations, and destroyed thousands of structures.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles warned Wednesday afternoon that high winds were expected to continue in Southern California throughout the afternoon and overnight, further inhibiting firefighting efforts against the wildfires raging in the region.

“Winds will be elevated enough to cause explosive fire behaviour,” meteorologist Ariel Cohen said. “This is a very volatile situation, and everyone needs to be prepared.”

A total of 11 people were killed in the Palisades Fire while 17 died in the Eaton Fire amid mass devastation in both communities that has left many residents scrambling to find new homes.

They are now 68 per cent and 91 per cent contained, respectively, after more than two weeks of expansive firefighting efforts.

Robert Jensen of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urged everyone in the affected area of the new fire to evacuate immediately.

“We’ve seen the devastation caused by people failing to follow those orders in the Palisades and Eaton fires. I don’t want to see that here in our community as well. If you’ve been issued an evacuation order, please get out,” he said.

Police were seen driving through the neighbourhood, telling people to leave as the fire spread.

Footage showed helicopters and planes dropping water and retardant on the fire.

The fleet included two Super Scoopers, large amphibious planes that can carry hundreds of gallons (litres) of water.

Fire crews from Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest were also working on the ground to fight the blaze.

The exact cause of the fire is unclear, but it started during red flag conditions when strong winds and low humidity make it easier for fires to spread quickly.