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They cost a bomb and the nouveau elite buy flats in these buildings which are status symbols too. But they are about as safe as a paint factory in a cheek to jowl slum pocket where a fiery inferno is just a spark away.

A major fire broke out on the 22nd floor of the 42 storey High-rise building RA Residency in Dadar (Mumbai), on Thursday, January 26. The fire-fighting system in the building was not functional that led to the worsening of the situation. Moreover, there was no fire warning system in the building. The incident once again emphasized the need for ensuring adequate fire safety and exigency measures in high rises.

The blaze erupted in a closed flat at around 8.30 pm according to authorities. Initially tagged as a level-2 fire (medium), I was later upgraded to level 4 (major). The fire was initially confined to an electric panel on the 22nd floor of the 42-storey building. A 90-metre high crane had to be deployed along with 16 fire engines to control the blaze.

The fire operation was held under the supervision of the Chief Fire Officer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), two Additional Chief Fire Officers and other senior officials. Four ambulances were also at the site