Two days after Dallupura blaze, residual fire sends tenders back; firefighters recount battle through heat, smoke

Fire tenders were sent back to a large godown in Dallupura in East Delhi on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) after residual fire and smoke were reported at the premises, two days after a major blaze broke out there.The blaze broke out on Sunday in a warehouse spread over about 1,000 square yards and storing plywood and PVC material. More than 100 people were evacuated from an adjoining three-storey residential building, which stood barely a foot from the warehouse, as thick black smoke spread across the surrounding areas.“Pockets of heat can remain trapped in the material and may lead to small fires or self-ignition until the tin sheets and burnt material are removed,” said Deputy Chief Fire Officer M.K. Chattopadhyay. Firefighting operations at the premises had continued until Monday evening.The Fire department’s preliminary investigation has pointed to a suspected short circuit as the cause of the blaze.The incident has also highlighted the difficult conditions in which firefighters battled the fire at the warehouse. Mr. Chattopadhyay said the godown, measuring about 250 feet by 80 feet, was covered with tin sheets and contained plywood, PVC material, electrical panels, cardboard and other inflammable material.Despite its size, the facility had only one entrance, he said. The narrow road separating it from the traffic and the Metro corridor further complicated firefighting operations.Three tin sheds or portions of the roof collapsed during the operation, narrowly missing firefighters and obstructing the movement of personnel and the flow of water, Mr. Chattopadhyay said.Inside blaze“There was only one entry and we all had one approach — from the front,” said Station Officer Sunil Kumar Sagar of the Mandawali fire station, who was among the first firefighters to reach the spot.Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Sagar recalled entering the godown as firefighters tried to prevent the flames from reaching material stored towards the front and spreading to neighbouring godowns.“I could see the fire from the large entrance, but unless I went five to 10 feet inside, the fire could not be brought under control. So I decided to enter the premises,” he said.“There was less smoke towards the lower side, and I thought I could go in and deal with the fire below but the heat was very intense and that triggered breathing issues,” he said.Firefighters were equipped with breathing apparatus and helmets fitted with protective visors. However, the intense heat inside the godown and thick black smoke from the burning PVC and plywood made the operation difficult.Mr. Sagar said he soon found it difficult to breathe and stepped outside. His breathing did not normalise even after he came out. He was taken to hospital, where he was put on oxygen for around two-and-a-half to three hours before his condition improved.The 34-year veteran said such risks were an inherent part of firefighting. “This is our everyday life. These challenges are common for us,” he said.Given the size of the warehouse, firefighters concentrated on containing the fire from the front, while additional vehicles were positioned on the left side to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining godowns.Mr. Sagar said firefighters first assess hazards such as a possible cylinder or compressor blast, or the risk of a wall or building collapse, before entering a burning structure. However, containing a major fire ultimately requires personnel to enter the affected premises.“Until we go inside, the fire won’t be contained. Without risk, it can’t happen,” he said.Safety gapsThe scale and layout of the Dallupura godown added to the risks, according to fire officials. Mr. Chattopadhyay said no fire-safety equipment was found inside the facility. Firefighters also encountered sparking from hanging wires during the operation.“Who is allowing such facilities to operate?” he questioned.The blaze generated a massive cloud of black smoke that spread across New Ashok Nagar, Vasundhara Enclave and surrounding areas.Further investigation into the case is under way.