A fire broke out in an apartment on the 22nd floor of the Kakkad La Vida residential high-rise in Balewadi, Pune, on Saturday afternoon, prompting a response from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Baner fire brigade. The blaze sent thick smoke and flames out of the building and caused concern in the surrounding area, while officials said the fire had been largely brought under control.
The fire was reported at around 4.30 pm in the B Wing of the Kakkad La Vida building near Laxmi Mata Temple in Balewadi. Smoke could be seen emerging from the upper floor, drawing the attention of residents and people in the surrounding area.
According to the report, the apartment belonged to Dr Abhaya Natore, who was away when the fire started. The flames intensified within a short period and began spreading through the flat, with smoke and fire visible from the floor. The absence of people from the apartment helped avert a major loss of life, the report said.
After receiving information about the incident, personnel from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Baner fire station reached the building and began efforts to control the fire. Firefighters faced difficulty because the blaze was located on a high floor of the residential tower.
Shivaji Memane, a centre officer with the Baner fire department, said the fire had been brought largely under control. The report did not provide details of any injuries or confirm whether residents of other apartments had been evacuated.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. The extent of the financial loss was also unavailable at the time of the report. Officials are expected to assess the damage after the fire is completely extinguished and the affected apartment and building area are inspected.
