Cause of Goregaon forest doubtful, trespassing by unauthorised cannot be ruled out: Mumbai Fire Brigade

Though the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) could not ascertain the exact cause of the fire that broke out in Goregaon area during the first week of December, it suspects trespassing to be one of the causes.

A report submitted by the MFB suggested trespassing by unauthorised person in the fire area. The fire officials had found bottles, half burnt tyre and plastics at the fire site.

A massive fire had broken out at around 6.21 pm on December 3 in the forest area behind New MHADA Colony in Goregaon east. Within a short period of time, the fire quickly spread to an estimated three kilometres in the forest, which is considered to be the biggest green lung in the metropolis.

As per the report, after examining the circumstantial evidence and statements of eyewitnesses, the cause of the blaze could not be established. Now, the city police will take up investigation of the case.

The report also pointed out that despite the intensity of the fire, there were some areas that were untouched which indicates the possibility of suspicious activity in the area.

Since 2007, 27 level I fire incidents had been reported at the same place.

THE BLAZE

A massive fire erupted in the thick forests of Aarey Colony in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park precincts on December 3. The blaze was noticed on one of the forested hills in Habalpada, near the Film City, and it quickly spread to an estimated 3 km area near Goregaon.