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Fire in under construction Malad high-rise takes 14 hours to douse

A fire that broke out in an under-construction high rise in Malad (East) late on Friday was followed by one of the longest fire fighting operations in the city in recent times. The building is part of a complex called Altamonte and is being constructed by Omkar Developers.

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The inferno that broke out at a 42-storey building was followed by one of the longest firefighting operations in the city in recent times
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A fire that broke out in an under-construction high rise in Malad (East) late on Friday was followed by one of the longest fire fighting operations in the city in recent times. The building is part of a complex called Altamonte and is being constructed by Omkar Developers.

What time did the fire break out?
According to the BMC ward officer, the fire broke out around midnight on the 37th floor of the building and spread to the topmost, that is the 42nd floor. The building, located near the Western Express Highway, is supposed to have 62 storeys once completed. Operations went on all night and Saturday morning. Finally, after 14 hours, the flames were finally doused at around 2.30 pm.

How did the fire dept respond?
According to the fire department, thirteen fire engines and six jumbo tankers were sent to the spot immediately.

Was anyone hurt?
No casualty or injuries were reported. According to sources, the building was empty at the time of the incident. Fire brigade officials also said that there was not much damage to property.

Why did it take so long to douse the flames?
Chief fire officer Sunil Nesarikar told dna that putting out the fire took a long time since the building was under construction and no fire fighting system had been installed in it. "One the construction of a high rise is completed, it is fitted with a proper fire safety system which is self-sufficient in controlling a fire. The fire brigade only plays an additional role in such cases. Since this high rise was under construction, no fire fighting equipment was installed in it. So the operation much longer," he said.
Another official said that the fire brigade doesn't have equipment to reach such a height.

What caused the fire?
Even though the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, there are speculations that a floating Chinese lantern could have led to it. "We are investigating to find the exact cause of the fire," Nesarikar said. They are also investigating what material could have caught fire and the possibility of any oil spill, since the building was almost empty since it was under construction.

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