Heritage on fire at Naval Dockyard

It was a lucky escape for more than 100 Navy officers,who had left after the last shift just before the fire broke out. More than 300-400 naval officers of various ranks work in the building in shifts.

“Usually,the last shift at the administrative building — which houses Admiral Superintendent departments — ends at 4.30 pm. Not many people were in the building when the fire broke out,” said Ganesh Mahprolkar,a contract worker at the fabrication department of the dockyard.

“The fire broke out due to a short circuit in the building,but there were no casualties or injuries. We do not suspect any foul play. The fire spread quickly due to the wooden interiors. Most of the documents were destroyed,” said Narendra Vispute,Defence PRO.

More than 16 fire engines and eight water tankers were sent by the Fire Brigade and a fireman suffered minor injuries,officials said.

‘Fire Brigade response poor’

While officials said prompt action was taken as soon as the fire was noticed,onlookers and bystanders claimed otherwise. Govind Mehta (56),who stays in a heritage building opposite the Lion Gate,said he and residents of the neighbouring building tried calling the Fire Brigade around 4.30 pm but received poor response. “I kept calling the Fire Brigade as soon as I saw smoke coming out of the building,but either they would not respond or disconnect the call. If they would have responded on time,the fire would not have spread,” said Mehta. According to officials at the Disaster Control Room,the Fire Brigade received the call around 5.20 pm.