NCB files destroyed in SoBo fire
A major fire broke out on the third floor of Exchange Building in Ballard Estate on Wednesday morning. While no casualty was reported, hundreds of important files of the Narcotics Control Bureau office, located on the floor, were burnt down.
According to fire brigade officials, the fire broke out at around 11 am and the entire third floor measuring around 2,000 square feet was gutted down. The staff was alerted immediately and asked to evacuate the building. When we reached the spot, the building was already vacated, said a fire official.
However, the office documents, computers, furniture, AC machines in the Narcotics Control Bureau office were completely destroyed in the fire, which was brought under control by firemen after three hours.
The cause of the fire is still not known. The investigation is on, said a fire official. However, fire officials said that the fire equipment in the building was not functional when the fire broke out.
“We have not yet received any information about faults in the fire-fighting system in the building. We will conduct an inquiry into this,” said Suhas Joshi, chief fire officer.
However, a source from the fire brigade said, “The cause of fire could have been a short circuit from the air-conditioners. It is possible that moisture from the AC percolated into the electrical wire and caused the short-circuit. Occupants of the building started exiting when they were alerted about the fire.” Twelve fire tenders, six water tankers, and three ladders were used in the fire control exercise.
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