Car Catches Fire Near Shivajinagar’s Shimla Office; Swift Action by Pune Fire Brigade Prevents Major Mishap
PUNE – A routine Saturday night drive turned into a narrow escape for a motorist after a Maruti car went up in flames near the busy Shimla Office Chowk in Shivajinagar. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night, triggered a rapid response from the Pune Fire Brigade, who managed to douse the blaze before it could spread to nearby vehicles.
Dramatic Scenes Near IMD Office
The fire broke out between 9:50 PM and 10:30 PM on February 7, just as the vehicle was navigating the turn near the Shimla Office (IMD) Chowk. Onlookers first noticed thick smoke billowing from the engine bay and alerted the driver.
Local police personnel stationed nearby immediately jumped into action, helping the driver pull the car to the roadside. While citizens initially attempted to extinguish the fire using mud and sand, the flames intensified rapidly, engulfing the front portion of the car.
Pune Fire Brigade’s 20-Second Intervention
Upon receiving the emergency call, a team from the Pune Fire Brigade, led by Fire Officer Kamlesh Chaudhary, rushed to the spot. The firemen, including Sanjay Gaikwad, Ubed Sheikh, Samit Dalvi, Prasad Nanekar, Atish Naiknaware, and Mayur Chavan, executed a swift operation.
“Our team reached the location promptly and managed to bring the fire under control within 20 to 25 seconds of arrival,” stated a Fire Brigade official.
#WATCH | Car Catches Fire At Vedhshala Chowk, Major Mishap Averted In #Pune#PuneNews #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/Qx0uNOGghn
— Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) February 8, 2026
Damage Assessment and Safety Concerns
While no injuries were reported, the vehicle sustained significant damage. The fire completely gutted the front engine compartment, wiring, bonnet, coolant system, and the front left tyre.
Investigation into the cause is ongoing, though preliminary observations point toward a potential short circuit in the engine wiring. Notably, the vehicle owner, a resident of Baramati, informed officials that the car’s insurance had recently expired, adding a financial blow to the unfortunate incident.
Essential Car Fire Safety Tips for Pune Motorists
With vehicle fire incidents occasionally reported in the city’s heavy traffic zones, experts urge motorists to follow strict maintenance protocols:
- Regular Wiring Checks: Ensure there are no loose or frayed wires, especially if aftermarket accessories are installed.
- Coolant Levels: Always maintain optimum coolant levels to prevent engine overheating.
- Fire Extinguishers: Keeping a small, portable fire extinguisher in the car can prevent minor sparks from turning into full-scale blazes.
- Immediate Exit: If you smell smoke or burning plastic, pull over immediately and evacuate all passengers.
