Massive Fire Erupts at Rajya Sabha MPs’ Residences in Delhi’s North Avenue

A major fire broke out at the official government flats allotted to Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) in Delhi’s North Avenue area, sparking panic and an immediate large-scale rescue operation. The incident, which took place late on Friday evening, sent shockwaves through the national capital’s administrative zone, where many high-ranking government officials and lawmakers reside. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, though the fire caused significant property damage and raised serious questions about safety preparedness in one of the most secure residential zones of the city.

The Incident: How It Started

According to officials from the Delhi Fire Service, the control room received a call about the fire around 9:10 p.m. The fire had started on the upper floors of one of the multi-storey buildings that house Rajya Sabha MPs. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly, fueled by the presence of wooden furnishings, curtains, and electrical wiring typical of government quarters.

Residents in the nearby flats reported seeing smoke billowing from the windows before hearing sirens as emergency vehicles rushed to the spot. Several MPs, staff members, and families residing in the area were immediately evacuated as the fire intensified. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick black smoke filling the air and firefighters struggling to gain access to the affected upper floors.

Swift Response by Firefighters

The Delhi Fire Service dispatched more than 18 fire tenders to the location. Firefighters worked for hours to bring the blaze under control, with operations continuing late into the night. The quick response prevented the flames from spreading to adjacent buildings.

According to an official statement, firefighters faced challenges due to narrow lanes and parked vehicles that initially obstructed the entry of large fire engines. However, once access was secured, teams used high-pressure hoses and water cannons to contain the blaze. Nearby water hydrants were activated to ensure a steady supply of water throughout the operation.

Delhi Fire Service Director Atul Garg later confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. He praised the coordination between fire officials, Delhi Police, and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which manages these government quarters.

Evacuation and Rescue Operations

As soon as the fire alarm was raised, security personnel and staff in the area initiated evacuation protocols. Several MPs and their families were escorted to safety. Some elderly residents and domestic workers reportedly had to be carried down staircases due to thick smoke and reduced visibility.

A few individuals suffered minor smoke inhalation and were taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for precautionary medical checks. Ambulances were stationed on-site throughout the operation.

Delhi Police sealed off the area and diverted traffic to allow emergency vehicles to move freely. Senior officials from the Fire Department, CPWD, and Parliament Security Services supervised the rescue efforts directly from the spot.

Damage Assessment

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire caused extensive damage to furniture, electrical appliances, and official documents stored in some of the flats. Walls and ceilings were charred, and several rooms were completely gutted. While no structural collapse occurred, engineers from the CPWD have been asked to conduct a detailed inspection to assess the safety of the affected building before allowing residents to return.

One flat, believed to belong to a senior Rajya Sabha MP, suffered severe interior damage. Personal items, official files, and furniture were reportedly destroyed. Authorities have sealed off the unit for forensic examination to determine the cause of the fire.

Suspected Cause of the Fire

Initial investigations point to a possible electrical short circuit as the cause of the fire. According to fire officials, the wiring in many of these government flats is decades old and prone to overload, especially when multiple air conditioners, heaters, and appliances are used simultaneously.

However, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been asked to examine electrical panels and burnt debris to rule out other possibilities, including faulty equipment or negligence. Officials also plan to review maintenance logs to check whether prior complaints about electrical faults had been made.

Voices from the Scene

Several MPs and staff members shared their experiences. One MP’s assistant said, “We smelled something burning and then saw smoke rising from the upper floor. Within minutes, the corridor was filled with smoke. The firemen reached quickly and started spraying water. It was scary because families with children were inside.”

Another resident, whose flat is located adjacent to the affected building, told reporters that this was not the first time a short circuit had occurred in the complex. “The wiring is old. Sometimes lights flicker or fans stop working. We have complained earlier, but no major repair work was done,” he said.

Government Response

Top officials in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs were briefed immediately. The Delhi government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident, including a review of safety infrastructure in all government residential complexes in the capital.

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, was also informed about the situation. He assured that all MPs affected by the fire would be provided with temporary accommodation until their residences are restored.

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed relief that no lives were lost and praised the firefighters for their quick and efficient work. He also instructed officials to conduct a thorough audit of fire safety equipment and electrical installations in all parliamentary residential areas, including North and South Avenue.

Fire Safety Concerns in Government Housing

The fire has once again raised questions about the state of fire safety measures in government housing colonies. These complexes, some of which are decades old, often face issues like outdated wiring, insufficient fire alarms, and lack of sprinklers.

Experts believe regular safety drills, proper maintenance of equipment, and timely replacement of electrical wiring are essential to prevent such incidents. Fire officials also emphasized the importance of awareness among residents about using electrical appliances safely and ensuring that corridors remain free of obstructions for emergency access.

Public and Political Reactions

As news of the fire spread, social media platforms were flooded with videos and photos from the scene. Many users expressed concern about the safety of public officials and the general lack of fire preparedness in Delhi. Political leaders across party lines also reacted, with several MPs demanding an urgent review of safety norms in all government quarters.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post that he was closely monitoring the situation and had directed the fire department to ensure complete transparency in the investigation. Opposition leaders, while expressing relief that everyone was safe, criticized the government for not upgrading old housing units despite repeated incidents in the past.

The Way Forward

In the aftermath of the fire, the CPWD has been directed to conduct a full safety audit of all MP quarters in North and South Avenue. Electrical panels, wiring systems, and fire extinguishers will be inspected and replaced where necessary. Fire safety drills and awareness programs for residents and staff are also expected to be conducted regularly.

Authorities are considering installing modern automatic sprinkler systems and smoke detectors in all government flats to prevent similar accidents in the future. The focus is now on prevention, not just response.

Conclusion

The massive fire at the Rajya Sabha MPs’ residences in North Avenue has served as a wake-up call about safety preparedness in some of Delhi’s most important residential zones. While no lives were lost, the incident exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the urgent need for modernization. The swift response by firefighters and police averted a potential disaster, but the government now faces the responsibility of ensuring that such lapses never occur again.

As Delhi continues to expand and modernize, the focus must remain on safety, maintenance, and accountability. The fire at North Avenue is a reminder that vigilance, preparedness, and timely action can make the difference between a narrow escape and a national tragedy.