Narrow escape for three as AC short circuit causes fire in high-rise flat

LUCKNOW : Three people narrowly escaped while household items worth lakhs were engulfed in a fire that broke out at a highrise flat in Thakurganj’s Sarfarazganj area on Thursday evening. A short circuit in the air conditioner has reportedly led to the fire.

According to the fire department, the fire originated in flat number 302 on the third floor of the high-rise, belonging to a resident named Heena, which trapped a woman and two girls on other floors due to heavy smoke that filled the entire complex. Those trapped included

Shivani, Harshita, and Zeba Hasan. The fire allegedly started due to an electric spark in the air conditioner at flat 302, which quickly escalated, said the officials

“The fire was so intense that the smoke filled the entire building, making it difficult. However, they were safely evacuated, averting a potential major accident,” said Lucknow’s chief fire officer (CFO) Mangesh Kumar, who was present at the scene. “The firefighters initially opened all the doors and guided all the occupants to the terrace of the building, which was a safe location. After the fire was extinguished, the rescuers were brought down,” the CFO added.

Upon receiving the information at Chowk Fire Station, fire brigade vehicles from Chowk Fire Station, BKT, and other equipment from Hazratganj Fire Station were dispatched to the incident site, as stated in a press note from Chowk Fire Station.

“A team equipped with breathing apparatus sets ascended to the third floor and commenced extinguishing the fire. The fire was brought under control in about 1 hour,” the CFO further said.