A fire broke out in a flat on the 21st floor of a high-rise residential society in Noida on Monday after an air conditioner (AC) allegedly exploded, causing panic among residents. The fire spread rapidly and soon engulfed two adjoining flats before being brought under control.
According to eyewitnesses, smoke was initially seen emerging from the flat, followed moments later by flames bursting through the windows. The fire spread quickly, prompting residents of nearby flats to raise the fire alarm and alert the society's security personnel.
Security staff immediately began evacuating the building, suspended elevator operations, and directed residents to use staircases to reach safety.
Multiple fire tenders reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. Firefighting and rescue operations were challenging because of the height of the building. Firefighters used the society's firefighting system along with external resources to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. After the fire was brought under control, the entire building was searched to ensure that no one remained trapped inside.
Preliminary information suggests that the fire may have started due to a technical fault or explosion in the AC unit. However, the exact cause will be confirmed only after the investigation is completed. Officials from the fire department and electrical safety authorities are inspecting the site to determine the circumstances in which the fire started and how it spread so rapidly.
Several flats filled with smoke during the incident, causing breathing difficulties for some residents. As a precaution, some residents were sent for medical examination. People were evacuated in time, and no major casualties have been reported. However, the affected flats sustained extensive property damage, with furniture, household appliances, electronic items, and other valuables destroyed in the fire.
Following the incident, a large number of residents gathered within the society premises. Several families were unable to return to their homes for an extended period while the fire department and police conducted safety inspections of the building. Authorities also temporarily disconnected power supply to the affected section to prevent any additional risk.
Fire department officials said that regular maintenance of fire safety systems is essential in high-rise residential buildings. They stated that sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit routes should remain operational at all times. They also said that residents should be regularly informed about mock drills and emergency evacuation procedures.
Experts said that continuous use of air conditioners and other high-power electrical appliances during the summer season may increase the risk of overloading or technical faults. They said that periodic servicing of wiring, electrical connections, and appliances is necessary, and that defective or ageing equipment may lead to fire incidents.
Police and the fire department are continuing their investigation into the incident. The extent of the damage is being assessed, and further action will be taken based on the report of technical experts. Authorities have appealed to the public to use electrical appliances safely, ensure regular servicing, and immediately report any sparking or technical malfunction to the concerned department to help prevent similar incidents.
