Massive Fire Breaks Out in Zirakpur’s City Heights Society, 5 Flats Gutted

Zirakpur, April (Ishan Samvad).A massive fire broke out in City Heights Society, Peer Muchhalla, on Monday afternoon, destroying at least five flats and causing significant property damage worth crores.

The incident reportedly started in Flat No. 619 due to a short circuit in an air conditioner. The fire quickly spread to the kitchen, igniting an LPG cylinder, which later exploded, intensifying the blaze. Within minutes, the fire engulfed adjoining flats, including units 620, 621, 622, and a fifth-floor flat (No. 521).

Residents alleged that inadequate fire safety systems installed by the builder worsened the situation. Many claimed that the fire infrastructure was merely for compliance on paper and failed during the emergency.

Eyewitnesses said the fire brigade response was delayed, with vehicles taking nearly 45 minutes to arrive, by which time the flames had spread uncontrollably. Fire tenders from Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, and Panchkula took nearly three hours to bring the fire under control.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported. A senior citizen woman present in the flat managed to escape in time after noticing smoke.

However, the incident caused heavy losses, including the destruction of 21 years of records of ISHAN TIMES newspaper belonging to a resident.

Residents have raised serious questions about:

• Fire safety compliance
• Builder accountability
• Issuance of fire NOC by authorities

They have demanded strict action against the builder and called for a dedicated fire sub-station in Peer Muchhalla along with advanced hydraulic fire vehicles for high-rise buildings.