Delhi fire destroys 30 huts near Takia Kale Khan, 12 evacuated safely
Synopsis
A late-night fire reduced at least 30 huts to ash in one of New Delhi's densely packed informal settlements near Maulana Azad Medical College — yet not a single life was lost. The story is less about the destruction and more about a rare, well-coordinated emergency response that evacuated 12 residents against their own resistance, deploying 20 fire tenders and nine ambulances before the blaze could claim lives.
Key Takeaways
A fire broke out at 11:32 pm on Monday in the Balmiki Basti slum cluster, Takia Kale Khan , New Delhi .
At least 30 huts were destroyed along with large quantities of plywood, timber, and combustible materials.
12 people , including members of several families, were evacuated safely; no casualties or injuries were reported.
20 fire tenders and nine CATS ambulances were deployed; firefighters took nearly three hours to control the blaze.
The Delhi Police , Fire Department , BSES , and DDMA coordinated the response.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A massive fire tore through a slum cluster in the Balmiki Basti area of Takia Kale Khan, New Delhi, in the early hours of Tuesday, 24 June, razing at least 30 huts and consuming large stockpiles of plywood, timber, and other combustible materials. Officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported, crediting swift police and fire department intervention for averting a larger tragedy.
How the fire unfolded
A PCR call regarding the blaze at Takia Kale Khan Gadda — located behind Maulana Azad Medical College — was received at approximately 11:32 pm on Monday. Police teams reached the site within minutes to find flames engulfing a large stockpile of old furniture, timber, and plywood stored in the densely populated settlement. The fire spread rapidly, posing an immediate threat to surrounding huts and residents.
The response team was led by Station House Officer Inspector Naresh Kumar, Inspector Ishwar Singh, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Jata Shankar, supported by Sub-Inspector Vikram Paul, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajkumar, and several head constables and constables. Personnel from X-Ray-1 and X-Ray-2 units also joined the operation.
Evacuation and rescue operations
Police immediately launched an evacuation drive, alerting residents to the danger. Officials noted that some residents were initially reluctant to leave their homes and belongings, but personnel persisted until the vulnerable area was fully cleared. In total, 12 people, including members of several families, were safely rescued before the fire could spread further.
Simultaneously, the Delhi Fire Department, BSES, and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) were alerted and deployed emergency resources to the site. A total of 20 fire tenders were pressed into service, while nine CATS ambulances were stationed at the location as a precautionary measure.
Fire brought under control after three hours
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours before bringing it fully under control. Operations continued through the night to prevent reignition and ensure resident safety. Additional reserve police personnel assisted with crowd control and maintained clear access routes for emergency vehicles.
This comes amid recurring concerns over fire safety in Delhi's densely packed informal settlements, where combustible storage materials and narrow lanes routinely hamper emergency response. The Balmiki Basti area, situated close to a major medical institution, presented particular logistical challenges for firefighting units.
Cause under investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, and further investigation is underway, according to officials. Authorities credited the coordinated response of the Delhi Police, Fire Department, disaster management agencies, and other emergency services for preventing loss of life despite the scale of destruction.
Point of View
20 fire tenders deployed, a three-hour battle — is genuinely notable, but it should not obscure the structural question: why are highly combustible timber and plywood stockpiles being stored inside densely populated informal settlements in the first place? Delhi's slum clusters face this risk repeatedly, and post-incident coordination praise cannot substitute for preventive fire-safety enforcement. The investigation into the cause will matter far more than the response commendations.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Delhi Takia Kale Khan fire break out?
The fire broke out in the Balmiki Basti slum cluster at Takia Kale Khan Gadda, located behind Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi. The area is a densely populated informal settlement where large quantities of timber and plywood were stored.
Were there any casualties in the Takia Kale Khan fire?
No casualties or injuries were reported despite the scale of the fire. Officials attributed this to the swift evacuation of residents by Delhi Police and the rapid deployment of emergency services.
How many huts were destroyed in the Delhi slum fire?
At least 30 huts were destroyed, along with large stockpiles of plywood, timber, and other combustible materials. The fire caused extensive property damage but no loss of life.
How many fire tenders were deployed to fight the Takia Kale Khan fire?
A total of 20 fire tenders were pressed into service, supported by nine CATS ambulances stationed as a precaution. Firefighters took nearly three hours to bring the blaze fully under control.
What caused the fire at Takia Kale Khan?
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have initiated an investigation and the matter remains under probe as of Tuesday.
