Kolkata Alipore government building fire: 3 rescued, people trapped
Synopsis
A fire ripped through the South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad office in Kolkata's Alipore on Wednesday morning, collapsing part of the roof and trapping multiple people inside. Three were evacuated, but rescue operations were hampered by narrow access lanes and surrounding trees — raising urgent questions about fire safety in ageing government buildings.
Key Takeaways
A fire broke out at the South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad building in Alipore, Kolkata on 10 June at around 10 am IST .
The blaze reportedly started on the fourth floor due to an air conditioner short circuit and spread to the fifth and sixth floors .
At least 10 fire engines were deployed; 3 people were evacuated, with more believed to be trapped.
A portion of the roof collapsed ; the building's electricity supply was cut.
No casualty or injury was reported as of the latest update.
The office of arrested TMC leader Jahangir Khan was located in the same building.
A fire broke out at the multi-storey South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad office in Alipore, south Kolkata, on Wednesday morning, 10 June, sending thick black smoke billowing across the area and prompting a large-scale firefighting response. At least three people were evacuated from the building, while officials said some more were believed to be trapped inside.
How the Fire Spread
The blaze reportedly originated on the fourth floor of the building, believed to have been triggered by a short circuit in an air conditioner, according to fire officials. It quickly engulfed the fifth and sixth floors as well as other sections of the structure. A portion of the roof collapsed, and the electricity connection to the building was cut as a precautionary measure.
Rescue Operations Under Way
At least 10 fire engines were deployed to the site. Firefighters rescued two people from inside, while a third managed to descend to safety using a rope. Officials acknowledged difficulties in the operation, citing narrow access space and trees surrounding the building that hampered ladder deployment. As of the latest reports, there was no confirmed casualty or injury.
Who Occupies the Building
The Alipore structure houses several government offices. Among them was the office of Jahangir Khan, the arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader from Falta in the Diamond Harbour constituency. Government employees who had arrived by 10:30 am IST were barred from entering while firefighting operations continued.
Risk to Adjacent Buildings
The fire broke out in an area that contains several other government buildings in close proximity, raising fears of the blaze spreading. Firefighters were reportedly working to contain the fire within the affected structure and prevent it from reaching neighbouring premises. This comes amid recurring concerns about fire safety standards in older multi-storey government buildings across West Bengal.
Point of View
Including that of an arrested TMC leader, adds an uncomfortable dimension that authorities will need to address transparently. West Bengal has seen repeated fire incidents in institutional buildings; without a systemic audit and enforcement drive, each rescue operation will face the same avoidable obstacles.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Kolkata Alipore fire break out?
The fire broke out at the multi-storey South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad office in Alipore, south Kolkata, on the morning of 10 June. The blaze started on the fourth floor and spread upward to the fifth and sixth floors.
What caused the fire at the Alipore government building?
The fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit in an air conditioner on the fourth floor, according to fire officials. The cause has not been independently verified as of the latest reports.
Were there any casualties in the Alipore fire?
As of the latest update, there were no confirmed casualties or injuries. Three people were rescued — two by firefighters and one using a rope — while some others were reportedly still trapped inside.
How many fire engines were sent to the Alipore building fire?
At least 10 fire engines were deployed to the site. Rescue efforts were complicated by narrow access space and trees around the building, which made it difficult to set up ladders.
Which offices were located in the Alipore building that caught fire?
The building housed several government offices, including the South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad. It also contained the office of Jahangir Khan, an arrested Trinamool Congress leader from Falta in the Diamond Harbour constituency.
