In yet another incident that challenge the fire safety in the country, a major fire broke out in Maharashtra state secretari at this afternoon. A thick smoke was witnessed outside the assembly. The sources said that fire was reported from one of the minister's cabin on the fourth floor. As soon as the fire department was informed about the incident, it has pressed 16 fire tenders into the action. The fire was doused off soon and there were no casualties. The sources said that several crucial files might have turned down to ashes due to the fire accident.

The building was evacuated on the orders of the chief secretary. Even after incidents of fire accidents hitting headlines every now and then, the experts opined  it's unfortunate that the government is not taking necessary steps for fire safety. Especially when such fire accidents take place at government offices, it reflects the negligence of the concerned authorities, said political observers.

(AW Phani)