The Indian Air Force on Wednesday joined the firefighting operations in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar as the massive fire that broke out at a rubber godown on Tuesday evening continued to rage. The Air Force has deployed its Mi 17 helicopter for Bambi Bucket operation, pouring water from the sky to douse the flame.
"Indian Air Force launches a MLH class helicopter for Fire Fighting Operations with Bambi Buckets from AFS Palam to contain fire at Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, today," it said in a tweet.
The fire began in a truck inside a rubber factory, which is located in the narrow bylanes of Khirki Extension, around 5 pm. Soon, the fire spread and thick smoke was seen billowing out of the building. Officials described it as the "highest category" fire.
Although no casualty was reported in the fire has caused panic among the residents.
Police have evacuated the area to ensure the safety of the people living near the godown.
The call of the fire was received around 5 PM and 35 fire tenders were rushed to the factory to bring the blaze under control, said a Delhi Fire Services officer.
The fire department also said that there is a real danger of the fire spreading from the godown factory to other nearby areas. The fire has already spread to the residential building next to the godown, but it is said to be empty.
Locals were angry about an illegal warehouse functioning in a residential area, risking the lives of so many people.
