Massive fire breaks out in Aarey Colony near Film City

Update at 10:44 AM: Maharashtra environment minister Ramdas Kadam demands an enquiry into fire, says he will meet forest minister Sudhir Mungantivar on issue.

Update at 9:00 AM: MNS workers to st protest at 10 am 

A massive fire engulfed a forested area of about four kilometres in Mumbai's Aarey Colony in Goregaon on Monday evening. Firefighters scrambled to contain flames that threatened tribal residents who live in area and plants and wildlife in city's biggest green lung.

Fire department officials said y are trying to douse blaze but winds coming from hills are helping it spread to nearby residential areas. re were reports of human casualties in blaze so far.

huge fire was visible from far away, including Western Express Highway. Many social media users posted pictures and videos. Mumbai's famous Film City occupies part of Aarey Colony, which is located off Western Express Highway.

Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale said Disaster Manment Control Room has been directed to inform all police stations surrounding forest to prepare to evacuate tribal residents and cattle if fire went out of control.

blaze started around 6:30 pm in an open plot near an IT Park along General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg in western suburb, located adjacent to Colony.

"Fire personnel are trying to put out flames with 'beaters' - branches of trees that are being used to create a fire break, as y have access to fire appliances," officer said.

He said fire started spreading towards residential areas such as New Mhada Colony near New Dindoshi Green Hill Society in Goregaon (East) towards night.

Read: Fire Breaks Out In Mumbai's Bandra West: LIVE Updates

"Until 7.30 pm, blaze remained confined to trees, dry leaves etc. within a distance of 3-4 km from spot of fire. However, in night it started moving towards residential localities," he said.

Aarey Colony, which is spread over 16 square km, includes 12 vills.

Mr Rahangdale said fire vehicles are unable to enter forested area due to lack of access. "However, we have mand to put two small hose lines into operation," he added.

"Fire brigade has also roped in forest staff and volunteers to put out flames using tree branches," he said.

Mr Rahangdale said fire appliances are being diverted from Film City to douse flames.

"A total of 10 firefighting engines, seven JTs (jumbo tankers), three Quick Response Vehicles have been pressed into service. Apart from fire personnel, forest officers and Mumbai police personnel are also helping in putting out flames," he said.

"Many big fire pockets that are located at far distance (in forest) are brought under control with help of fire beaters. In such forest fires, open uphill wind results into rapid spread," he said, adding that four fire appliances and a jumbo tanker will be kept on a standby till morning.

(With inputs from PTI)