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Massive fire breaks out at Shahbad Dairy in Delhi, 45 shanties reduced to ashes
A severe fire broke out at Shahbad Dairy in Delhi, burning down 45 shanties. No casualties reported; investigation ongoing. Concerns over fire safety. Learn more.
Massive fire breaks out at Shahbad Dairy in Delhi, 45 shanties reduced to ashes
A severe fire broke out in the Bengali Basti area of Shahbad Dairy, Delhi, on Sunday, 31 August 2025, burning down approximately 45 shanties to ashes. According to police, upon receiving information about the incident, Shahbad Dairy Police Station personnel immediately reached the spot and found 40–45 temporary shanties engulfed in flames. Eight fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, while ten ambulances were sent as a precaution. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Fire Incident and Immediate Response
The Delhi Fire Service was alerted about the fire at 7:01 PM in the Bengali Basti near Shahbad Daulatpur, Sector 18, Rohini. The Delhi Fire Service immediately dispatched 10 fire tenders, and the fire was brought under control by 8:30 PM. Firefighters worked amid thick smoke to extinguish the flames from the shanty ruins. Delhi Police and other officials also quickly managed the situation. The presence of ten ambulances ensured that no one was injured. The cause of the fire is not yet clear, and further investigation is ongoing.
Comparison with Previous Incidents
This is not the first fire incident in Shahbad Dairy. In February 2024, 130 shanties were burned down, and in May 2024, 200 shanties were destroyed in a fire, with one person sustaining minor injuries. The dense arrangement of shanties and flammable materials in this area may contribute to the rapid spread of fires. A similar incident in 2018 also saw 500 shanties burned down, with suspicions of a cylinder explosion.
This incident has left residents of the Bengali Basti homeless, which will severely impact their lives and livelihoods. Such fire incidents highlight weak safety standards and a lack of fire safety in Delhi’s slum areas. The ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the fire is crucial, as it may suggest steps to prevent such incidents in the future. This event also raises concerns about resident safety and accessibility in processes, as these areas often lack basic infrastructure.
The Delhi government and local authorities should provide immediate relief and rehabilitation arrangements for the victims. Fire safety rules and infrastructure need improvement in slum areas. Investigating the cause of the fire could address issues related to gas cylinders, short circuits, or other hazards. Residents should also remain cautious and take advantage of government assistance.
