Haldwani has recorded about 11 fire incidents since January, with warehouses and commercial establishments operating in populated areas emerging as a major safety concern. Several fires reportedly spread from shops to nearby businesses and homes, while narrow lanes made it difficult for fire crews to reach some locations.
The most serious incident occurred at an e-commerce warehouse on Rampur Road. The blaze, described in the report’s narrative as occurring on 5 June, killed 2 employees. However, the accompanying incident list records the warehouse fire on 06 June.
An investigation found that the warehouse was not registered, did not have a fire NOC and lacked an emergency exit. The findings have renewed questions about whether commercial premises in crowded neighbourhoods are being checked regularly for basic fire-safety compliance.
Fires reported at commercial and residential sites
A fire at KVM School in Heeranagar on 23 June damaged 2 buses, a generator and part of the building. In Banbhulpura, a fire at a cotton shop and warehouse threatened nearby establishments and houses. A shoe shop fire in Ira Bazaar also created a risk of flames spreading to surrounding properties.
The report lists the following major incidents:
- 04 January, TP Nagar: Fire at a battery shop.
- 09 January, behind KMU Station: Fire at government accommodation linked to the tehsil.
- 23 January, Banbhulpura Line Number one: Fire at a cotton shop and warehouse.
- 02 June, Tikonia: Fire at a liquor shop and warehouse.
- 06 June, Rampur Road: Fire at the Amazon warehouse, in which 2 employees died.
- 21 August, Tikonia: Fire at a mobile phone shop.
- 24 September, Bholanath Garden: Fire at a clothing warehouse in a densely populated area.
- 13 October, Chhdayal Mor: Fire at a 2-storey house.
The report says about 11 incidents have occurred since January, while the table identifies 8 major cases. It does not provide details of the other incidents.
Fire NOC concerns after warehouse blaze
Following the Amazon warehouse fire, an administrative inspection reportedly found that NH Mart, Rukaiya Trading Company and Rudra Traders did not have fire NOCs. Sealing action was initiated against all 3 establishments.
The findings highlight the practical risks of operating storage facilities and shops inside densely populated neighbourhoods. A fire can affect adjoining premises, while narrow access routes may slow firefighting operations and increase danger for residents, workers and emergency teams.
Gaurav Kirar, chief fire officer, Nainital, said fire teams had acted promptly in most incidents and prevented loss of life. He added that reports were sent to the relevant department when investigations found negligence, and that checking drives were conducted from time to time.
The available information does not state how many premises were inspected, how many fire NOCs were issued or whether all establishments named in the report were ultimately sealed. It also does not specify further action after the initial sealing process.
Conclusion
The reported fires, including the death of 2 warehouse employees, show the risks posed by commercial premises without registration, fire NOCs or emergency exits in crowded parts of Haldwani. Continued inspections and action on identified violations remain the next verified administrative steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many fires have been reported in Haldwani since January?
About 11 fire incidents have been reported since January.
Q. How many people died in the Rampur Road warehouse fire?
2 employees died in the fire at the e-commerce warehouse on Rampur Road.
Q. What safety violations were found at that warehouse?
The warehouse was not registered, did not have a fire NOC and had no emergency exit arrangement.
Q. Which establishments were found without fire NOCs after the warehouse fire?
NH Mart, Rukaiya Trading Company and Rudra Traders were reportedly found without fire NOCs.
Q. What action was started against those establishments?
Sealing action was initiated against all 3 establishments.
Q. What did the chief fire officer say?
Gaurav Kirar said fire teams had prevented loss of life in most incidents and that reports were sent to the relevant department when negligence was found.
