A major fire broke out at a cluster of auto parts shops in Mumbai’s Kurla area late Saturday night, destroying nearly 20 shops and sending thick plumes of smoke across the locality. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though property damage is estimated to be in the crores of rupees.

Fire Erupts in Kurla’s Auto Market

According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the blaze started around 10:30 p.m. near the CST Road area in Kurla (West), which houses several small-scale garages and spare parts shops. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials like engine oil, tyres, and vehicle spares stored in the shops.

Firefighters were alerted immediately after locals noticed flames rising from one corner of the market. Within minutes, the entire stretch of shops was engulfed in fire. Panic spread as residents and shop owners rushed to evacuate nearby lanes.

Multiple Fire Engines Deployed

At least eight fire engines and six water tankers were rushed to the site as the blaze intensified. Firefighters battled for several hours to bring the situation under control. According to officials, the fire was finally doused after 3 a.m., but cooling operations continued well into Sunday morning.

“The area was densely packed with garages and auto part godowns, which made it difficult for our teams to access the site. Thankfully, there were no people trapped inside,” said a Mumbai Fire Brigade official on the scene.

Cause of Fire Still Unknown

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Preliminary reports suggest a possible short circuit or spark from welding work might have triggered the blaze.
Officials have started a detailed investigation to confirm the reason. Electrical inspectors and forensic experts are expected to submit a report within the next few days.

Fire officials said that the presence of highly combustible materials, such as lubricants, tyres, and fuel containers, intensified the flames and made the firefighting operation more challenging.

Shops Reduced to Ashes

The fire completely gutted around 20 small shops, which sold car and bike spare parts, paint, and oil. Most of these were family-run businesses, operating for decades in the area. Shopkeepers who rushed to the spot were left devastated, watching their livelihoods burn down within minutes.

One of the affected shop owners, Imran Khan, said, “I had just closed my shop and gone home when I received a call about the fire. By the time I returned, everything was gone — my entire stock, tools, and documents. It’s a total loss.”

No Casualties, But Huge Loss

Fortunately, no injuries or deaths occurred, as most shops were closed when the fire started.
However, the property loss is estimated to be between ₹2–3 crore, according to preliminary assessments by the Mumbai Fire Department.

Local residents credited the quick action by firefighters and the prompt evacuation of nearby buildings for preventing a major tragedy.

Residents Describe Panic

Locals described the scene as chaotic and frightening. “The fire spread so quickly that we thought it would reach the nearby buildings. There were explosions as tyres and fuel caught fire. Everyone was running out in fear,” said a resident from Kurla’s CST Road area.

Firefighters had to cordon off the street and shut nearby roads to prevent crowds from gathering. Police and disaster management teams also joined efforts to maintain order.

Traffic Disruption and Power Cut

Traffic in the area was temporarily diverted as fire engines and water tankers occupied the road.
Authorities also cut power supply to the nearby market and residential blocks as a safety precaution. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) later confirmed that power would be restored after safety checks.

Investigation Underway

Officials from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Police, and BMC are now investigating whether the affected shops had valid fire safety clearances.
Sources indicate that several units in the area lacked proper firefighting systems, such as extinguishers or water hydrants — a common issue in older commercial zones like Kurla.

The Kurla Police have registered an accidental fire report and will verify if any negligence led to the incident.

Authorities React

A senior BMC official said, “This area has long been known for tightly packed shops and poor ventilation. We will ensure that fire safety audits are carried out and that all shop owners comply with safety norms in the future.”

Local MLA Mangesh Kudalkar visited the spot early Sunday morning and spoke with affected traders. He assured them that the government would provide assistance once damage assessments are completed.

Recurring Fire Incidents in Mumbai

This fire adds to the growing list of industrial and commercial fires reported across Mumbai in recent months.
Last month, a fire in Andheri’s industrial estate destroyed several offices, and in August, a warehouse blaze in Bhiwandi claimed two lives.
Experts say these incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter fire safety checks, especially in congested areas where flammable materials are stored.

Eyewitnesses Praise Firefighters

Eyewitnesses praised the firefighters for their timely response and hard work. “They arrived within minutes and kept the flames from spreading to nearby residential areas,” said Rahul Naik, a local resident. “Had they been late, it could have turned into a disaster.”

Current Situation

As of Sunday afternoon, the site was cleared, and firefighters were inspecting for any remaining hot spots.
Shop owners have started assessing their losses and are appealing for financial relief and insurance support.

Officials confirmed that cooling operations were completed, and nearby roads were reopened to the public.
Normalcy has slowly returned, but the smell of burnt plastic and metal still lingers in the air.