Fire Breaks Out at Delhi’s North Block on October 26, 2026

On October 26, 2026, thick black smoke was observed rising from behind the North Block, the historic red-sandstone building that houses the Union ministries of Home Affairs and Finance on Raisina Hill, New Delhi. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a call reporting the smoke at 11:10 a.m. and dispatched six fire tenders to the site. The blaze was classified as minor and was brought under control later that morning. No injuries or casualties were reported.

CNN-News18CNBC TV18Fire Breaks Out in AC Boiler On North Block Rooftop, Six Fire Engines Rushed Fire reported at Delhi's North Block housing Home, Finance ministries

North Block is a key component of the Central Secretariat complex, located adjacent to Parliament House. At the time of the incident, repair and welding work was underway on the building’s rooftop. Such maintenance activities have previously required temporary shutdowns of electrical equipment, but no similar fire incidents have been recorded in recent years.

Fire Breaks Out in AC Boiler On North Block Rooftop, Six Fire Engines Rushed

• The Delhi Fire Services confirmed that six fire tenders responded promptly after the 11:10 a.m. alert and that the fire was extinguished without any loss of life.

Blaze reported at Delhi’s North Block, fire tenders rushed to spot

• A fire department statement described the incident as a short-circuit-induced fire in an air-conditioning (AC) boiler located on the rooftop, noting that welding work was in progress when the spark occurred.

Fire Breaks Out in AC Boiler On North Block Rooftop, Six Fire Engines Rushed

• Police sources indicated that repair work on the roof may have contributed to the ignition, though the precise cause remained under investigation.

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The exact origin of the fire is reported differently across outlets:

Blaze reported at Delhi’s North Block, fire tenders rushed to spot

• Short-circuit in AC boiler – Reported by NDTV, NDTV Profit, News18, Tribune India, and the fire department’s own statement, attributing the blaze to a sudden short circuit during welding on the rooftop boiler.

Fire Breaks Out in AC Boiler On North Block Rooftop, Six Fire Engines Rushed

• Electrical wires catching fire – Moneycontrol cited the fire department as saying that electrical wires ignited while repair work was underway.

Blaze reported at Delhi’s North Block, fire tenders rushed to spot

• Old plastic water tank – IndiaToday reported that the fire started in an old plastic water tank on the terrace, which labourers managed to douse.

Fire reported at Delhi's North Block housing Home, Finance ministries

These divergent accounts highlight a lack of definitive information about the precise equipment involved and the exact mechanism of ignition. Authorities have not yet released a final investigative report, leaving the cause unsettled.

Fire Breaks Out in AC Boiler On North Block Rooftop, Six Fire Engines Rushed

The rapid deployment of six fire tenders and the absence of casualties suggest an effective emergency response. The incident caused temporary smoke visibility in the surrounding area, prompting concern among nearby officials and the public. No damage to the ministries’ operations was reported, and the building resumed normal functions after the fire was extinguished.

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• Time of alert: 11:10 a.m. (DFS call receipt)

Hindustan Times

• Fire-fighting resources: Six fire tenders dispatched

Blaze reported at Delhi’s North Block, fire tenders rushed to spot

• Casualties: None reported

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• Buildings affected: North Block (houses Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance)

Fire reported at Delhi's North Block housing Home, Finance ministries

The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols during rooftop repair and welding activities in high-profile government structures. Further clarification from a formal investigation will be needed to resolve the conflicting accounts of the fire’s origin.

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