Catching Fire: A Closer Look at the Recent Hostel 17 and Aerospace Department Fire

This article presents no information about the second installment of the Hunger Games trilogy, as the title may suggest. It does contain the sequence of events and details about the recent fire incidents in Hostel 17 and a room in the Aerospace Department (not the CSE Department as it was previously incorrectly reported) though. We also mention some fire safety protocols to be followed in light of such events and hope to create awareness about measures to be undertaken in case similar fire-based situations arise so that the safety of all institute citizens can be ensured.

Hostel 17 Fire Incident

A fire broke out on the rooftop of Hostel 17 mess on the evening of 24th December 2024. According to the mails sent by the Hostel 17 Warden and the Mess Council of Hostel 17, the fire was contained promptly with minimal damage to property, and injuries were prevented. The mail by the Warden mentioned that a preliminary investigation suggested that the fire was accidental and not a vandalism act. The mail also emphasized the need for alertness among the residents and for them to refrain from any actions that potentially jeopardize the safety of the residents – the consumption of cigarettes or prohibited substances within the hostel, possession and use of fire hazards (crackers, lighters, refills etc.), misuse of the refuge area, and unauthorized access to the terrace. Such actions might lead to a referral to the DAC (Disciplinary Action Committee) or revocation of hostel privileges.

We reached out to Hostel 17 Warden, Prof. Rakesh G. Mote, who gave us more details regarding the sequence of events that led to the fire incident. According to him, at around 10:30 PM, a fire broke out in a pile of scrap furniture, including plastic chairs, kept on the open mess rooftop of the hostel.  As it was not too late at night, students quickly noticed the fire, and since it was an open space, it did not spread further.

Acting promptly, they followed safety guidelines and immediately informed the office staff, mess staff, and security/QRT. Fire extinguishers and a hose were utilized to contain the blaze, and within 20 minutes, it was brought under control. Due to the swift response, no injuries occurred, and the only loss was to the damaged scrap chairs and minor burn marks on the walls.  

He emphasized that the incident was accidental and based on the evidence gathered by the vigilance team, the QRT (Quick Response Team), and security, it was not a case of vandalism. The three aforementioned teams arrived at the site of the incident quickly, and there was no time lag. The fire was small, and there was no need to contact the police or the fire department. He also mentioned that strict fire safety protocols are in place, with fire extinguishers strategically located throughout the hostel. A dedicated Fire and Safety Department oversees the refilling and proper placement of extinguishers. Additionally, continuous monitoring is conducted at the hostel level, ensuring that the expiry dates of fire extinguishers are tracked and refills are arranged as needed.

The Warden said that efforts are being made to ensure the quick disposal of scrap materials to prevent such incidents in the future. He added that there is a need to sensitize the student community about fire safety, especially since hostels receive many new students unfamiliar with these protocols. To address this, mandatory fire drills are being introduced to educate students on safety measures, including the proper use of fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures, which are particularly crucial in high-rise buildings.  

He added that owing to students’ academic commitments, fire safety drills often take a backseat, but that they are of utmost importance. In the aftermath of the incident, misinformation spread before official communication could be issued as some students linked the fire to the ongoing room retention discussions, a topic that often causes friction during Mood Indigo. However, these claims were unfounded. Security cameras in Hostel 17 provide continuous surveillance, making it difficult for external individuals to bypass security unnoticed.

Lastly, he stressed on the importance of listening to authorities before believing what students see on WhatsApp groups or external news and remaining alert, and that only due to the quick response of the students and mess staff, the fire could be contained before it could spread.

In the mail sent by Hostel 17 Mess Council as well, they urged the students to stay vigilant in case of such incidents and take the following immediate steps:

1. Inform a council member: Contact the hostel council representatives immediately.
2. Alert the office staff: Report the situation to the hostel office for appropriate action.
3. Contact security personnel: Notify the security team to ensure swift response and safety measures.

Aerospace Department Fire

In another incident on 31st December 2024, the Aerospace Department saw a fire on the first floor in the room adjacent to the PG Hall. In the mail sent by Prof. A M Pradeep, HOD of the Aerospace Department, smoke was noticed around 8:40 PM after which, the IIT Bombay security team reached the site to douse the fire. The Mumbai Fire Brigade and the local police team also visited the location. Due to the quick response by the security team, staff, and students, minimal damage was caused and no one was hurt. The fire had damaged a few desktops and furniture, along with the interiors of the room as well as the adjacent PG hall. The Powai police station is currently investigating the cause of the fire as there are reasons to believe that sabotage/arson could be a possible cause for the fire. An FIR has already been lodged regarding this incident. We reached out to Prof. A M Pradeep to get more information about the incident but he refrained from commenting until the police investigation is complete.

Through this article, apart from providing information about the recent fire incidents, we hope to create awareness about the steps to be followed in case of any such students. Fire extinguishers and fire safety exits are present in most hostels and fire drills are being conducted in many hostels to inform students about the procedure to be followed in cases of fire. In case of similar incidents, students must contact the IIT Bombay QRT at 9167398598, 9833337979, or 9833338989, so that swift action can be taken and damage to life and property can be prevented or minimized. 

Editorial Credits: Gouri, Radhika Goyal, Vaidehi Jha