Fire breaks out at Nimbavali warehouse in Bhiwandi as water shortage slows response

A massive fire broke out at a tyre and wooden pallet warehouse in Nimbavali, near Kombdawada and the IGM Hospital on the Mumbai-Nashik highway in the Bhiwandi area of Thane district, on June 28, 2026. While emergency teams successfully evacuated all occupants without any reported casualties, the firefighting operations were severely challenged by a major shortage of water at the site.

Upon receiving the alert, fire officials deployed three fire engines to the warehouse. The building contained a large stockpile of tyres and other raw materials, which served to intensify the fire and create a massive blaze along the busy highway.

Fire official Suresh Mhatre confirmed that the primary focus of the emergency responders was to ensure that no lives were lost. Teams worked quickly to clear the building as the fire spread.

"What we have done so far is safely evacuate everyone, so there are no casualties. There is no one trapped inside," Mhatre said.

However, the task of dousing the flames became increasingly difficult as the water supply began to run out. Mhatre stated that the warehouse management did not provide the necessary support to replenish the water required by the firefighting teams.

"A massive fire has broken out here in Nimbavali. It is located near Kombdawada and the IGM Hospital area. We currently have three of our fire engines available on-site," Mhatre told news agency PTI.

He added, "We are running short of water, and they [the management] are not arranging for more. Our three fire engines are currently active and working at the scene. Right now, our operations are underway."

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined by the authorities. The incident occurred in Bhiwandi, which serves as a central warehousing and logistics hub for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.