Thick smoke over Raisina Hill: Fire breaks out at North Block, blaze brought under control

The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit involving an air-conditioning (AC) boiler while welding work was underway.

Six fire engines were rushed to the spot, and the blaze was subsequently brought under control.

Short circuit reportedly triggers fire

According to the fire department, the incident occurred in an AC boiler installed on the rooftop of North Block.

"A fire broke out in an AC boiler installed on the rooftop of North Block. Welding work was underway when a sudden short circuit reportedly triggered the fire in one of the AC boilers.

"The fire has since been brought under control," the fire department said in a statement, as quoted by NDTV.

Milind Deora reacts to smoke

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora also took to X to report seeing thick smoke rising from behind North Block while travelling to Parliament.

"Noticed thick smoke rising from behind North Block while on my way to Parliament. It appears there may be a fire. Hope everyone is safe and emergency services are responding swiftly," he wrote.