In a serious incident that unfolded on the morning of May 15, 2025, a fire broke out at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, located in Delhi's Pitampura area. The fire reportedly originated in the college's library, triggering an emergency response from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).

As per initial reports, 11 fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the site upon receiving the alert. The visuals from the scene revealed large flames and dense black smoke billowing from the college building, raising panic among students, faculty, and local residents.

Immediate Emergency Response

The fire alarm was raised early in the morning, and DFS responded swiftly to the distress call. The fire was reportedly brought under control by approximately 9:40 AM, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the firefighting teams.

According to DFS officials, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far. This comes as a huge relief, especially considering the fire started in the library area, which is typically a high-occupancy zone during morning hours.

As soon as the fire was controlled, cooling operations were initiated to ensure that no residual heat or hidden embers reignite the flames. Such procedures are vital to prevent any flare-ups in multi-storey buildings like educational institutions, which are often filled with flammable materials like books, papers, and wooden furniture.

Ongoing Investigation

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Officials have begun a thorough investigation to ascertain the origin and reason for the outbreak. Possible scenarios under consideration include electrical short-circuits, overheating of equipment, or negligence in maintenance of the fire safety systems.

Authorities from the college management and the local police have been coordinating with fire officials to examine the damage, review CCTV footage, and assess whether any fire safety norms were violated.

No Classes Disrupted, Students Evacuated Timely

Sources within the college confirmed that students and staff were safely evacuated once the fire alarm went off. Since the fire began early in the day, there were fewer people present, which helped in executing a smooth evacuation. Emergency exits and fire drills reportedly played a role in minimizing panic and ensuring safety.

College authorities issued a public statement thanking the Delhi Fire Service for their quick and efficient response. They have also assured students and parents that classes will resume after safety inspections, which are being conducted currently.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The incident has sparked concern among students, faculty, and the local community, especially regarding fire safety protocols in educational institutions. Many have taken to social media to question whether fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems were in place and operational at the college.

Residents of Pitampura have also called for regular audits of fire safety systems in institutions and public buildings in the area. This incident has renewed demands for stricter compliance with Delhi’s fire safety regulations, especially in educational and healthcare establishments.

Previous Fire Incidents in Delhi Colleges

This is not the first time that a Delhi-based college has faced such a fire emergency. In the past few years, similar incidents have occurred in university labs and college campuses, primarily due to electrical faults or inadequate fire safety mechanisms.

While none of these incidents caused major casualties, the repeated occurrences highlight systemic negligence and call for policy-level reforms to improve fire safety infrastructure across educational institutions in the national capital.

What Comes Next?

Authorities will be expected to conduct:

• Structural safety checks on the affected parts of the building.

• Damage assessment reports for insurance and reconstruction.

• A fire safety audit to understand what went wrong and how it can be avoided in the future.

• Accountability measures if negligence or non-compliance is discovered.

The Delhi University administration, under which the Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce operates, may also issue guidelines for all affiliated colleges to re-evaluate their emergency preparedness and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The fire at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce has raised serious questions about the safety standards of educational institutions in Delhi. While it is a relief that no injuries or fatalities were reported, the incident underscores the urgent need for better fire safety protocols, regular inspections, and emergency preparedness.

In the coming days, both the investigation results and the institution's action plan to restore normalcy will be closely monitored by students, parents, and the public. This event may serve as a much-needed wake-up call for educational institutions across India to prioritize fire safety not just in policy, but in practice.

Stay tuned for more verified updates as authorities release detailed findings on the incident and its aftermath.

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