Pune: A fire broke out at the proof range of Ordnance Factory Dehu Road on Monday morning during routine ammunition test, but a swift response from firefighting teams prevented any casualties, injuries or damage to infrastructure.According to the factory authorities, dry grass in the proof range caught fire during the test of explosives and ammunition. The proof range, within the factory premises, is used for regular trials and tests of defence equipment and munitions. A senior official of the factory said the incident occurred during a scheduled test exercise. Factory operations were not affected.“As part of our routine activities, we were carrying out tests of explosives at the proof range. Nearby dry grass caught fire during the process and flames spread across a section of the range,” a senior official from the fire section of the factory said.Given the extent of the grass fire and prevailing dry conditions, the factory administration sought assistance from external firefighting agencies. Fire brigade vehicles from nearby civic and industrial establishments were pressed into service to contain the blaze.“The fire was brought under control within an hour through coordinated efforts of the factory’s emergency response team and firefighters from other agencies. There was no threat to ammunition storage areas, production units or residential zones,” the official added.Authorities said the blaze was limited to grass and vegetation in the testing area and did not affect any critical defence installations. Preliminary assessments indicated that the fire was accidental and triggered by sparks or heat generated during the ammunition testing process.Officials confirmed that standard safety protocols were activated immediately after the fire was detected. Emergency teams isolated the affected area and ensured that the blaze did not spread beyond the proof range.Ordnance Factory Dehu Road is among the key defence manufacturing establishments in the Pune region. It routinely conducts tests of ammunition and explosives under stringent safety procedures. An internal review is expected to assess the incident and recommend additional preventive measures, particularly during the dry season when grass fires can spread rapidly.
