A massive fire at a four-storey building in Delhi's Mundka claimed the lives of 27 people while injuring 12 people. A rescue operation is underway.

India: Fire at a four-storey bulding in Delhi's Mundka, 27 killed, 12 people injured in the blaze

Ukrainian forces have reportedly attacked a Russian logistics support vessel in the black sea. Ukraine has claimed to have damaged the Russian ship near Snake island, it is a small but strategic outpost in the Black Sea.

Report: Russian logistics support vessel on fire

As instances of wildfires continue to rise across the United States, an enormous blaze ravished through a wealthy enclave in Southern California. The fire fueled by an exceeding dry brush painted the California sky orange with its raging flames.

Wildfire ravages South California county, fast-moving blaze engulfs 20 homes

After months of anti-government agitation and mounting pressure, PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday resigned but the situation remains extreme tense and volatile. Sri Lankan PM Rajapaksa's homes were set on fire, soon after he quit.

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa quits, family home set on fire

A New York City firefighter and a civilian died in a Brooklyn house fire after the ceiling partially collapsed. Acting Fire Department of New York Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said 31-year-old firefighter Timothy Klein was a six-year veteran of the department, investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Brooklyn house engulfed in flames, 2 Dead Including NYC Firefighter

In India there's a hype around electric vehicle but over four electric scooters have caught fire in seven days, it's terrifying now especially when there is a strong push for e-vehicles across the world. What caused these vehicles to catch fire? Watch our next report.

EV vehicles catching fire in India, government orders probe

4 electric scooters in India burst into flames in 7 days. Ola S1 scooter caught fire in Pune, and now Ola will conduct an investigation into it.

India: 4 electric scooters catch fire in 7 days

Four Electric Vehicles(EVs) emitted smoke and eventually went up in flames over the last four days in India, thus raising alarm over the safety of these E-scooters.&nbsp;

While one incident was reported from Maharashtra, the other three were from Tamil Nadu. Happening at a time when the summer is just beginning to set in across the subcontinent and at a time when people are actively considering switching to Electric vehicles, these events have sparked widespread concerns.&nbsp;

To understand the issues that might have led to the recent fires and to know about possible solutions, WION spoke to Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Madras.

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Thread: Three instances of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EVs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EVs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/scooter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#scooter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Battery?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Battery</a> emitting lots of smoke, eventually catching fire reported in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> over last one week 
 
In this incident from Trichy, E-bike was parked overnight in a shop, next morning as it was taken out &amp; parked it emitted fumes <a href="https://t.co/ucF1Xbsnbc">pic.twitter.com/ucF1Xbsnbc</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1509120186531872769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to him, such issues of batteries emitting smoke and eventually catching fire are not sudden phenomenon.

These are actually the result of a build-up(in the battery) that happens over a considerable period of time.&nbsp;

The key to tackling such issues, lay in the Battery Management System algorithms. Mobile phones and Electric vehicles have a 'Battery Management System'(BMS), which is meant to manage a rechargeable battery, ensure it operates safely and efficiently.&nbsp;

BMS is designed to monitor the parameters(temperature, charging, discharging) associated with the battery pack and its individual cells, apply the collected data to eliminate safety risks and optimize the battery performance.

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Incident from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> outskirts.. Person was riding his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectricVehicle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectricVehicle</a> to work, when it started emitting smoke... he parked by the highway only to see flames erupt from the battery section.. Water tanker passing by put out the blaze <a href="https://t.co/8XBkB2ODru">pic.twitter.com/8XBkB2ODru</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1509121019348647941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Electric vehicles operate in climactic conditions that prevail across India, which includes very cold to hot and humid weather and the battery is required to function across these places. Likewise, there are many users who ride the EV for a few hours every day and for long hauls, whereas others who use it casually, for short rides. There are also differences in charging patterns that the users follow. The algorithms in the BMS, must be extensively tested for these dynamically varying conditions, to facilitate best and safe performance of the batteries" he elaborated. Given that EV are in the initial stages of adoption in India, Aravind Kumar is of the opinion that it is the complete responsibility of the Original Equipment Manufacturers and EV companies to deliver well- tested vehicles, that are suited for Indian conditions and users. However, he also feels that batteries emitting smoke and catching fire/exploding are part of an evolutionary process that was witnessed even in mobile phone batteries, and was eventually perfected.

Speaking about the major factors behind damage caused to electric vehicle batteries, he said that it could be thermal abuse(high or low temperature variations), mechanical abuse(accident or crash) and also electric abuse(overcharging and deep discharging cycles). He added that their lab at IIT Madras was also conducting controlled explosions in batteries by inducing the above abuses, to better understand what specific factors lead to the smoke and fire. "By identifying these symptoms or any minute details and changes that we observe in the batteries under abuse, we will be able to detect the issues before hand and develop sensors or alerts to inform the rider. Once a battery starts emitting smoke, there is only about 30-60seconds for escape and that time is very crucial for the rider" he added.

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Incident from Vellore, where an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/electricbike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#electricbike</a> put on charge overnight is said to have erupted in flames and caused damaged to the house.. resultant smoke, asphyxia and blaze said to have killed father and daughter.. apparently, this was a one week old bike <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectricVehicles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectricVehicles</a> <a href="https://t.co/qu6XcMcKKW">pic.twitter.com/qu6XcMcKKW</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1509121710863560711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In terms of developing such mechanisms to detect battery failure, he said that mobiles have finally evolved to a stage where they can warn of overheating, when completely charged, when battery is losing efficiency etc. Likewise, he believes that further research and studies into EV batteries can evolve a triple redundant mechanism to avoid such mishaps. "As more data is available on the EV batteries and their functioning, we can have the BMS and sensors to alert the rider in case of battery danger. With targeted measures, we could even save the battery from further damage and even prevent damage to the vehicle" he adds.

When comparing EV scooters and cars/trucks, scooters are more prone to such battery issues, as scooters lack the liquid cooling technology, which is found in larger vehicles. Despite the higher standards, even the major global automobile and electric vehicle brands have suffered cases of explosion in their models of Electric cars. It is notable that while mobile phone batteries store approximately 10 Watt hours of energy, electric vehicles store few Kilowatt hour to tens of Kilo Watt hours of energy, which is exponentially higher and thus making the complications of heating, thermal management, etc very high. As a researcher in the field, Aravind feels that such setbacks and mishaps are part of the evolution of the technology, and it would eventually lead to better solutions and safety systems being built into EVs.

Four Electric Vehicles(EVs) emitted smoke and eventually went up in flames over the last four days in India, thus raising alarm over the safety of these E-scooters.

Four Electric Vehicles(EVs) emitted smoke and eventually went up in flames over the last four days in India, thus raising alarm over the safety of these E-scooters. While one incident was reported from Maharashtra, the other three were from Tamil Nadu. Happening at a time when the summer is just beginning to set in across the subcontinent and at a time when people are actively considering switching to Electric vehicles, these events have sparked widespread concerns. To understand the issues that might have led to the recent fires and to know about possible solutions, WION spoke to Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Madras. Thread: Three instances of #EVs #scooter #Battery emitting lots of smoke, eventually catching fire reported in #TamilNadu #India over last one week In this incident from Trichy, E-bike was parked overnight in a shop, next morning as it was taken out & parked it emitted fumes pic.twitter.com/ucF1Xbsnbc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 30, 2022 × According to him, such issues of batteries emitting smoke and eventually catching fire are not sudden phenomenon. These are actually the result of a build-up(in the battery) that happens over a considerable period of time. The key to tackling such issues, lay in the Battery Management System algorithms. Mobile phones and Electric vehicles have a 'Battery Management System'(BMS), which is meant to manage a rechargeable battery, ensure it operates safely and efficiently. BMS is designed to monitor the parameters(temperature, charging, discharging) associated with the battery pack and its individual cells, apply the collected data to eliminate safety risks and optimize the battery performance. Incident from #Chennai outskirts.. Person was riding his #ElectricVehicle to work, when it started emitting smoke... he parked by the highway only to see flames erupt from the battery section.. Water tanker passing by put out the blaze pic.twitter.com/8XBkB2ODru — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 30, 2022 × "Electric vehicles operate in climactic conditions that prevail across India, which includes very cold to hot and humid weather and the battery is required to function across these places. Likewise, there are many users who ride the EV for a few hours every day and for long hauls, whereas others who use it casually, for short rides. There are also differences in charging patterns that the users follow. The algorithms in the BMS, must be extensively tested for these dynamically varying conditions, to facilitate best and safe performance of the batteries" he elaborated. Given that EV are in the initial stages of adoption in India, Aravind Kumar is of the opinion that it is the complete responsibility of the Original Equipment Manufacturers and EV companies to deliver well- tested vehicles, that are suited for Indian conditions and users. However, he also feels that batteries emitting smoke and catching fire/exploding are part of an evolutionary process that was witnessed even in mobile phone batteries, and was eventually perfected. Speaking about the major factors behind damage caused to electric vehicle batteries, he said that it could be thermal abuse(high or low temperature variations), mechanical abuse(accident or crash) and also electric abuse(overcharging and deep discharging cycles). He added that their lab at IIT Madras was also conducting controlled explosions in batteries by inducing the above abuses, to better understand what specific factors lead to the smoke and fire. "By identifying these symptoms or any minute details and changes that we observe in the batteries under abuse, we will be able to detect the issues before hand and develop sensors or alerts to inform the rider. Once a battery starts emitting smoke, there is only about 30-60seconds for escape and that time is very crucial for the rider" he added. Incident from Vellore, where an #electricbike put on charge overnight is said to have erupted in flames and caused damaged to the house.. resultant smoke, asphyxia and blaze said to have killed father and daughter.. apparently, this was a one week old bike #ElectricVehicles pic.twitter.com/qu6XcMcKKW — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 30, 2022 × In terms of developing such mechanisms to detect battery failure, he said that mobiles have finally evolved to a stage where they can warn of overheating, when completely charged, when battery is losing efficiency etc. Likewise, he believes that further research and studies into EV batteries can evolve a triple redundant mechanism to avoid such mishaps. "As more data is available on the EV batteries and their functioning, we can have the BMS and sensors to alert the rider in case of battery danger. With targeted measures, we could even save the battery from further damage and even prevent damage to the vehicle" he adds. When comparing EV scooters and cars/trucks, scooters are more prone to such battery issues, as scooters lack the liquid cooling technology, which is found in larger vehicles. Despite the higher standards, even the major global automobile and electric vehicle brands have suffered cases of explosion in their models of Electric cars. It is notable that while mobile phone batteries store approximately 10 Watt hours of energy, electric vehicles store few Kilowatt hour to tens of Kilo Watt hours of energy, which is exponentially higher and thus making the complications of heating, thermal management, etc very high. As a researcher in the field, Aravind feels that such setbacks and mishaps are part of the evolution of the technology, and it would eventually lead to better solutions and safety systems being built into EVs.

Explained: What causes sudden fires in Electric vehicles and how it can be prevented

A massive fire has broken out in India's Sariska Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan. Officials have been quoted by news agency PTI to say that cause of the fire was unknown. The blaze erupted on Monday (March 28) evening.

Forest officials said that Tiger movement in the area has been affected by the fire.

Massive effort is on to douse the fire. Officials have said that around 150-200 people including the forest staff are trying to extinguish the flames.

"Villagers residing in the periphery of the fire-affected area have been asked to move to safety," the official said. The official was quoted by PTI.

Indian Army and Air Force have also joined the effort. Two air force&nbsp;helicopters are helping the forest staff fight the flames.

"At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of #SariskaTigerReserve, Indian Air Force has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake #BambiBucket ops. Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today," tweeted Indian Air Force.

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At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SariskaTigerReserve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SariskaTigerReserve</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BambiBucket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BambiBucket</a> ops. 
 
Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#आपत्सुमित्रम</a> <a href="https://t.co/HhGEHsdYrS">pic.twitter.com/HhGEHsdYrS</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1508754412201975811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

(More to follow) 
&nbsp;

A massive fire has broken out in India's Sariska Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan. Officials have been quoted by news agency PTI to say that cause of the fire was unknown.

A massive fire has broken out in India's Sariska Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan. Officials have been quoted by news agency PTI to say that cause of the fire was unknown. The blaze erupted on Monday (March 28) evening. Forest officials said that Tiger movement in the area has been affected by the fire. Massive effort is on to douse the fire. Officials have said that around 150-200 people including the forest staff are trying to extinguish the flames. "Villagers residing in the periphery of the fire-affected area have been asked to move to safety," the official said. The official was quoted by PTI. Indian Army and Air Force have also joined the effort. Two air force helicopters are helping the forest staff fight the flames. "At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of #SariskaTigerReserve, Indian Air Force has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake #BambiBucket ops. Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today," tweeted Indian Air Force. At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of #SariskaTigerReserve, @IAF_MCC has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake #BambiBucket ops. Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today.#आपत्सुमित्रम pic.twitter.com/HhGEHsdYrS — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 29, 2022 × (More to follow)

Indian Air Force called to battle massive fire in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal.

A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal. The blaze which is still raging has reduced vast tracts of forest land into charred remains, as evident from videos from the area. Mayilaadum Paarai in the Perumalmalai Forest area and Machur forest area are among the places which have been severely damaged. Vast tracts of forest reduced to ashes in a massive blaze that has been raging since intervening night of Thu-Fri near #kodaikanal hills District offcl told me that 60pc of fire has been brought under control, forest dept is on the job #TamilNadu #forest #fire #nature pic.twitter.com/SJUY51I5Pu — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 11, 2022 × Videos from the vicinity show large plumes of smoke distinctly rising above the hill ranges and also some tracts of forest that continue to be ablaze. The forest department rangers and staff are understood to be on-site and tending to the situation. The Revenue division officer told WION that nearly 50-60 per cent of the blaze was brought under control and efforts were underway to control the blaze from spreading further. Also read | Health insurance for transgenders: Spell out all underwriting rules, says IRDAI While forest fires occur naturally under certain conditions during the summer months, it remains to be seen what caused the blaze in this region, which is in the vicinity of a popular tourist hotspot in Tamil Nadu. To prevent such fires from spreading, the forest department often creates a fire line, which is a tract of barren land between two ranges.

India: Forest fire near Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal causes massive damage, controlling efforts underway

A father had to throw his toddler son out of a second-story window after a fire broke out in their apartment building. As the fire intensified, officers urged the man to toss his son to them. The child was just 3 years old.

Luckily, the first responders caught the toddler.&nbsp;

As per a report by FOX News, one officer yelled, "Pass the baby! Pass the baby!"

After tossing the toddler, the dad fell as he jumped out of the window. As per the police, both of them received minor injuries.

Monmouth junction fire Chief Scott Smith said that about 50 people were displaced by the fire. He added that it could have been worse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/powerful-jets-from-black-hole-have-formed-bubbles-at-centre-of-milky-way-galaxy-460982">Also read |&nbsp;Powerful jets from black hole have formed bubbles at centre of Milky Way Galaxy</a>

"We were faced with extremely heavy fire conditions immediately on arrival, along with reports of people still inside," Smith said while speaking to FOX News.

"Fortunately, all of the occupants were able to escape the fire. If this fire was earlier in the morning when people may have still been asleep, the outcome could have easily been tragic."

A total of 50 people&nbsp;were displaced due to fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

A father had to throw his toddler son out of a second-story window after a fire broke out in their apartment building. As the fire intensified, officers urged the man to toss his son to them.

A father had to throw his toddler son out of a second-story window after a fire broke out in their apartment building. As the fire intensified, officers urged the man to toss his son to them. The child was just 3 years old. Luckily, the first responders caught the toddler. As per a report by FOX News, one officer yelled, "Pass the baby! Pass the baby!" After tossing the toddler, the dad fell as he jumped out of the window. As per the police, both of them received minor injuries. Monmouth junction fire Chief Scott Smith said that about 50 people were displaced by the fire. He added that it could have been worse. Also read | Powerful jets from black hole have formed bubbles at centre of Milky Way Galaxy "We were faced with extremely heavy fire conditions immediately on arrival, along with reports of people still inside," Smith said while speaking to FOX News. "Fortunately, all of the occupants were able to escape the fire. If this fire was earlier in the morning when people may have still been asleep, the outcome could have easily been tragic." A total of 50 people were displaced due to fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Dad throws 3-year-old son from the window to prevent him from burning building

After continuous Russian shelling, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is on fire, Ukraine's foreign minister said on Friday. &nbsp;

The minister has also called for the creation of a security zone so that firefighters can tackle the incident. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-operation-going-according-to-plan-says-putin-as-casualties-mount-in-chernihiv-458708">Military operation going according to plan, says Putin</a>

At the plant, a generating unit has been hit in an attack by Russian troops. Due to this, a part of the station is currently on fire, RIA news agency reported, citing Ukrainian atomic energy ministry on Friday. &nbsp;

The background levels of radiation had not changed, a plant spokesperson told RIA. &nbsp;

On Twitter, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote, "Russian army is firing from all sides upon Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Fire has already broke out ... Russians must IMMEDIATELY cease the fire, allow firefighters, establish a security zone!" &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-crisis-georgia-formally-applies-for-eu-membership-458685">Amid Ukraine crisis, Georgia formally applies for EU membership</a>

In a tweet, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that it was "aware of reports of shelling" at the power plant and was in contact with Ukrainian authorities about situation.

In an online post, mayor of the town of Energodar said that there has been fierce fighting in the area, which is about 550 kilometers (342 miles) southeast of Kyiv. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There had been casualties, he said, without giving details. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After continuous Russian shelling, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is on fire, Ukraine's foreign minister said on Friday. The minister has also called for the creation of a security zone so that firefighters can tackle the incident.

After continuous Russian shelling, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is on fire, Ukraine's foreign minister said on Friday. The minister has also called for the creation of a security zone so that firefighters can tackle the incident. Also Read: Military operation going according to plan, says Putin At the plant, a generating unit has been hit in an attack by Russian troops. Due to this, a part of the station is currently on fire, RIA news agency reported, citing Ukrainian atomic energy ministry on Friday. The background levels of radiation had not changed, a plant spokesperson told RIA. On Twitter, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote, "Russian army is firing from all sides upon Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Fire has already broke out ... Russians must IMMEDIATELY cease the fire, allow firefighters, establish a security zone!" Also Read: Amid Ukraine crisis, Georgia formally applies for EU membership In a tweet, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that it was "aware of reports of shelling" at the power plant and was in contact with Ukrainian authorities about situation. In an online post, mayor of the town of Energodar said that there has been fierce fighting in the area, which is about 550 kilometers (342 miles) southeast of Kyiv. There had been casualties, he said, without giving details. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister

&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in a&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;centre in the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;capital Damascus&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years.

Many of those&nbsp;killed&nbsp;were security guards or other staff on duty overnight in the six-storey building, civil defence director Ahmad Abbas said.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-dead-as-man-kills-three-children-and-himself-in-california-church-457707">Five dead as man kills three children and himself in California church</a>

"Eleven&nbsp;people have died as a result of the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in the La Mirada&nbsp;mall, and two people have been rescued," the interior ministry said.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;caused "extensive material damage", it added, ripping&nbsp;through&nbsp;stores that sold clothes, leather goods and cosmetics -- many of which were highly flammable.

"Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze," the ministry statement said.

Fires in the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;capital are relatively frequent, some caused by electrical short-circuits, others by unsafe heating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-israel-launches-strike-at-syria-pfizers-pandemic-profiteering-more-451598">Morning news brief: Israel launches strike at Syria, Pfizer's pandemic profiteering, &amp; more</a>

A 52-year-old witness, who asked to be identified only by his first name Hani, said the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;broke out at around 3:00 am (0100 GMT).

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;started on the top floor and started to spread quickly to other levels," he said.

Damascus police chief Hussein Jumaa said the cause of the blaze was likely "internal."

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;spread so fast that the people in the building couldn't save themselves," Jumaa told state television.&nbsp;

My livelihood is gone

Twenty&nbsp;fire&nbsp;engines helped douse the blaze, civil defence chief Abbas said.

"It took around four hours for us to bring the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;under control," he said, adding that the victims died either of suffocation or of severe burns.

They were all guards working at the&nbsp;mall, or workers on duty," Abbas added.

Ten of the 11 corpses recovered from the building were charred beyond recognition, the state SANA news agency reported.

It said seven people were wounded, including those who suffered smoke inhalation.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent saw&nbsp;fire&nbsp;trucks stationed outside the charred facade of the&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;mall, where dozens of businesses had been destroyed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-against-syria-after-missile-attack-451589">Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack</a>

"We have asked everyone to stay away from the area to facilitate civil defence operations," a&nbsp;fire&nbsp;department official told AFP on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Despite the security cordon, dozens flocked to the scene, including business owners eager to check on their shops.

One store owner collapsed when he saw the scale of the damage.

"My livelihood is gone... my money is gone," he wailed.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;comes a week after a blaze in a hospital in Syria's second city of Aleppo&nbsp;killed&nbsp;three people, sparked by an electrical short-circuit, according to SANA.

In September last year, a firefighter died and two civilians were injured in a blaze that destroyed a fabric warehouse in the Old City of Damascus.&nbsp;

fire in a shopping centre in the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years.

fire in a shopping centre in the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years. Many of those killed were security guards or other staff on duty overnight in the six-storey building, civil defence director Ahmad Abbas said. The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear. Also read | Five dead as man kills three children and himself in California church "Eleven people have died as a result of the fire in the La Mirada mall, and two people have been rescued," the interior ministry said. The fire caused "extensive material damage", it added, ripping through stores that sold clothes, leather goods and cosmetics -- many of which were highly flammable. "Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze," the ministry statement said. Fires in the Syrian capital are relatively frequent, some caused by electrical short-circuits, others by unsafe heating. Also read | Morning news brief: Israel launches strike at Syria, Pfizer's pandemic profiteering, & more A 52-year-old witness, who asked to be identified only by his first name Hani, said the fire broke out at around 3:00 am (0100 GMT). "The fire started on the top floor and started to spread quickly to other levels," he said. Damascus police chief Hussein Jumaa said the cause of the blaze was likely "internal." "The fire spread so fast that the people in the building couldn't save themselves," Jumaa told state television. My livelihood is gone Twenty fire engines helped douse the blaze, civil defence chief Abbas said. "It took around four hours for us to bring the fire under control," he said, adding that the victims died either of suffocation or of severe burns. They were all guards working at the mall, or workers on duty," Abbas added. Ten of the 11 corpses recovered from the building were charred beyond recognition, the state SANA news agency reported. It said seven people were wounded, including those who suffered smoke inhalation. An AFP correspondent saw fire trucks stationed outside the charred facade of the shopping mall, where dozens of businesses had been destroyed. Also read | Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack "We have asked everyone to stay away from the area to facilitate civil defence operations," a fire department official told AFP on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Despite the security cordon, dozens flocked to the scene, including business owners eager to check on their shops. One store owner collapsed when he saw the scale of the damage. "My livelihood is gone... my money is gone," he wailed. The fire comes a week after a blaze in a hospital in Syria's second city of Aleppo killed three people, sparked by an electrical short-circuit, according to SANA. In September last year, a firefighter died and two civilians were injured in a blaze that destroyed a fabric warehouse in the Old City of Damascus.

Eleven killed as fire rips through Syria shopping mall

Wildfires that have been ravaging northern Argentina for several weeks advanced relentlessly. Corrientes province is the most affected area, where officials said at least eight separate fires continued to burn and had devastated at least 10% of its territory.

Argentina fires rage on in Corrientes, nearly 10% of region's land in ashes

A fire broke out on a ferry sailing from Greece to Italy with 288 people on board. The fire, the cause of which was not immediately known, broke out near the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea.

Fire breaks out on ferry from Greece to Italy with 288 people on board

Thousands of people were forced to flee Orange county as California in the US reports two winter fires. Over 200 firefighters battled the fire.

Thousands forced to flee in Orange county as California reports two winter fires

In Australia, authorities have issued a warning in the country's fourth largest city as fire rips through 100 hectares of land and plumes of smoke covered the suburbs in the Perth hills.

Authorities issue warning in Australia's fourth largest city

Before Badhaai Do! These Bollywood movies explored LGBTQ+ relationships

Several people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a lecture hall at Heidelberg University in southwestern Germany. The perpetrator is now dead. Mannheim police, in a statement, said, "A lone perpetrator injured several people in a lecture hall with a long gun. The perpetrator is dead."

The area has been cordoned off and a major police operation was underway. "Colleagues are still on site with strong forces - we will provide further information here," the statement read.

Taking to their Twitter handle, the police urged people to&nbsp;clear the area "so that rescue workers and emergency services can travel freely".

The police asked motorists to drive around Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg to help rescue workers and emergency services reach the scene.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-move-to-enhance-defence-nato-sends-extra-force-to-eastern-europe-447169">Also read |&nbsp;In a move to enhance&nbsp;defence, NATO sends extra force to eastern Europe</a>

This is not the first time that a shooting has taken place at a university. Earlier in December, a &nbsp;5-year-old student opened fire at his Michigan high school, killing three teenagers and wounding eight other people. This was considered the deadliest US school shooting on the year 2021.&nbsp;

The suspect was taken into custody and a semi-automatic handgun was seized. However, there was no immediate explanation for what might have prompted the attack in Oxford.

"There was no resistance during the arrest and the suspect has asked for a lawyer and has not made any statements as to a motive," the sheriff's office said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a lecture hall at Heidelberg University in southwestern Germany. The perpetrator is now dead. Mannheim police, in a statement, said, "A lone perpetrator injured several people in a lecture hall with a long gun.

Several people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a lecture hall at Heidelberg University in southwestern Germany. The perpetrator is now dead. Mannheim police, in a statement, said, "A lone perpetrator injured several people in a lecture hall with a long gun. The perpetrator is dead." The area has been cordoned off and a major police operation was underway. "Colleagues are still on site with strong forces - we will provide further information here," the statement read. Taking to their Twitter handle, the police urged people to clear the area "so that rescue workers and emergency services can travel freely". The police asked motorists to drive around Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg to help rescue workers and emergency services reach the scene. Also read | In a move to enhance defence, NATO sends extra force to eastern Europe This is not the first time that a shooting has taken place at a university. Earlier in December, a 5-year-old student opened fire at his Michigan high school, killing three teenagers and wounding eight other people. This was considered the deadliest US school shooting on the year 2021. The suspect was taken into custody and a semi-automatic handgun was seized. However, there was no immediate explanation for what might have prompted the attack in Oxford. "There was no resistance during the arrest and the suspect has asked for a lawyer and has not made any statements as to a motive," the sheriff's office said. (With inputs from agencies)

Several people injured after gunman opens fire at university in Germany

A fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon's capital city Yaoundé killing at least 16 people and injuring eight people. As per a statement by the government, the fire was caused by the explosion of fireworks which are usually used in the nightclub.&nbsp;

This led to a fire breaking out on the ceiling which caused&nbsp;further explosions. The situation also created panic.&nbsp; 
President Paul Biya has called for an in-depth investigation. He has also sent his condolences to the victims' families.

The communications ministry, in a statement said, "The tragedy, which was caused by explosions from the fireworks often used in these places, first consumed the building’s ceiling, resulting in two very loud explosions, causing panic and a stampede."

In a press conference which held at the scene of the fire, the director of the Yaoundé Central Hospital said that several people who were in critical condition. However, they have been transferred to the hospital.

Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi, in a report by Al Jazeera said, "We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon's capital city Yaoundé killing at least 16 people and injuring eight people. As per a statement by the government, the fire was caused by the explosion of fireworks which are usually used in the nightclub.

A fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon's capital city Yaoundé killing at least 16 people and injuring eight people. As per a statement by the government, the fire was caused by the explosion of fireworks which are usually used in the nightclub. This led to a fire breaking out on the ceiling which caused further explosions. The situation also created panic. President Paul Biya has called for an in-depth investigation. He has also sent his condolences to the victims' families. The communications ministry, in a statement said, "The tragedy, which was caused by explosions from the fireworks often used in these places, first consumed the building’s ceiling, resulting in two very loud explosions, causing panic and a stampede." In a press conference which held at the scene of the fire, the director of the Yaoundé Central Hospital said that several people who were in critical condition. However, they have been transferred to the hospital. Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi, in a report by Al Jazeera said, "We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded." (With inputs from agencies)

Over a dozen people dead, 8 injured in Cameroon nightclub fire

A Taiwanese woman is now facing the death penalty for allegedly starting the region's deadliest fire. The incident took place in October in the southern city of Kaohsiung after a fire engulfed a residential building overnight, killing 46 people.&nbsp;

It started when a resident named Huang left unextinguished incense ashes on a sofa before leaving the building. The woman was trying to get back at a boyfriend she suspected was cheating on her.&nbsp;

She has now been indicted on murder and arson charges. As per the prosecutors, she should get the death penalty for deliberately starting the fire. Kaohsiung district prosecutors' office, in a statement said, "Huang intended to light a fire to cause an incident and embarrass her boyfriend, leading to a major disaster and the loss of many innocent lives. She has shown no remorse and her attitude is bad ... (prosecutors) recommend that the court impose capital punishment to serve as a warning."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-war-ii-aircraft-found-in-india-after-nearly-80-years-446534">Also read |&nbsp;World War II aircraft found in India after nearly 80 years</a>

According to officials, 55 individuals were brought to the hospital, including 14 persons who exhibited no signs of life.

At least 11 persons discovered on the scene were immediately taken to the morgue, according to the director of the fire department, who spoke to journalists at the scene of the fire.

Throughout the afternoon, firefighters were performing search and rescue operations. According to the fire service, the blaze was "very intense" and damaged numerous stories of the structure.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Taiwanese woman is now facing the death penalty for allegedly starting the region's deadliest fire. The incident took place in October in the southern city of Kaohsiung after a fire engulfed a residential building overnight, killing 46 people.

A Taiwanese woman is now facing the death penalty for allegedly starting the region's deadliest fire. The incident took place in October in the southern city of Kaohsiung after a fire engulfed a residential building overnight, killing 46 people. It started when a resident named Huang left unextinguished incense ashes on a sofa before leaving the building. The woman was trying to get back at a boyfriend she suspected was cheating on her. She has now been indicted on murder and arson charges. As per the prosecutors, she should get the death penalty for deliberately starting the fire. Kaohsiung district prosecutors' office, in a statement said, "Huang intended to light a fire to cause an incident and embarrass her boyfriend, leading to a major disaster and the loss of many innocent lives. She has shown no remorse and her attitude is bad ... (prosecutors) recommend that the court impose capital punishment to serve as a warning." Also read | World War II aircraft found in India after nearly 80 years According to officials, 55 individuals were brought to the hospital, including 14 persons who exhibited no signs of life. At least 11 persons discovered on the scene were immediately taken to the morgue, according to the director of the fire department, who spoke to journalists at the scene of the fire. Throughout the afternoon, firefighters were performing search and rescue operations. According to the fire service, the blaze was "very intense" and damaged numerous stories of the structure. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan woman faces death penalty for starting fire that killed 46 people

Six residents of a retirement home died, and scores injured after a fire broke out in eastern Spain, officials said.

Six fire engines were called in after a massive fire broke out around midnight Tuesday at the facility in Moncada in Valencia, the region's firefighters tweeted.

As many as 17 residents were said to be hospitalised, with three in serious condition.&nbsp;Firefighters said that they rescued 25 residents out of a total of 70 that were evacuated from the nursing home.

According to local media reports the fire was said to have started in a bedroom on the second floor. Though an investigation is underway, preliminary reports indicated that a short-circuit in an oxygen unit. may have caused the fire.

Firefighter chief José Basset told Spanish news agency EFE that when the firefighters arrived “there was a large number of people asking for help who were trapped by the smoke.”

Sánchez tweeted in Spanish that he was following “the tragic news from Moncada. My condolences to the families of the victims. We are watching with concern the evolution of the injured. All our support for the families and the town.”

Municipal authorities in Moncada have called for three days of mourning, with flags flying at half-staff on the town hall building. Officials called for a minute of silence at noon local time.

Spain’s nursing homes, like in many other countries, were particularly hard-hit during the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six residents of a retirement home died, and scores injured after a fire broke out in eastern Spain, officials said. Six fire engines were called in after a massive fire broke out around midnight Tuesday at the facility in Moncada in Valencia, the region's firefighters tweeted.

Six residents of a retirement home died, and scores injured after a fire broke out in eastern Spain, officials said. Six fire engines were called in after a massive fire broke out around midnight Tuesday at the facility in Moncada in Valencia, the region's firefighters tweeted. As many as 17 residents were said to be hospitalised, with three in serious condition. Firefighters said that they rescued 25 residents out of a total of 70 that were evacuated from the nursing home. According to local media reports the fire was said to have started in a bedroom on the second floor. Though an investigation is underway, preliminary reports indicated that a short-circuit in an oxygen unit. may have caused the fire. Firefighter chief José Basset told Spanish news agency EFE that when the firefighters arrived “there was a large number of people asking for help who were trapped by the smoke.” Sánchez tweeted in Spanish that he was following “the tragic news from Moncada. My condolences to the families of the victims. We are watching with concern the evolution of the injured. All our support for the families and the town.” Municipal authorities in Moncada have called for three days of mourning, with flags flying at half-staff on the town hall building. Officials called for a minute of silence at noon local time. Spain’s nursing homes, like in many other countries, were particularly hard-hit during the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

6 killed, scores injured after massive fire in Spain’s nursing home

Paraguayan emergency forces battled an inferno as a huge forest fire raged through a small town Villeta.

Fire rages through Villeta in Paraguay

Thousands of people have been left homeless after fire gutted parts of a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh here's a report

Fire swept through a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh

In an unfortunate incident, at least 19 people have died and, dozens have been injured after a massive fire tore through a high-rise residential building in new york city. The victims also include nine children.

US: Apartment fire in New York City kills 19, including 9 children

A tragic fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a Philadelphia row house, according to the city's fire department.&nbsp;

"Preliminary information indicates companies arrived at 6:40 a.m. and found heavy fire coming from the second floor of a three-story rowhouse," the Philadelphia Fire Department tweeted. "It took 50 minutes to place the fire under control."

The ages of those that died were not immediately known. According to neighbours, the house was home to a number of children.&nbsp;

Around 6:40 am Wednesday, a fire broke out in the 800 block of N. 23rd Street.

Heavy flames were leaping from the second storey of the three-storey row house when firefighters arrived.

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PFD responded to a fatal fire this morning on the 800 block of N. 23rd St. The fire is under control but the scene is still active.
— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillyFireDept/status/1478726709394522112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The fire was brought under control in roughly 50 minutes, according to the fire department.

Multiple fire crews were seen on the site from the Action Cam and Chopper 6.

The property had been converted into two apartments, according to Philadelphia police.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

It's unclear whether the house had working smoke detectors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A tragic fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a Philadelphia row house, according to the city's fire department. "Preliminary information indicates companies arrived at 6:40 a.

A tragic fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a Philadelphia row house, according to the city's fire department. "Preliminary information indicates companies arrived at 6:40 a.m. and found heavy fire coming from the second floor of a three-story rowhouse," the Philadelphia Fire Department tweeted. "It took 50 minutes to place the fire under control." The ages of those that died were not immediately known. According to neighbours, the house was home to a number of children. Around 6:40 am Wednesday, a fire broke out in the 800 block of N. 23rd Street. Heavy flames were leaping from the second storey of the three-storey row house when firefighters arrived. PFD responded to a fatal fire this morning on the 800 block of N. 23rd St. The fire is under control but the scene is still active. — Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) January 5, 2022 × The fire was brought under control in roughly 50 minutes, according to the fire department. Multiple fire crews were seen on the site from the Action Cam and Chopper 6. The property had been converted into two apartments, according to Philadelphia police. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. It's unclear whether the house had working smoke detectors. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 13 killed after fire breaks out at Philadelphia row house

A fierce wildfire had engulfed the US state of Colorado, injuring at least half a dozen people with more than 1000 homes that are feared to have been destroyed.

Hundreds of homeowners in colorado return to their wildfire-ravaged homes

A fire has erupted at the South African parliament, with flames bursting from the roof of the building and a plume of smoke that could be seen from miles away.

The roof of one building collapsed as a major fire engulfed the South African parliament

In South Africa, a large fire swept through the parliament building in cape town, damaging the 138-year-old national complex. An investigation is underway, officials though, are afraid that the damage could be extensive.

Fire sweeps through Parliament complex in Cape Town, South Africa

A fire has erupted at the South African parliament, with flames bursting from the roof

An 11-year-old boy was killed and 18 were injured during a celebratory firing on New Year's Eve in Pakistan’s Karachi city, officials said.

The boy, Mohammed Raza, was hit by a stray bullet when he was standing outside his home in North Karachi, a police officer said.

He was taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where he died during treatment, reported Dawn newspaper.

18 people, including one nine-year-old boy, who were injured by stray bullets were brought to the JPMC.

A 21-year-old man suffered a bullet wound in his back. He is stated to be out of danger after surgery.

“Due to the aerial firing, 18 other people were admitted to hospitals with bullet wounds," an official said.

Though the authorities had warned of attempted murder charges against the violators, the number of casualties this time was higher than the previous year, when only four individuals were injured in the metropolis.

According to the police, cases have been registered on complaints of aerial firing, and arrests are being made.

The Pakistan Medical Association condemned the incident, asking the government to impose a complete ban on aerial firing during all celebratory occasions.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram tweeted youngsters to stay away from such acts like "Rambo", instead behave like civilised people.

(With inputs from agencies)

An 11-year-old boy was killed and 18 were injured during a celebratory firing on New Year's Eve in Pakistan’s Karachi city, officials said. The boy, Mohammed Raza, was hit by a stray bullet when he was standing outside his home in North Karachi, a police officer said.

An 11-year-old boy was killed and 18 were injured during a celebratory firing on New Year's Eve in Pakistan’s Karachi city, officials said. The boy, Mohammed Raza, was hit by a stray bullet when he was standing outside his home in North Karachi, a police officer said. He was taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where he died during treatment, reported Dawn newspaper. 18 people, including one nine-year-old boy, who were injured by stray bullets were brought to the JPMC. A 21-year-old man suffered a bullet wound in his back. He is stated to be out of danger after surgery. “Due to the aerial firing, 18 other people were admitted to hospitals with bullet wounds," an official said. Though the authorities had warned of attempted murder charges against the violators, the number of casualties this time was higher than the previous year, when only four individuals were injured in the metropolis. According to the police, cases have been registered on complaints of aerial firing, and arrests are being made. The Pakistan Medical Association condemned the incident, asking the government to impose a complete ban on aerial firing during all celebratory occasions. Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram tweeted youngsters to stay away from such acts like "Rambo", instead behave like civilised people. (With inputs from agencies)

1 killed, 18 injured during celebratory firing on New Year's Eve in Pakistan

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