Black smoke billowed over the red sandstone facade of the North Block at 11:00 a.m. on October 26, 2026, when a short circuit hit an air-conditioning boiler on the rooftop. The spark originated from welding work in progress at the site, instantly igniting the unit. It was a close call for the historic administrative complex housing key central ministries.
Six fire engines rushed to Raisina Hill. The Delhi Fire Service team cut off the power supply and doused the flames before they could spread to the main structure. "The fire has been brought under control," the department stated in a brief update. No injuries were reported among the officials or security personnel present in the building at the time.
MP Milind Deora spotted the smoke while driving toward Parliament. "Noticed thick smoke rising from behind North Block... Hope everyone is safe and emergency services are responding swiftly," he posted on X. His alert helped confirm the location to onlookers near the India Gate. The panic was brief, but the sight of smoke near the seat of power always draws attention.
The North Block, built in the 1920s, houses the Prime Minister's Office and several cabinet ministries. Maintenance crews are now investigating the welding protocol that led to the spark. Safety inspections of the rooftop equipment will resume before any further work is permitted. Authorities expect a full report on the cause of the short circuit by end of day.