Pune: Seven Children Act Swiftly To Contain Fire At Kothrud’s Woodland Society, 13-Year-Old Kabir Shukla Leads Brave Effort
Pune: Seven Children Act Swiftly To Contain Fire At Kothrud's Woodland Society, 13-Year-Old Kabir Shukla Leads Brave Effort
Pune, September 30, 2025: In a remarkable display of courage and presence of mind, seven children aged between 11 and 13 helped contain a fire at Woodland Society in Kothrud, preventing what could have turned into a major tragedy.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on September 27, 2025 when residents noticed smoke and the smell of burning plastic near the ground floor meter board of the 11-storey residential complex, which houses over 100 flats. Two MCBs had already caught fire, posing a serious threat of the blaze spreading to adjacent meters.
While adults panicked and security guards remained unsure of how to use the fire extinguisher, the children of the society took charge. Dividing themselves into teams, some raised an alarm and alerted the management committee, while others checked different floors for safety.
Leading the effort was 13-year-old Kabir Shukla, a student of Sanskriti School (Bhukum campus), who relied on the fire safety training he had received at school. Kabir swiftly operated the fire extinguisher, slowing down the flames long enough for a nearby milkman to step in and help douse the fire completely.
The young heroes included:
- Abir Joshi – Gokul Learning Center
- Arpit Deshpande – Millennium School
- Arika Shukla – Sanskriti School, Bhukum campus
- Sai Fegde – Walnut School, Shivane
- Malhar Shahane – Walnut School, Shivane
- Ruchir Athlekar – New India School, Bhusari Colony
Their timely action prevented a potentially devastating incident, earning them admiration from the entire community. Residents have urged recognition for the group, with Kabir Shukla expected to be recommended for a Bravery Award.
The Woodland Society incident stands as a testament to the importance of safety training and the extraordinary courage of children, who turned into real-life heroes when it mattered most.
