India, May 3 -- The Ghaziabad fire department on Saturday launched fire-safety awareness drives and inspections at all residential high-rises in the district, officials said.

The action follows Wednesday's fire at Gaur Green Avenue, which gutted eight flats and damaged several others. Ten people were rescued in the fire, which affected about 60 residents.

Chief fire officer Rahul Pal told HT on Saturday that over the next 7-10 days, teams from each fire station will train residents, maintenance staff, and others in their respective areas on using basic fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and alarm systems.

According to official estimates, the district has about 650 high-rises, of which about 450 are residential.

"Daily a...