Mohali, May 19 -- A fire was reported in a sixth-floor flat at a residential society in Peer Muchhalla, Dhakoli, on Monday after an air-conditioner allegedly exploded, followed by a cylinder blast, damaging multiple neighbouring flats. No loss of life was reported. A similar incident was reported almost a month ago when fire broke out in a private society in Sector 125, Kharar, due to a short-circuit in AC. A pet dog had died in the mishap while the couple residing there had managed to escape. In Monday's mishap, anelderly woman who was inside the flat at the time of the incident was safely evacuated byresidents before the flames spread further. According to residents, the fire erupted suddenly and rapidly engulfed the flat. Within minutes, thick smoke spread across the building, forcing several families to rush out of their homes. Around four adjoining flats also suffered damage due to the intense flames and heat. Residents alleged that the society lacked proper fire safety arrangements. Sanjay Rai, one of the residents, claimed that only one fire extinguisher in the society was functional at the time of the incident. "The builder never provided proper fire safety measures. By the time help arrived, everything had already turned into ashes," he alleged. Residents further claimed that the single affected family suffered losses worth nearly Rs.10 lakh as household items, furniture, electronics and documents were destroyed in the blaze. Around four fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, though residents suspect the blaze started after an AC malfunction and intensifiedfollowing a cylinder explosion....