Massive Fire Engulfs Dhapa Godown, Residents Evacuated

A severe fire erupted in a lubricant godown at Sayrabad in the Dhapa area on Monday morning, causing widespread panic among residents of the densely populated locality. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire department faced significant challenges in accessing the premises, which had been shut for the past 72 hours, and had to contend with thick smoke and inclement weather conditions.

The blaze, which ignited around 11:30 am, was brought under control after a strenuous two-and-a-half-hour battle. However, as of Tuesday evening, the fire had not been entirely extinguished. The firefighting effort involved the deployment of 10 fire tenders and approximately 800 kg of foam due to the presence of highly flammable lubricant oil and diesel stored within the godown. An additional five to 10 fire tenders were kept on standby as a precautionary measure.To manage the situation, firefighters utilised motors to draw water from a nearby water body. The rapid spread of the fire and the resulting thick black smoke necessitated the evacuation of several local residents to safer areas. According to witnesses, the fire spread rapidly across the entire area, enveloping it in dense smoke. Initially, six fire engines were dispatched to the scene, but the extensive quantities of inflammable materials and chemicals inside the godown made containment efforts particularly challenging.

Firefighters had to cut through iron structures to gain entry to the premises, where visibility had dropped to near zero. To combat the flames, 800 kg of foam was deployed. The fire minister visited the site to assess the situation and consult with the firefighting team, promising a thorough investigation into the fire’s causes.Many nearby houses were evacuated as a safety precaution, and gas cylinders were relocated from the vicinity to prevent further hazards. One local resident noted that the godown owner also operates another unit in the nearby area.This incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and regular inspections in industrial storage facilities, especially those housing flammable substances. The prompt and effective response from the fire department likely prevented a more catastrophic outcome, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with inadequate safety protocols.