SURAT – A yarn warehouse in Unity Industrial Estate, located near Batliboy in the Bhestan area of Surat, was engulfed in flames following a short circuit on Wednesday morning. Prompt action by local industrialist Paresh Bhai and coordinated efforts from seven fire stations averted a potential disaster.
Paresh Bhai, who witnessed the fire, said, "I was on my way to work when I saw the smoke and people running. I considered it my duty to immediately inform the fire department and GEB (Gujarat Electricity Board)." Both departments responded quickly, and the fire was brought under control after approximately three hours of rigorous effort.
Fire Officer Omprakash Mishra stated that upon receiving the emergency call, multiple fire engines were dispatched to the scene. "The firemen worked tirelessly to douse the flames, and it was only after 3 hours that they could enter the warehouse for cooling procedures," said Mishra. The warehouse suffered extensive damage, with goods worth lakhs being destroyed. Mishra also noted that the warehouse's lack of proper ventilation made the operation more challenging. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.
A fire official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the absence of fire safety measures in the industrial area. "Industries have been removed from the direct purview of the fire department, as per government guidelines. Each industrial area is expected to have its own fire system. However, when a fire breaks out in a facility that is not compliant with these regulations, we still have to respond," the official said.
This raises questions about accountability in cases of industrial fires, especially when businesses are not adhering to safety norms. "If a major accident occurs due to these lapses, it would pose a serious question of responsibility," the anonymous official added.
The incident serves as a stern warning to industrialists about the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and the dire consequences of ignoring them.
