'Rapid spread of flame on roof rendered fire-fighters helpless'
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, January 18 2022: The Ukhrul Fire Brigade came in for a lot of flak from some section of the public in the aftermath of the recent Fishery Quarters fire at Phungreitang that totally devastated two living quarters and properties worth lakhs of rupees.

In as much as a sigh of relief was felt that the fire was contained from spreading to adjacent buildings, there was a hint of discontent among the public over the alleged failure of the fire service to save the adjoining buildings from the blaze.

Some people from among those who thronged the fire-ravaged site to have a look later in the morning contemplated as to why the fire service couldn't put out the fire to save the quarters, considering that the fire service team arrived early at the scene.

Some witnesses claimed that two fire tenders and fire fighters were seen on the scene when the fire had hardly engulfed half of the first section of the quarters.

"At least, my quarter could have been saved because the fire service men had arrived at the scene before it had caught fire," one of the occupants rued.

But the officials of the fire sub-station have a different story to tell.

According to the fire service, the fire report was a bit too late to save the buildings and that the intensity of the fire grew beyond the control of their capacity and limited equipment in spite of their best efforts.

This was brought to light when The People's Chronicle conducted an investigation into the reasons for the alleged failure/incapability of the district fire service to put out the flame on the quarters.

They said that they promptly responded and put in their best possible efforts to save the buildings which were located within a distance of about 100 metres from the fire sub-station.

"The fire was reported around 3;17 am and we were on the scene in a few minutes.

But the moment we entered the spot, a gas cylinder exploded and inflicted a burn injury on the face of one of our personnel," they said.

They said that explosion of the gas cylinder is an indication that there had been an intense heat already building up inside the building because it could only burst in a temperature of 400 degree Celsius.

Expressing grief over the complete loss of the quarters and household belongings of the two families in the fire, 2nd OC of the fire sub-station T Stephen said that there seemed to be a common misconception about the fire.

"As we were into the action, we knew what exactly happened," he explained, adding that when the fire seemed to have engulfed the first quarter room, the blazing fire couldn't be completely seen on the outside.

According to Stephen, the entire quarters were already a burning building because the flame had spread rapidly on the plywood ceiling.

"We knew it but we were helpless because tin roofs and walls had prevented water sprayed from the delivery hose pipes," he said.

"This is a tricky part of fire-fighting exercise and that's beyond the limits of our capacity," he lamented.

He then appealed to the public to report any fire accidents as early as possible on its fire emergency #8415925205 to prevent large-scale disaster.

He further informed that on Monday another fire accident was averted at Phungreitang area opposite the Ava Market and said that it was because the fire was reported timely.

Fire-fighting is a challenging job and more so in places like Ukhrul town where accessibility is a big issue.

"But there's a more pressing need to capacitate our fire personnel right now, and that's to ensure uninterrupted supply of water on the fire scene," said 2nd OC T Stephen.

"In-order to address this, we need a water tanker with at least 7000-12,000 litre capacity," he said, urging the authorities concerned to look into the matter in right earnest.

According to the officer, the fire sub-station currently has only two fire tenders with tank capacities of 3000 litres and 4000 litres respectively.

He said that once put into action, each of the tenders can only supply water for about 10 to 15 minutes at most even if only a single delivery hose is used.

"This means a refill is needed every 15 minutes.

If we have a water tanker, then the problem of water supply to tenders would be greatly eased.

In that case, double delivery hose pipes could be used," he said.

Stephen also expressed concern over the lack of water sources in interior locations where there is no access for fire tenders.

He asked the local authorities and the district administration to construct zonal water tanks in all localities in the town to aid in fire-fighting.

Assuring of its dedicated service under the motto 'We Serve To Save', the fire sub-station also appealed to the public, especially motorists to cooperate and give way to fire tenders to ensure that they reach their destination in quick time in times of fire emergencies.

The fire department also sought prompt response from the security forces as they are listed among the first responder to fire emergency situations.

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