Major Fire Destroys 11.5 Lakh KG Groundnuts at FCI Warehouse in Bikaner
A catastrophic fire erupted at a Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouse in Deshnok, near Bikaner, late on Sunday night, resulting in the complete destruction of a massive stockpile of groundnuts. The blaze, which ignited around 11pm, rapidly intensified and engulfed the entire facility within just one hour, according to official statements.
Firefighting Efforts and Rapid Spread
Firefighters battled the inferno throughout the night, deploying at least eight fire tenders from Deshnok, Bikaner, and Nokha. They finally gained control of the situation by Monday morning after an intense struggle. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire escalated quickly, with thick black smoke billowing into the air and alarming residents in nearby areas.
The highly flammable nature of the groundnut stock played a critical role in the rapid spread of the flames. As the fire tore through the warehouse, it consumed nearly 33,000 bags containing over 11.5 lakh kilograms of groundnuts, reducing them entirely to ashes.
Structural Damage and Estimated Losses
The intensity of the conflagration caused significant structural damage to the warehouse facility. Heavy cracks were reported in several areas of the building, compromising its integrity. Officials have estimated the losses to be worth crores of rupees, though a precise financial assessment is still underway.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the emergency, a police team arrived at the scene to implement precautionary evacuations of nearby areas where additional godowns are located. This measure ensured that the fire did not threaten adjacent structures, preventing further damage and potential casualties.
The incident drew large crowds from surrounding areas, with hundreds of people witnessing the dramatic firefighting efforts unfold throughout the night.
Investigation Launched
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and evaluate the full extent of the damages. The probe will examine all possible factors that might have contributed to the ignition and rapid spread of the blaze.
This devastating incident highlights the vulnerability of storage facilities containing flammable agricultural products and underscores the importance of enhanced fire safety measures in such warehouses.
