A significant firefighting operation was underway in Nagpur on Wednesday after a massive blaze engulfed a foam storage godown. The incident, which began in the afternoon, sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and posed a serious challenge to emergency crews.
Fire Breaks Out in Wanjra Layout
The fire originated at a godown located in the Wanjra Layout area near Pili Nadi. According to sources, the flames first broke out around 3:30 PM. The stored foam, a highly combustible material, acted as fuel, causing the fire to intensify rapidly and spread within the facility.
Firefighters Face Immense Challenges
Firefighting teams encountered significant difficulties in bringing the conflagration under control. Water proved to be largely ineffective against the burning foam, complicating standard firefighting protocols. The intensity of the heat, coupled with thick, toxic smoke and towering flames, created a hazardous environment for the responders.
To manage the situation, seven fire tenders were mobilized from multiple fire stations across the city to assist in the operation. These included units from:
- Sugat Nagar
- Kalamna
- Civil Lines
- Wathoda
- Lakadganj
Firefighters were forced to work in rotations to avoid exhaustion and prevent the flames from jumping to adjacent structures. Their primary focus was on containing the blaze within the godown and protecting the surrounding neighborhood.
Operation Ongoing Through the Evening
Several hours after the initial outbreak, the fire continued to rage fiercely. The operation was still actively ongoing as per the latest reports. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and authorities are expected to investigate once the flames are fully doused. There have been no immediate reports of casualties, but the scale of the material damage is likely to be substantial.
The incident highlights the risks associated with storing large quantities of inflammable materials and the specialized response required to tackle such industrial fires.
