Kolkata Cattle Shed's Miraculous Escape from Devastating Fire
In a remarkable incident in Kolkata, a cattle shed housing approximately 50 animals had a miraculous escape from a fierce blaze that engulfed an adjacent decorator's godown. The shed, located in Kharki, was perilously close to the flames but was saved through the relentless efforts of its owner, who worked through the night to protect his livestock.
Owner's Quick Action Prevents Tragedy
Birendra Kumar Yadav, the owner of the cattle shed, recounted the harrowing events that unfolded in the early hours of the morning. "Around 2.30 am, Birender Rai, who looks after the cattle at night, called to inform me that the decorator's godown next to our shed was up in flames," said Yadav. He immediately rushed to the scene and began pumping water from a nearby water body to douse the advancing fire.
The situation grew more alarming when a loud explosion, suspected to be a cylinder blast, echoed through the area. "We were frightened that the fire would rip through the shed, killing the cattle," Yadav added. The shed, which was built about ten years ago, houses 30 buffaloes and 20 cows, representing the primary source of income for Yadav's family.
Fire Brigade Response and Challenges
Despite dialing the emergency number 101, Yadav faced initial confusion as the call was redirected to the fire brigade in Budge Budge. "The person who received the call asked me to contact the fire brigade in Kolkata directly," he explained. Although someone else also alerted the authorities, the fire engines arrived only after an hour, by which time the godown had been completely gutted.
Yadav expressed regret over the lack of proper firefighting equipment. "If I had the necessary equipment, I could have started putting water at the epicentre of the fire, which was just a stone's throw away," he lamented. The fire is believed to have originated in a kitchen within the godown, with thick plumes of smoke and intense flames engulfing the entire area.
Night Vigil Saves Precious Livestock
Throughout the night, Yadav and his workers employed a small pipe typically used for bathing the cattle to sprinkle water and prevent the flames from leaping toward the shed. "I constantly sprinkled water to ward off the leap of the fire towards the shed," he said. As a precaution, the cattle were moved to an open land in front of the shed, where they remained until the danger subsided.
Reflecting on the narrow escape, Yadav emphasized the importance of vigilance. "Sometimes I remain at the cattle shed at night, and sometimes my workers stay. If I was not there that night, I don't know what would have happened to my buffaloes and cows, the source of my family's bread and butter," he stated. Most of the animals have since been shifted to safer locations, ensuring their well-being after the traumatic event.
This incident highlights critical issues related to fire safety and emergency response in urban areas, underscoring the need for better preparedness and equipment to protect both property and lives.
