# Cities

Fire chief recounts the tale of inferno

As many as 60 personnel from Fire Department and 15 fire tenders were deployed in the rescue operation on Saturday…

Statesman News Service | New Delhi | January 22, 2018 2:23 am

As many as 60 personnel from Fire Department and 15 fire tenders were deployed in the rescue operation on Saturday evening at Bawana Industrial Area, informed Fire Department chief Atul Garg.

According to him, the blaze at firecracker unit was moderate but it was very risky due to the presence of explosive material. “When a call was received by the at Fire Department it was not conveyed that fire had erupted in a firecracker unit. Only after fire tenders reached the spot they discovered the reality. Subsequently, a dozen fire tenders were deployed and 60 personnel were involved to carry out the rescue operation,” said Atul Garg.

He explained that it took two hours to douse the fire because of constant explosion of crackers kept there. “When it was realised that fire crackers were present in the unit, firemen started fighting it from two sides to control it as early as possible. Heavy smoke also generated due to inflammable substances and that created a suffocating atmosphere. Firemen advised people who had gathered at the spot to take basic precautions like inhaling from nose or wearing a mask to avoid any kind of breathing problem,” said Garg.

He told The Statesman that two survivors had jumped from the terrace before rescue team reached the spot. “Fortunately, they escaped. Others who stayed back died due to asphyxiation. When the rescue team entered in the unit after dousing the fire it witnessed a terrible sight. Most of the dead were charred beyond recognition. Among the dead lay ashes of firecrackers,” said Garg.