Surat: A major disaster could have happened in Rajawadi of Rampura area of the city on Thursday afternoon if the fire brigade had not acted promptly when a fire broke out in an illegal oil warehouse. The warehouse was operating from a tin shed in the middle of residential buildings. It created panic among residents as locals started leaving their homes.
Due to the oil trading at the spot, there was oil everywhere and the fire spread on the ground. Fire teams with six fire tenders from Muglisara, Ghanchi Sheri and Katargam rushed to the spot and controlled the blaze.
The warehouse, operated by Nazim Shaikh | and Salim Memonwas sealed by the fire department and the two were served notices. Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) wrote to district collector office and police to take actions against those involved in running the illegal oil trade.
“The entire setup was illegal and a major disaster could have happened since a huge quantity of oil was stored at the spot. We have sealed the spot and served notices,” said a fire officer. The central zone office of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been asked by the fire department to take action.
“Since the oil trade was illegal, they did not approach the fire department for any type of inspection. They did not have fire safety measures in place and the fire department does not have any powers to take action against such establishments if they do not seek NOC,” said a fire official.
Around 40 drums of oil (each 200 litre) were found at the spot. The fire that started spreading on the ground engulfed two motorcycles parked in a neighbouring building. The outdoor units of a few split ACs of the adjoining building were also damaged. Plastic pipe network also caught fire.
Due to the oil trading at the spot, there was oil everywhere and the fire spread on the ground. Fire teams with six fire tenders from Muglisara, Ghanchi Sheri and Katargam rushed to the spot and controlled the blaze.
The warehouse, operated by Nazim Shaikh | and Salim Memonwas sealed by the fire department and the two were served notices. Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) wrote to district collector office and police to take actions against those involved in running the illegal oil trade.
“The entire setup was illegal and a major disaster could have happened since a huge quantity of oil was stored at the spot. We have sealed the spot and served notices,” said a fire officer. The central zone office of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been asked by the fire department to take action.
“Since the oil trade was illegal, they did not approach the fire department for any type of inspection. They did not have fire safety measures in place and the fire department does not have any powers to take action against such establishments if they do not seek NOC,” said a fire official.
Around 40 drums of oil (each 200 litre) were found at the spot. The fire that started spreading on the ground engulfed two motorcycles parked in a neighbouring building. The outdoor units of a few split ACs of the adjoining building were also damaged. Plastic pipe network also caught fire.