Significant Blaze Engulfs Slum in Kolkata, Displacing Numerous Families
Click to start listening
Kolkata, Dec 20 (NationPress) A significant blaze erupted in a slum area of Topsia in eastern Kolkata on Friday, incinerating numerous shanties and rendering the families living there homeless.
No casualties have been reported thus far. However, the firefighting team, equipped with nine fire tenders, faced considerable challenges in controlling the intense flames due to high wind speeds and narrow pathways leading into the slum.
“Our primary objective is to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring areas. However, the narrow and congested lanes are complicating our efforts. Simultaneously, we are ensuring that no individuals are trapped inside the slum affected by the fire,” stated a fire officer.
He also noted that the combination of strong winds and the presence of flammable materials allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Additionally, the LPG cylinders stored in various shanties began to explode, exacerbating the situation.
Local residents initiated the first response to the fire, utilizing water from a nearby water body. However, they voiced concerns that despite promptly notifying the nearest fire station, the fire tenders took considerable time to arrive at the scene.
Initially, five fire tenders were dispatched to the location to commence firefighting efforts. As the flames began to spread quickly, four additional fire tenders were called in. The state government has announced that temporary housing will be provided to the displaced shanty residents, along with plans for future compensation.
