Nagpur: Panic gripped residents of Minimata Nagar in Kalamna late Monday night after a massive fire broke out at a timber warehouse, reducing large quantities of wood stock to ashes.
The blaze erupted at Ramashwari Timber Mart around 1 am, prompting an immediate response from the fire department. Fire tenders from multiple stations, including Kalamna, Lakadganj, Wathoda, Civil Lines, Sugat Nagar, and Sakkardara, were rushed to the spot to contain the inferno.
Owing to the presence of highly inflammable dry wood, the fire spread rapidly within minutes, taking a fierce form. Towering flames and thick plumes of smoke were visible from several kilometres away, triggering fear and chaos in the surrounding areas.
Firefighters faced a daunting challenge in preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby establishments and residential zones. After nearly 12 hours of continuous efforts, the fire was finally brought under control.
Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident, offering some relief. However, goods worth several lakhs were completely destroyed in the fire. The exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in timber depots and sawmills, especially during the summer season when such incidents tend to rise. Authorities are likely to review safety protocols to prevent similar disasters in the future.
