Late night fire near Nimtala ghat kathgolas: 20 engines deployed, Minister blames negligence

A massive fire erupted at timber depots on Maharshi Debendra Road near Nimtala Ghat around 1:30 AM on Friday night, destroying at least five depots and damaging nearby houses. Loud explosions were reported by residents, who alerted authorities. Twenty fire engines were dispatched to control the fire, and operations continued well into Saturday morning.

The timber depots stored large quantities of wood, which fueled the flames, and gas cylinders used for cooking inside the depots likely caused the explosions. The fire spread to surrounding residential areas, prompting evacuations to ensure the safety of locals. Nearby homes sustained significant damage due to the intense heat and flames.

State Fire Minister Sujit Bose visited the scene overnight to oversee firefighting efforts. He confirmed that while the fire’s spread was contained, extinguishing it entirely remained challenging due to the smoldering timber. Bose highlighted ongoing safety violations in the area and stated, “The stockpile of wood and negligence in following fire safety protocols are major contributors to such incidents.” He warned of legal action against those found obstructing firefighting operations.

Residents alleged that the use of gas cylinders for cooking inside the depots had been a long-standing issue despite multiple warnings from authorities. Fire incidents at these depots have reportedly occurred before, raising questions about enforcement of safety measures. Minister Bose revealed that prior discussions with local leaders and councilors had focused on implementing stricter regulations, but no significant steps were taken.

Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess damages. Teams are working to identify lapses in compliance with fire safety standards. Firefighters remain on-site to monitor the area and douse remaining embers.