Massive Fire Engulfs Rubber Warehouse in Guwahati; Short Circuit Suspected

According to officials from the Fire and Emergency Services, property worth an estimated ₹13 lakh was gutted in the blaze, while assets valued at around ₹2 lakh could be salvaged. The total estimated property involved in the incident stood at ₹15 lakh. Several houses—constructed with a mix of tin, bamboo, and concrete—were reduced to ashes as the flames spread rapidly through the settlement.

The fire affected at least five households. Seven rooms belonging to Birender Roy, eight rooms owned by Jayram Hazarika, five rooms of Ram Babu Ray, and three rooms each of Kuseshwar Ray and Ranjit Ray were destroyed. Each unit measured approximately 10 by 12 feet, indicating the scale of impact on closely packed living spaces.

The situation was further aggravated by multiple LPG cylinder blasts. Officials confirmed that four 19-kg cylinders and two 5-kg cylinders exploded during the fire, intensifying the blaze and posing significant risk to residents and firefighters.

The Fire and Emergency Services Control Room received the call at 10:05 PM on April 6. The first fire tender was dispatched within a minute from Chandmari Fire and Emergency Services Station. Given the magnitude of the fire, additional resources were mobilised, including one medium water tender and two water tenders temporarily withdrawn from the Government Press and Khadi Board.

In total, eight fire tenders were pressed into service, including units from Dispur, Guwahati, Pandu, and Chandmari. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours before bringing it under control, with the first unit returning at around 1:02 am.

However, the firefighting operation faced significant challenges due to the narrow approach roads leading to the affected area. The limited access created obstacles for fire tenders, delaying smooth movement and response during the critical early stages.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation.