The third explosion of a gas cylinder captured in camera at the exact moment of explosion following a huge fire that broke out at T.Khel Market BOC, Kohima at around 1 am in the early morning of June 18. (Photo by Vilosa Sakhrie/Kohima)
Kohima | June 18 : In less than six months, the state capital Kohima has witnessed its fourth major fire incident last night. The fire that broke out around midnight at Sokhreizie T.Khel Market BOC, (opposite to Nagaland Fire and Emergency services office) caused widespread damage to property. However, there was no report of any casualties on human lives. The inferno that lasted for more than 4 hours is reported to have destroyed goods worth crores of rupees and the cost from the damage of buildings was estimated to be around Rs 60 lakhs.
Around 147 small vegetable rooms, second-hand markets were completely destroyed. Also some nearby buildings (hotels) were partially burnt. The inferno was reported to have been brought under control after 4 am. T. Khel union President Viliethie Solo and his team, who was present at the site since midnight said the cause of the fire, whether intentional or accidental, is yet to be ascertained. He added that a lady staying in an adjoining room smelt the toxic fumes but by then her exit was blocked by fire, fortunately she managed to jump out of the window and escaped unhurt.
According to other sources, it is reported that the fire broke out from the booze joints. Since these houses are too old, mostly constructed with CGI sheets, the fire which broke out was not known initially. Fortunately no occupants were there in the adjoining rooms as these places are only engaged during business hours. MLA Dr. Nicky Kire is also reported to have reached the spot around 1.30 am and requested assistance of the Assam Rifles who immediately sent the emergency tanker.
Adding more fuel to the fire, it was also learned that the fire and emergency services did not know of the incident till the public took initiative to inform. Sadly, the so called ‘emergency service’ was found to be lacking in manpower. However, the emergency and fire services also had their own story. Interacting with media persons, the officials on duty said that, on seeing the fire in the booze joints at 12.15 am, the Duty Commander and fire tenders rushed to the spot with the tankers.
Raging inferno burns down market place in heart of Kohima
Adding that three tankers were pushed to the job, they also tried to use a double delivery system. This requires some time to use the pump and the general public (some in an inebriated state) who did not notice the work, created commotion and even tried to assault the fire tenders. An official who wished to remain anonymous said, “If they (public) stop our men, how can we work”? According to eyewitness account, many of the fire tenders fearing backlash from the angry public, removed their uniforms and changed to civilian clothes.
Two persons of fire and emergency services identified as Kevideho Angami, Driver and Fireman S. Banglau Phom were reported to have received minor injuries. Parliamentary secretary Prison and fire emergency services, W.Kithan who is currently in Dimapur did not wish to make any comment stating that confirmation is yet to be ascertained. Kithan said he is sad to learn about the incident but also lamented that public could only see the side of destruction and good deeds of the department are not acknowledged.
In the hour of need all neighbors, the Gorkha Union Chandmari, residents and many concerned citizens also reached the spot and extended best effort to douse the fire. Though the incident occurred at the Fire and Emergency Services court, the inferno could not be controlled for many hours, leading the president Viliethie Solo and also the general public to judge the capability of the fire and emergency services.
Around 147 small vegetable rooms, second-hand markets were completely destroyed. Also some nearby buildings (hotels) were partially burnt. The inferno was reported to have been brought under control after 4 am. T. Khel union President Viliethie Solo and his team, who was present at the site since midnight said the cause of the fire, whether intentional or accidental, is yet to be ascertained. He added that a lady staying in an adjoining room smelt the toxic fumes but by then her exit was blocked by fire, fortunately she managed to jump out of the window and escaped unhurt.
According to other sources, it is reported that the fire broke out from the booze joints. Since these houses are too old, mostly constructed with CGI sheets, the fire which broke out was not known initially. Fortunately no occupants were there in the adjoining rooms as these places are only engaged during business hours. MLA Dr. Nicky Kire is also reported to have reached the spot around 1.30 am and requested assistance of the Assam Rifles who immediately sent the emergency tanker.
Adding more fuel to the fire, it was also learned that the fire and emergency services did not know of the incident till the public took initiative to inform. Sadly, the so called ‘emergency service’ was found to be lacking in manpower. However, the emergency and fire services also had their own story. Interacting with media persons, the officials on duty said that, on seeing the fire in the booze joints at 12.15 am, the Duty Commander and fire tenders rushed to the spot with the tankers.
Raging inferno burns down market place in heart of Kohima
Adding that three tankers were pushed to the job, they also tried to use a double delivery system. This requires some time to use the pump and the general public (some in an inebriated state) who did not notice the work, created commotion and even tried to assault the fire tenders. An official who wished to remain anonymous said, “If they (public) stop our men, how can we work”? According to eyewitness account, many of the fire tenders fearing backlash from the angry public, removed their uniforms and changed to civilian clothes.
Two persons of fire and emergency services identified as Kevideho Angami, Driver and Fireman S. Banglau Phom were reported to have received minor injuries. Parliamentary secretary Prison and fire emergency services, W.Kithan who is currently in Dimapur did not wish to make any comment stating that confirmation is yet to be ascertained. Kithan said he is sad to learn about the incident but also lamented that public could only see the side of destruction and good deeds of the department are not acknowledged.
In the hour of need all neighbors, the Gorkha Union Chandmari, residents and many concerned citizens also reached the spot and extended best effort to douse the fire. Though the incident occurred at the Fire and Emergency Services court, the inferno could not be controlled for many hours, leading the president Viliethie Solo and also the general public to judge the capability of the fire and emergency services.
Fires & Disaster (mis)Management
G.T. Thong
Nagaland University
About half an hour before midnight of 17th June 2011 a portion of the familiarly known BOC area of Kohima town erupted into flames. A Firefighter assured that it will be immediately taken care of. However, the second fire engine also had a tough time tackling the flames which got out of control. The big question is … Why?
After the second truck went for more water, the fire grew larger because the third load of water reached after more than 30 minutes. After this truck left the fires grew even larger because there was no water for more than 1 hour; the trucks were still refueling.
Unfortunately for this colony, which is the safest in Kohima town in terms of its proximity to the Fire Station, the fire just got out of hand. This fire could have been contained early on had the fire department been on alert.
People of the colony and volunteers from other areas formed long supply chains and urgently passed water from whatever sources, trying to contain the flames. These people played a major role in damage control that night. Hats off to them and the very few firefighters!! The flip side of the episode was that only two trucks were pressed into the job. A third truck was being filled but it was taking too long. On inquiry I was informed that the pump is in very poor working condition.
This truck was eventually filled with water … after 2½ hours. As to the numerous other fire engines standing in their yard, we were informed that they are not in service.
Only around 2:30 in the morning the third truck began service. By 3:00 am, when the fires had been controlled for the most part and mopping operations were in progress, the Fire Department sprang into life. But it was too late by then as many dwellings and much property were completely destroyed. Luckily the fire was in a depression else winds would have spread the fire and burnt down a huge chunk of the colony.
There were very few firefighters to handle the situation that night. Hence, volunteers had to man the hoses to douse the flames. Though it was a very valiant effort, the lack of professional skills told on the firefighting efforts. But where were most of the Firefighters that night? Were they sick, on leave, transferred with their posts, deputed elsewhere? Or, is the department badly understaffed? What are so many fire engines doing in that yard, simply occupying good parking space in that extremely congested area when they are useless? Why do we have such few fire engines in working condition?
This happened right in front of the Fire Station. One shudders to think of the fate of some other colony in town. We have Building Bylaws. Much has been discussed, and unanimously and enthusiastically resolved in numerous seminars/conferences/workshops about their implementation. However, we are yet to generate the will and spine to implement them.
The houses burnt down and the surrounding buildings are very poorly constructed. Next to it we have another massive marketing structure (near the Bethel Medical Center) built on the grand old architectural lines of an ancient fortified palace. A small fire in one room and the rest of the building is tinder for the fire. Their surroundings too are in grave danger. But does anybody care?
Where is Disaster Management in Nagaland? This incident has opened our eyes to the fact that we are not prepared to tackle any disaster, no matter how minor. The Fire & Emergency Services are supposed to be omnipresent but their presence was hardly noticed that night, that too in their own back yard. If we are struck by a major earthquake today, major landslides would be generated with numerous major fires. What then??
For a pathetically underdeveloped state that receives thousands of crores of charity rupees … what’s up!!! Probably we too need an Anna Hazare, double quick?
Nagaland University
About half an hour before midnight of 17th June 2011 a portion of the familiarly known BOC area of Kohima town erupted into flames. A Firefighter assured that it will be immediately taken care of. However, the second fire engine also had a tough time tackling the flames which got out of control. The big question is … Why?
After the second truck went for more water, the fire grew larger because the third load of water reached after more than 30 minutes. After this truck left the fires grew even larger because there was no water for more than 1 hour; the trucks were still refueling.
Unfortunately for this colony, which is the safest in Kohima town in terms of its proximity to the Fire Station, the fire just got out of hand. This fire could have been contained early on had the fire department been on alert.
People of the colony and volunteers from other areas formed long supply chains and urgently passed water from whatever sources, trying to contain the flames. These people played a major role in damage control that night. Hats off to them and the very few firefighters!! The flip side of the episode was that only two trucks were pressed into the job. A third truck was being filled but it was taking too long. On inquiry I was informed that the pump is in very poor working condition.
This truck was eventually filled with water … after 2½ hours. As to the numerous other fire engines standing in their yard, we were informed that they are not in service.
Only around 2:30 in the morning the third truck began service. By 3:00 am, when the fires had been controlled for the most part and mopping operations were in progress, the Fire Department sprang into life. But it was too late by then as many dwellings and much property were completely destroyed. Luckily the fire was in a depression else winds would have spread the fire and burnt down a huge chunk of the colony.
There were very few firefighters to handle the situation that night. Hence, volunteers had to man the hoses to douse the flames. Though it was a very valiant effort, the lack of professional skills told on the firefighting efforts. But where were most of the Firefighters that night? Were they sick, on leave, transferred with their posts, deputed elsewhere? Or, is the department badly understaffed? What are so many fire engines doing in that yard, simply occupying good parking space in that extremely congested area when they are useless? Why do we have such few fire engines in working condition?
This happened right in front of the Fire Station. One shudders to think of the fate of some other colony in town. We have Building Bylaws. Much has been discussed, and unanimously and enthusiastically resolved in numerous seminars/conferences/workshops about their implementation. However, we are yet to generate the will and spine to implement them.
The houses burnt down and the surrounding buildings are very poorly constructed. Next to it we have another massive marketing structure (near the Bethel Medical Center) built on the grand old architectural lines of an ancient fortified palace. A small fire in one room and the rest of the building is tinder for the fire. Their surroundings too are in grave danger. But does anybody care?
Where is Disaster Management in Nagaland? This incident has opened our eyes to the fact that we are not prepared to tackle any disaster, no matter how minor. The Fire & Emergency Services are supposed to be omnipresent but their presence was hardly noticed that night, that too in their own back yard. If we are struck by a major earthquake today, major landslides would be generated with numerous major fires. What then??
For a pathetically underdeveloped state that receives thousands of crores of charity rupees … what’s up!!! Probably we too need an Anna Hazare, double quick?
