A day of fires in Dimapur and Kisama

November 12, 2021 35 Views No Comment

Correspondent/Staff Reporter KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, NOV 12 (NPN) : Two major fire incidents occurred at Dimapur and Kisama on Thursday though so far, there was no report of any casualty in both the incidents.

DIMAPUR: A massive fire broke out at Khermahal area (near NST Workshop) Thursday at around 8 p.m. after fire engulfed dozens of hutments. According to police the CGI sheet and bamboo walled huts housed around 80-100 rooms over a leased plot by daily wage labourers and their families.

Around ten fire tenders were pressed into action to fight the inferno made worse due to explosions of around 10 gas cylinders. The intermittent explosions of LPG cylinders sent huge balls of flame skywards and adding to the inferno. It took over one hour to bring the fire under control as fire tenders, both from central and west, were pressed into service to douse the fire. As per initial reports, some residents of the area suffered minor injuries, however, there was no report of loss of any life till the time of filing this report.

Lessons from such incidents have not been learnt and which has led to concerns expressed among police and fire service officials.

Almost all roads inside colonies are so narrow that it is difficult even for two vehicles to pass leave alone fire tender trucks. The narrow roads become a hindrance for fire tenders reaching the scene during any emergency. This issue has been highlighted several times by this newspaper and also reportedly raised during district board meetings. However, nothing has been done.

Another problem faced by fire personnel is lack of high standard protective clothing and equipment. Fire fighters are exposed to highly variable environments including elevated temperatures and convective and radiant thermal flux.

With more high-rise buildings coming up in Dimapur, the need for water hydrant at places including fire tender with turntable ladder is urgent. However, the government appears to have little interest to spend for improved manpower training and equipment which can save lives and properties.

KOHIMA: At Kisama heritage Village (some 12 Kms from Kohima) two traditional halls (morungs) caught fire near dawn at around 3.10 a.m.

According to reports, while the Ao morung was completely burned down, the Chang morung was partially damaged.

The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. However, it was suspected that electrical short circuit may have caused the fire.

Kakihe, assistant director of Tourism department and nodal officer for Hornbill Festival, who was present at the site to oversee the repair works of the morungs, said it was unfortunate that fire took place just when works for the morungs were completed except for some final touches.

Kakihe informed that the fire was detected by three persons, camping at the Phom morung for painting works. He said they informed the fire station after locating the number on Google.

The official said that the quick response of the fire personnel prevented a catastrophe as the fire could have ravaged the entire structures.

President Kohima Ao Union (KAU) L Chubalepzuk, who was also present at the site, said the Union came to know about the fires only in the morning after news went viral on social media. He also said Ao Senden will oversee the re-construction of a new morung, which will cost around Rs.10 lakh.

KAU members also expressed sincere gratitude to the fire personnel, volunteers from Phesama and Kigwema villages for rendering their services in the clean-up process.

They also expressed gratitude to the first three responders– Kohima Phom Union cultural secretary Longtin Phom, T Hongthei Phom and T Shingmei Phom for alerting the fire service personnel.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/a-day-of-fires-in-dimapur-and-kisama/244375.html