Fire in straw stored in fields threatens houses

Rescue staff, vehicles called to Bhakkar from adjoining districts

BHAKKAR:

Local people, rescue workers and police were making efforts to prevent a fire that had burnt tonnes of dry fodder from spreading to nearby houses, fuel stations, shops and wheat crop in Muslim Kot on Monday.

However, the fire could not be brought under control despite the passage of 18 hours by the evening.

Five rescue vehicles, two ambulances and 40 staff members are present at the spot as the local administration also sought help from the neighbouring districts of Mianwali and Layyah. Rescue staff from both districts also reached the Bhakkar and was participating in the efforts to douse the fire.

The massive fire posed a danger to several nearby houses, petrol pumps, shops and ready crops of wheat.

Local officials said a large quantity of fodder had been placed on several acres of land. The cause of the fire could not be immediately determined.

Teams form the Bhakkar Saddar and Sara-e-Mohajir police stations also joined the rescue workers and district administration officials in the efforts to put off the fire.

Bhakkar Deputy Commissioner Dr Noor Mohammad Awan told reporters that a large part of the tons of straw had been burnt. He said the straw had been stored for use as fuel in a cement factory.

The official said there were difficulties in the rescue operation due to a huge crowd gathered at the place.

He said an assistant commissioner and police officers were present at the spot.

The deputy commissioner said the fire was erupting repeatedly because of wind.

However, he expressed confidence that the fire would be extinguished soon, pointing out that efforts for the purpose were being made form three directions.

Rescue officials said they had received a call on their helpline about a fire in a mustard field.

According to the rescue staff, there were 39 piles of mustard straw, of which eight were on fire.

A villager said the fire might had erupted because of hot weather.

The rescue teams also informed the police about the incident.

Officials said two fire fighting vehicles from Layyah and Mianwali had also joined the operation. The locality where the incident took place is 90km away from Layyah and 125km from Bhakkar city.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2023.