A late-night fire broke out on April 6 near Railway Gate No. 6 in Bamunimaidam, Guwahati, destroying several homes in a densely populated jhoparpatti. Despite multiple LPG cylinder explosions during the blaze, no casualties were reported, according to Fire and Emergency Services officials.
The Fire and Emergency Services Control Room received the alert at 10:05 PM, prompting an immediate response. Firefighters worked for nearly three hours to bring the situation under control, with operations continuing into the early hours of April 7.
A fire in Bamunimaidam, Guwahati, on April 6 destroyed multiple homes and triggered several LPG cylinder explosions, but no casualties were reported. Eight fire tenders were deployed, and the blaze was controlled after nearly three hours. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Homes Reduced to Ashes in Dense Settlement
The fire spread rapidly through closely packed houses made of tin, bamboo, and concrete, leaving significant damage in its wake.
At least five households were affected in the incident:
- Birender Roy: 7 rooms destroyed
- Jayram Hazarika: 8 rooms destroyed
- Ram Babu Ray: 5 rooms destroyed
- Kuseshwar Ray: 3 rooms destroyed
- Ranjit Ray: 3 rooms destroyed
Each room measured approximately 10×12 feet, reflecting the compact nature of the settlement and the speed at which the flames spread.
Officials estimated that property worth ₹13 lakh was destroyed, while items valued at around ₹2 lakh were salvaged, bringing the total estimated value involved to ₹15 lakh.
LPG Cylinder Explosions Worsened Situation
The fire was intensified by multiple LPG cylinder blasts, increasing the risk to both residents and emergency responders.
According to officials:
- 4 cylinders (19 kg capacity) exploded
- 2 cylinders (5 kg capacity) exploded
These explosions significantly escalated the intensity of the blaze and complicated firefighting efforts.
Eight Fire Tenders Deployed in Emergency Response
Emergency services responded quickly after receiving the distress call.
- First fire tender dispatched from Chandmari within one minute
- Additional resources included:
- 1 medium water tender
- 2 water tenders from the Government Press and Khadi Board
- Total of 8 fire tenders deployed from:
- Dispur
- Guwahati
- Pandu
- Chandmari
Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the fire under control. The first unit returned at around 1:02 AM.
Narrow Roads Slowed Initial Response
Officials reported that narrow approach roads leading to the affected area created operational challenges.
Restricted access made it difficult for fire tenders to reach the site quickly, affecting early containment efforts during the critical initial phase of the fire.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the source of the blaze, including the possibility of electrical faults or LPG-related issues.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The incident highlights ongoing concerns in urban pockets of Guwahati:
- Fire safety risks in densely populated informal settlements
- Storage and handling of LPG cylinders in compact living spaces
- Infrastructure challenges affecting emergency response
What Happens Next
Officials are expected to:
- Complete a detailed investigation into the cause
- Assess damage and rehabilitation needs of affected families
- Review fire safety measures in similar high-density areas
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Bamunimaidam fire occur?
The fire broke out on the night of April 6 near Railway Gate No. 6 in Bamunimaidam, Guwahati.
Were there any injuries or deaths reported?
No casualties or injuries were reported despite the scale of the fire and multiple LPG cylinder explosions.