A major fire broke out late on April 6 near Railway Gate No. 6 in Bamunimaidam, Guwahati, destroying several homes in a densely populated jhoparpatti. Despite multiple LPG cylinder explosions, no casualties were reported, officials confirmed.
The Fire and Emergency Services received the distress call at 10:05 PM and responded immediately. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours before bringing it under control around 1:00 AM.
A late-night fire in Bamunimaidam, Guwahati, on April 6 destroyed multiple homes and triggered LPG cylinder explosions, but no casualties were reported. Firefighters deployed eight tenders and controlled the blaze after nearly three hours. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to officials.
Multiple Homes Destroyed in Densely Packed Area
The fire rapidly spread through closely built houses made of tin, bamboo, and concrete, highlighting the vulnerability of such settlements.
At least five households were affected:
- 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 unit measured approximately 10×12 feet, indicating how quickly the fire moved across tightly packed living spaces.
Officials estimated that property worth ₹13 lakh was destroyed, while assets worth ₹2 lakh were salvaged, taking the total value involved to ₹15 lakh.
LPG Cylinder Explosions Intensified Fire
The situation worsened due to multiple LPG cylinder blasts during the incident.
Fire officials confirmed that:
- 4 cylinders of 19 kg capacity exploded
- 2 cylinders of 5 kg capacity exploded
These explosions significantly intensified the blaze and posed serious risks to both residents and firefighters during the operation.
Massive Firefighting Operation Deployed
Emergency response teams acted quickly after receiving the alert.
- First fire tender dispatched from Chandmari within one minute
- Additional support included:
- 1 medium water tender
- 2 water tenders from the Government Press and Khadi Board
- Total 8 fire tenders deployed from:
- Dispur
- Guwahati
- Pandu
- Chandmari
Firefighters worked continuously for nearly three hours to control the fire, with the first unit returning at approximately 1:02 AM.
Narrow Roads Hindered Early Response
Fire officials highlighted that narrow approach roads in the area created challenges during the initial response.
Limited access delayed the smooth movement of fire tenders, affecting early containment efforts. Such infrastructural constraints remain a concern in several densely populated parts of Guwahati.
Cause Under Investigation
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the fire is currently unknown.
An investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was triggered by an electrical fault, LPG leakage, or other factors.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The incident underscores recurring concerns around:
- Fire safety in densely populated settlements
- Risks associated with LPG cylinder storage
- Infrastructure limitations affecting emergency response
As Guwahati continues to expand, ensuring safer housing conditions and better emergency access in such areas remains critical.
What Happens Next
Officials are expected to:
- Complete a detailed investigation into the cause
- Assess rehabilitation needs for affected families
- Review fire safety preparedness in similar localities
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in Bamunimaidam?
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether it was due to an electrical issue, LPG leak, or another factor.
Were there any casualties in the Bamunimaidam fire?
No casualties were reported in the incident, despite multiple LPG cylinder explosions and extensive property damage.