Major Fire Erupts at CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology in Jorhat
A catastrophic fire broke out in the early hours of Friday at the prestigious CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) located in Jorhat, Assam. The blaze triggered a massive emergency response operation that lasted for nearly ten intense hours before firefighters finally managed to bring the inferno under control.
Chemical Explosions and Firefighter Injury
According to official reports, the fire erupted around 2 am at the institute's central warehouse facility. This storage area contained substantial quantities of chemical substances along with various critical research materials. Within moments of ignition, the fire triggered more than ten powerful explosions in rapid succession due to the volatile nature of the stored chemicals.
During the challenging firefighting operation, one firefighter sustained significant injuries when chemicals accidentally fell on his leg. The injured responder was immediately rushed to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Massive Firefighting Response
A total of fifteen fire tenders were deployed to combat the blaze, with emergency personnel working tirelessly through the night and into the morning. Fire safety officials noted that the presence of numerous chemical compounds made this fire exceptionally difficult to extinguish, requiring specialized approaches and extended efforts.
The fire safety official emphasized: "The chemical composition within the warehouse created extremely hazardous conditions. Our teams faced multiple challenges including the risk of further explosions and toxic fume exposure throughout the operation."
About the Reporter
Rajib Dutta, based in Dibrugarh, Assam, regularly reports on regional issues including law and order matters, environmental challenges such as erosion and pollution, and local governance concerns. His coverage consistently highlights significant events affecting the Dibrugarh district and its residents.
