Major Fire Erupts at Surat's Jay Shree Ram Textile Market, Prompting Large-Scale Emergency Response
A significant fire incident occurred at the Jay Shree Ram Market, located near Sahara Darwaja in Surat's bustling textile market area along Ring Road on Tuesday. The blaze sent thick, dark plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, triggering a substantial emergency operation by local authorities.
Initial Challenges and Firefighting Efforts
Officials reported that dense smoke initially obstructed firefighting operations, making it difficult for teams from the Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) to evaluate the full extent of the fire. The SFES control room received the first emergency call at approximately 12:15 PM, leading to a brigade call declaration due to the market's high-risk location within a large complex housing around 1,200 shops.
In total, teams from 11 different fire stations were mobilized, deploying 18 firefighting vehicles to combat the flames. The fire was ultimately brought under control after nearly five hours of intense efforts. Following containment, cooling operations were conducted to prevent any potential re-ignition, especially given the large quantities of highly flammable polyester textile materials stored on-site.
Operational Hurdles and Rescue Operations
Firefighters encountered significant operational challenges during the response. Narrow internal lanes within the market area restricted the movement of fire engines, delaying access to the affected spot. Additionally, poor ventilation inside the building complicated efforts to manage the smoke and flames effectively.
During the fire, a critical rescue operation was required when four individuals became trapped inside a lift on the third floor after the power supply was cut, causing the lift to malfunction. SFES personnel successfully rescued all four people, ensuring their safety amidst the chaotic situation.
Origin of the Fire and Illegal Structures
The fire reportedly originated on the fifth-floor terrace of the market, where illegal metal-sheet sheds were being utilized as warehouses. Officials confirmed that a substantial quantity of textile goods was stored in these sheds, with two of the eight warehouses on the terrace being affected by the incident.
An official stated, "The market has been sealed as the warehouses were illegally erected on the terrace. Further action will be taken after verification of documents and compliance records." This highlights ongoing concerns about regulatory violations in the area.
The combination of flammable materials, structural challenges, and illegal constructions contributed to the severity of this fire, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures in Surat's textile markets.
